Hello 2017! + Resolutions

Hello and Happy New Year! Welcome to 2017!

I’m writing this post on Monday 2 December 2017 as I listen to Steps – Gold. I felt this was significant to note because Steps always make me happy and there has been confirmation Steps are planning to mark 20 years since they formed this year. I was listening to the album to celebrate. You know when you have something (or someone) that makes you so happy and you just want to burst – that’s what Steps are for me, they are more than just a band. It’s a feeling of pure happiness and it makes you smile like crazy. I want the rest of my year to be like that.

I’m a very reflective person and often I find myself going over things that have happened instead of letting them be. It’s a blessing and a curse. On one hand you’re remembering what it taught you and how it was beneficial but on the other hand you spend so much time analysing instead of being present. It’s part of my nature to worry and overthink but one thing 2016 taught me is to care less. I don’t mean that in a negative way, but I started to focus more on myself instead of everyone else. It doesn’t make you a bad person to spend time on yourself, you learn a lot and it teaches you independence. If nothing else this year, take time for you.

I also wanted to share a few of my resolutions:

1. Get back into exercising regularly.

I could count the number of days on one hand I didn’t Exercycle in 2015. The past couple of months have been so busy that any sort of routine has gone out the window.

Aim: Exercise 5 times a week. Exercycle twice a week and do yoga 1-2 times a week. For the remaining days, YouTube or a short workout – I’ve got a Fitness board with ideas on Pinterest.

2. Take each day as it comes.

Not everything can be planned. I am an organised person by nature so I definitely won’t be letting that slip but sometimes things crop up you aren’t prepared for and I’d like to get better at taking that in my stride. I want to be more flexible and open to change.

3. Don’t stress about blogging.

I’ve been thinking a lot about my blog lately and where it’s going. I still love makeup and don’t want to stop blogging but some days my motivation isn’t there. For example, I don’t have any upcoming posts planned and I kind of want to see where the month takes me. There are a few content questions I have: Would two posts a week be better? Can I come up with another 12 topics for Hey, It’s Okay…? Do people still read my blog? I’ve never blogged for popularity but it seems more competitive lately. Over the next few weeks I’m hoping the answers will fall into place.

4. Cut down on social media.

I’m not going to stop using social media but I don’t need to be on every platform. I am seriously considering getting rid of my Bloglovin’ account (I never use it) and the Chanelle Hayley Blog page on Facebook. People who like the page read my posts through WordPress and if you follow me on Instagram you’ll see my pictures. It’s the social media of mine with the smallest audience.

Also, let me know if you’d like #PinterestThoughtTuesday (where I share an inspirational quote I’ve found on Pinterest on Instagram) to return this year!

5. Drive

Driving makes me nervous and it’s something I’ve learnt not to force myself to do until I’m ready. It’s not knowing the road rules that worries me it’s just never having sat in the driver’s seat and being the one to make the car move. I don’t know what some parts of a car do and I’d like to improve my knowledge and work up the courage to sit my Restricted Licence test during 2017.

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I’m looking forward to what 2017 will bring and I wish you all a wonderful year! What are your resolutions?