Happy new year!  I hope that you’re feeling bright, bubbly and ready to leap into 2014. I certainly am.

 

2013 was a bit of a bummer, to be honest.  So I’m hoping that this year will be better.  To that end, I’ve made a list of the things that I want to accomplish this year.

 

Last year I found it really helpful to make one resolution for each month.  This helped to break down my goals and make them a bit more manageable.  It was brilliant to have one thing to focus on each month, and it made the whole process a lot less overwhelming.  I also made loads of progress with the goals I set last year and I think that the one-a-month method had a lot to do with that.  So I’m going to do the same thing this year.

 

Without further ado, let’s get into it!

 

January: Experiment with making my own beauty and household products

Ever since Miss Fairchild bought me a stack of her homemade beauty products, I’ve become slightly obsessed the the idea of making some of my own.  I’ve even created a Pinterest page devoted to household recipes. In January I’m going to experiment with making some of my own cleaning products and beauty concoctions.

 

February: Look for a new job

My current job is fine, but it’s only part-time.  I struggle a bit with money.  I have enough to make ends meet, but not a lot left over for fun extras.  So I’d like to start looking for a new job, that’s a bit more challenging and pays a bit better.

 

 

March: Take a trip on my own

The idea of travelling on my own both terrifies and excites me.  I’d love to take a little weekend trip to one of the small towns in my area.  There are so many beautiful places just a few hours away that it would be gorgeous to visit.  And I’d love to try going on my own.

 

 

April: Join a class or club

A few months ago, I signed up for dance classes and yoga classes. Then my Nana got ill and things just went a bit topsy-turvey.  I’m still really excited by the idea of learning to dance to doing yoga classes, so in April I’m going to throw myself into it.

 

 

May: Improve my posture

Although I’m pretty happy with my body, I think that my posture leaves a bit to be desired.  I tend to slouch and I often stand with my weight off to one side, which is murder on my back.  In May, I’d really like to make a concerted effort to improve my posture.

 

June: Go to a teppanyaki restaurant

I’ve always wanted to visit a teppanyaki restaurant, where the chef prepares your food at a hotplate right in front of you and performs all kinds of tricks.  It’s almost like dinner theater.  I’ve never been before because they’re jolly pricey, but this year I’m going to save up and go (perhaps for my birthday!)

 

July: Buy nothing new

I like to have a month each year where I give up shopping.  Not only is it good for my wallet, but it forces me to take stock of what I’ve already got and appreciate it more.  It’s always a bit of a challenge, but totally worth it.

 

 

August: Learn to use my sewing machine

I got a sewing machine for my birthday two years ago, and I still don’t know how to use it.  I’m going to ask my Mum to give me some lessons and hopefully by the end of the month I might be able to whip up a simple pattern.

 

 

September: Run a stall at a craft fair or market

I’ve always wanted to run my own stall at a market, but it’s a very daunting prospect.  I haven’t the foggiest idea how to go about securing a place, and I’m nervous about whether people would buy my wares.  But this year, I’m going to do it.  For reals.

 

October: Go camping

Despite living in Australia (where camping is one of our national pastimes) and being the daughter of an avid camping enthusiast, I’ve never been camping.  Well, I’ve slept in a tent in my backyard, but that’s not really the same thing.  I’d really like to spend at least one night sleeping under the stars and cooking with a campfire.

 

November: get my driver’s license

I’ve had my learner’s permit for more than ten years and it’s time that I took the leap into solo-driver status.  I’ve been taking driving lessons this year, and I still need a lot of practice, but I think that by November I’ll be ready to take my driving test.  Having my own license would open up a lot of opportunities for me and would give me so much freedom.

 

What are your resolutions for this year?