Hello lovers,
I hope you’re all having a wonderful January so far. I’ve been taking some time to think about what I want to do more of in 2017. Here’s a list of 5 things that make me feel good and that I’ll be trying to incorporate into my life this year:-
1. Burn More Scented Candles.
I love scented candles. You will always find them on my Christmas/birthday list and as a result, I have lots of them scattered around the house. I don’t mean the cheap, synthetic smelling type, oh no. I’m talking about beautifully packaged, delicately scented ones, using eco friendly ingredients (like these ones from Neom Organics and Essence + Alchemy). They may cost more, but I really do think you get what you pay for. I think of them as a necessary luxury, something to help me relax and feel good. The thing is, I’ve noticed this past year that I haven’t been taking the time to light them and appreciate them. I think it is partly that I am rushing around so much that I never feel I’m in the same place for long enough to warrant lighting a candle. I want to change that this year and fill my house with beautiful, calming, relaxing scents. There may just be a candle burning as I type this post…
2. Watch More Sunsets and Spend More Time Outside.
I live in a beautiful part of the world, I can walk to the sea in less than 10 minutes and I’m lucky enough to have a choice of some of the most stunning wide open spaces right on my doorstep, from coast paths to beaches to woodlands to rolling fields. Its no secret that nature makes you feel good, right? I plan to take advantage of that this year and spend more time in my incredible natural surroundings.
3. Take Time For My Own Workouts.
I remember when I was training to be a Pilates teacher I would dream about what my life would be like when I finally qualified. For one thing, I would no longer be sitting at a desk all day. My new career would mean I would be spending all my time in studios, living and breathing Pilates. I'd be doing what I love and working for myself so I would be happy, fit, relaxed, healthy... woohoo! Well, jumping forward to now, most of that is true…
Whilst I love my job and wouldn’t change it for the world, the thing I didn’t envisage back then is how difficult it would be to make time for my own workouts. The more I grow my business, the less time I find I have for myself. Being self-employed means that it is hard to switch off sometimes. When I’m not teaching, I’m answering emails, making calls, having meetings, updating my website or social media pages, planning lessons or doing other general admin. I'm also trying to fit in non-work things like housework, walking the dog, meeting friends occasionally, spending time with my husband. More often than not, when I find a class I want to go to, I’m already teaching at that time. My rural location means to get to a class I usually have to get in the car and drive somewhere. All these little obstacles have meant that my own practise has slipped down the priority list somewhat this past year. But, they are just that – little obstacles - and where there’s a will, there’s a way. After some searching and diary shuffling, I have found a class that I can get to each week, and booked myself in. I’d forgotten how amazing it feels to go to a class, to switch off from everything else for an hour and listen to someone else telling me what to do. To completely turn my attention and focus inwards. Definitely more of this in 2017!
4. Try New Recipes.
My husband and I have decided to eliminate meat from our diets in 2017. It was something that we had been gradually edging towards during 2016 so we thought we would make it official in 2017. A very kind friend gave me a recipe book for Christmas called “Take One Veg” by Georgina Fuggle. The book contains a wonderful collection of recipes, grouped together by vegetable. I have set myself a challenge this year – to make every recipe in the book, and document it all on Instagram. I love cooking and I absolutely love trying new recipes, so this is heaven for me, but it is still a challenge as it requires me to be organised, to make sure I have what I need in the house when I want to make a new recipe. There are over 100 recipes, and I've made 7 of them so far. Go over and give my page a follow to see how I go – www.instagram.com/myveggieyear.
5. Meditate.
Last year I downloaded the Headspace app and did “Take 10”, the free 10 day trial of 10 minute guided meditations. I loved the peaceful feeling that taking those 10 minutes each day gave me. We live in such a fast paced world now that life can very quickly become overwhelming if we allow it to. I really do think it is essential to take a regular time-out, to be mindful and just breathe. So I will be continuing my meditation practise this year.
What are you hoping to do more of this year? I'd love to know!
Marina x