It has been a while since I have sat down to write, well over a year in fact. Sometimes we can think so much about whether or not to do something, we forget that time passes whilst we are dithering about, deciding whether to take action. And I think that’s the point…the time will pass anyway, so why not make the most of it and do anything that helps you, or gives you enjoyment.

2023 didn’t really kick off for me until we were well into the year, and for a fairly introverted person, I started to find it difficult spending time on my own. Once upon a time I would have made the most of any time I had to myself – gone on day trips, got creative, or done some baking. I would have been able to occupy myself and would have enjoyed that time, whilst singing along to whatever playlist I had on in the background. There were a fair few times in 2023 where I didn’t know what to do with myself and by the time I had decided to do something, I wouldn’t have enough time in which to do it and ultimately, it left me feeling like I was achieving very little and also a little lonely. I also developed a list of things I wanted to do or experience in 2023, which I failed to get through in quite an epic way.

2023 was an intense year work-wise and so switching off was also a challenge. Being constantly busy in a fast paced role meant that when I had no plans, I didn’t really know how to relax. Structured downtime therefore became a help during the latter part of the year – when I had time to myself, I would write down two or three things I would like to do and which I enjoyed doing so that I had a mini agenda to work around.

Like many others, I was wondering what was in store for me this year, maybe feeling a little stuck but not really knowing what the next step to take should be. As we are almost on the home straight, of what feels like a very long January, I have started to define some goals for the rest of the year, so that I don’t dither about as much as I did in 2023. Change and motivation only come from taking action, and I have made a promise to myself to do just that; so, my goals for the first 6 months include:

1. Developing a new skill and putting it into practice
2. Take myself on solo dates to increase my confidence of spending time on my own again when my partner isn’t around
3. Visit one new place every month, whether this is abroad or more local; a town, city or village…just to keep exploring and experience somewhere new

In addition to the above, there is also that list I didn’t get through in 2023…but we go again in 2024!