Happy New Me

Hey Friend!

Happy New Year! I hope you’re well and that you had a lovely Christmas break.

My first day back at work was an INSET day so, no children. It’s a training day for teachers but office staff have to go in too, even though none of what was spoken about was relevant to us at all. I got a free croissant for breakfast and a free lunch (spicy rice and an equally spicy vegetable curry) so I can’t complain too much.

We are now deep in the depths of winter, with temperatures dipping below zero, the occasional dusting of snow and slippery ice on the road and the pavement. You now have to leave your home earlier in the morning to account for scrapping ice off the car if you drive, or just trying to stay upright when walking.

The amount of steam billowing out of people’s nostrils makes it look like everyone is part of one huge vape party. The funniest thing is there are still the [fool]hardy ones that are wandering about without coats… Several children have come to school this week just in a shirt – no blazer, no jumper. Surely this counts as child abuse, no? But maybe those parents are having the same back and forth that I have with LM who tells me she’s ‘fine’ without a coat and that I’m being ridiculous. Her coat is too cumbersome, you see, and how dare I make her wear it to school when she’ll just have to carry it around all day. It makes no sense apparently.

Gosh. What a bad parent I am for caring about my child’s wellbeing (imagine me rolling my eyes numerous times here because I am).

January usually signals the ‘New Year, New Me’ crowd to bombard the world with self-help features, goal-setting sessions and ideas for change/trying new things. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but I’ve been wondering if this ‘go-getting’ attitude each new year is actually down to the freezing temperatures, the long, dark days and the slog back to work after Christmas? Do people feel obliged to focus on something new because all the sparkle of Christmas lights and decor has gone and the streets look pretty grey and drab without them?

Who knows? Regardless, I’m not setting goals as such this year. It’s more of a ‘get it together’ kind of vibe. I’ve just turned forty-seven-years-young and I’m not where I want to be in many areas and in many ways. So, as per my reset post, I’m going to make small adjustments throughout the year to reach the ultimate goal.

And what’s that, I hear you ask?

Contentment.

It sounds simple and I think it can be.

Eating better each day with one small thing. Exercising at least two times a week and increasing over the year. Following a financial plan to budget better and save more. Making time for fun stuff.

But it also means doing things that make me feel uncomfortable. Like meeting new people (I despise the term networking), applying for more writing jobs (bracing myself for all the wonderful responses…) and joining a class (not sure what yet but something creative).

The hope is that as I make small changes each month, I will end the year as a new, contented woman – one who is wiser, healthier, wealthier (and not just financially) and perhaps have gained a couple of new friends along the way.

Watch this space.

Speak soon xx