So here we are again. The time of year where I try so desperately not to fall into the 'new year new me' mindset and end up failing and setting goals anyway, I've even decided to start a bullet journal this year; I mean I've really out-done myself. The reason I don't like this new year pressure to change everything about myself is mainly societal. We get forced into thinking that January is the only month for radical change, the-diet-starts-tomorrow mentality actually works for once and everyone feels content with their newfound selves until February comes round the corner. But I'm sick of shaking it off, I'm joining this bandwagon with full force because hey; if it brightens up my January and makes me a better person that's fine with me.
2017 was a difficult year, for many reasons that I won't go on about anymore on here and it's basically been a tough year for the world as a whole. It's fair to say I was pretty pleased to see the back of it. To mark this occasion I've been focusing on what I want to do this year and what I want to achieve. Although I am a very driven person, I've decided to keep my intentions quite realistic and basically quite chill. I don't like the word goals, for reasons I've already explained and the word intentions just sounds a bit lighter and slightly spiritual, which I'm trying to be a bit more this year. I've always been interested in star signs and chakras but my psychologically trained brain was always a little sceptical. But I have found great comfort in discovering a more spiritual body recently, especially the relationship between my brain and the phases of the moon and I'm excited about this journey; with some help from my new set of tarot cards of course.
Last year I set some kind-of last minute intentions whilst writing the blog post and I did surprisingly well at all of them:
Yep, I did just that, even whilst writing my dissertation I still found time for a bit of stretching now and again. I'm definitely going to carry this on into 2018 and hopefully soon my long tree limbs will let me touch my toes.
Worry in a Week__________________________________________________________________
I became a boss at this! After reading through my CBT work books and talking to my current therapist about it, I cracked it and it has really helped with my anxiety. Of course I still worry, I have a neurotic personality (hooray for INFJ's), but my restless thoughts have calmed down a whole bunch and I think it's because of practising this mantra. I would recommend this to any lil' worrier out there to try and practice this way of thinking this year!
333______________________________________________________________________________
I can confirm that I sorted my wardrobe out and passed this with flying colours! I think I only still have about 40 items in my wardrobe and almost all of them are thrifted from charity shops, depop or vintage stores. I'm really pleased with how ethical my fashion choices have been this year and apart from some Joni jeans at the end of the year that were desperately needed and some online underwear orders, I've been minimalist and ethical all year round, pat on the back to me I guess. And of course I will be carrying this on into 2018, maybe without the 33 item restriction though, if I see a jumper for 50p in sally-army, I'm gonna' buy it eh.
I'm all kinds of excited about this year and whatever's in store I feel more equipped now and ready to take whatever comes my way. Let's talk pretentious intentions this year shall we:
Release an EP_____________________________________________________________________
I want to focus ultra hard on music this year. I spent a lot of 2017 writing and that means I have a lot of songs ready to be recorded and released, only problem is I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing. I'm just going to do as many gigs as I can and hopefully get somewhere with that. I think after 3 years of intense academia, I just want to be creative for a while, do this for me, no one else and see how far it gets me.
Move Out_________________________________________________________________________
I've been living in my parents house now for about 6 months and although they are wonderful, I need my own space and I need to see the world. We have plans, we just need to put them into motion and hopefully by the end of the year, I'll be settled in a new place to call home.
Constantly Grow __________________________________________________________________
If last year taught me anything it's that we should all still be growing. My favourite quote of 2017 was 'you can't grow when you're comfortable' and that's so true. I thought I had slightly self-actualised during 2016, ermmm no Ciara, you've got very far to go and that's exciting!
Become More Educated_____________________________________________________________
I'm an academic and strive for knowledge. But since finishing Uni I've found myself become a little lazier when it comes to things going on in the world. I want to be as socially and politically aware as I can. And that means reading books, articles, watching more Ted talks, podcasts etc. Basically consuming anything knowledgeable and interesting to me and not just to win a debate in a pub. And here's an extra one; I want to be able to remain calm during debates. I am fully aware that I live in a liberal bubble and when I am faced with people with different mindsets, I tend to shut out what they're saying, not in a rude way, I just go really quiet and keep my views to myself. I know that when it's angry, my brain forgets words and tends to see red. I want to get to a point where I can articulate my argument and educate people, whilst also listening to their views calmly.
I think that's all I can think of. Although this year might be quite stressful, I'm hoping to achieve a lot and still have time to chill, write on this blog and maybe travel a bit? We'll see. Here's to a chill 2018 I guess, something that we should all do more often.
Do you have any pretentious intentions?
Please keep us posted on remaining calm during a debate..so difficult! :)
ReplyDeleteI shall try once I'm able to put it into practice!
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