Happy new year, gang! Hope you had a fabulous festive season and rang in 2013 in grand style. I sat on the couch with the husband and stuffed myself with tapas and pinot noir. It was pretty awesome.

Anyhoo, like most of the rest of the world, I’m back at work today. Technically I was working last week too, but I really struggled to ‘wind up’ again after winding down so thoroughly over the Christmas break, so in the end I was forced to admit defeat and go to the pub. But this week I’m raring to go! BIG plans are afoot for 2013, so let’s not waste another second.

1. Creativity. You may have noticed that I’ve been having something of a creative crisis of confidence over the past few months, and documenting many of those ups and downs here on my blog (much to your delight, I’m sure!). Well, no more! I’ve decided that 2013 is the year I stop wallowing/faffing/waiting for inspiration to strike, and jolly well go out and hunt down my missing muse. I’ve come up with a cunning plan to ensure my creative juices (SUCH a hideous phrase) get to flow every single day. I’m going to share it with you tomorrow, so make sure you pop back and have a looksee.

2. Travel. Ever since I got back from the US in November, I’ve been itching to jump on a plane again. And I don’t just want to go to some plush resort and loll on a beach (although that would be nice); I want to venture off the beaten path and have proper adventures. It is surprising to me that I feel this way, because I was quite sure my days of intrepid travel were behind me when I hung up my backpack after a two-month trip around India in 2006. I’m not saying I’m about to spend six months in South America or go on an African safari (although both those things would be nice, too), but I AM planning to get out and about as much as I possibly can this year. First stop: HAWAII!

3. Friends. This year I’m going to spend as much time as I possibly can with the wonderful friends I cherish. I read a quote recently that really struck a chord with me: Don’t waste time on people who don’t make time. Sometimes friendships fade away, and that’s sad, but it’s pointless feeling frustrated by people who don’t make the effort when I’m lucky to have so many lovely people in my life who do.

4. Food. The husband and I have made a joint resolution this year: we’re going to eat at all the restaurants awarded three ‘hats’ by the Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide. I just love eating, I really do; I honestly believe that an amazing meal is an investment. So instead of wasting our dosh on three greasy takeaways a week, we’re going to save our pennies for a proper slap-up feast every couple of months. Which brings me to my next point…

5. Health. I am one of those horrid annoying sickly people. There is literally always something wrong with me, whether it’s niggling aches and pains or an actual bug/virus. I can’t tell you how tedious it is, not to mention frustrating. But one thing I’ve learned is that I feel my best when I take care of myself. Shock! I know that’s not exactly rocket science, but it’s amazing how quickly fundamental self-care goes out the window when we’re busy/stressed/tired. So this year I’m making my health a priority. That means running at least three times a week – EVERY week, no matter what else is going on in my life. It means getting plenty of sleep, eating well, investing time in strength training and relaxation. So, pesky bugs, watch out: your days are numbered!

6. Learning. Kath and Kim’s Kath Day-Knight is something of a heroine of mine – and not just for her frizzy perm and killer dance moves. The fact that she has all these useless TAFE qualifications (speed reading, floristry, millinery) is one of the show’s most enduring jokes, but I can’t help but relate to (and admire) her insatiable quest for knowledge. Maybe it’s a throwback to my high school days, but I love learning. I love classes and courses and books and, yes, even homework. And this year I aim to indulge that passion. I’ve already signed up for a series of lectures on 20th century British novels at the Art Gallery of NSW, and I also aim to take art classes and perhaps a photography course. What do YOU plan to learn this year?!

7. Time. Sometimes it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to tackle all the projects on my ever-growing to-do list. And yet I always seem to have three or four hours every night to lie on my sofa and watch shitty television. Seriously, I think TV is making me dumber. I don’t mean the sort of high-quality series we see on HBO and the like, I mean repeats of shows I’ve seen a million times before (Friends and Seinfeld, I’m looking at you!) and god-awful reality series. No more! This year I vow to turn my television OFF more often, and use that time to do something constructive instead. Like go for a walk or – shock! Horror! – read a book!

So these are my major goals for 2013. I’d love to hear about yours – leave me a comment and let me know about your big plans for the year ahead!

Posted at 9:26 am | 1 Comment | RSS

One Response to “7 reasons it’s going to be a great YEAR!”

1. Laura Greaves says:

   10/01/2013 at 11:00 am

   [...] is that the more I read, the more ideas I have and the more I want to WRITE. So in keeping with my other resolution to watch less bad TV, I’m making a creative resolution to read as much as I possibly [...]