Hello 2017

This time of year is always the same for me -- I declare boldly that I don't make new year's resolutions, but I have an urge to make some anyway ... and trawl the internet to spy on other people's resolutions! This year I've also come across various lists of questions to ask yourself about the past year and the coming year -- each set longer and more excrutiatingly intimate than the last.

Although I mentioned in my 2016 wrap-up post that I had a pretty good year overall, there were a few things that I regretted not doing more of or would like to have done differently. So I decided to write out a few goals wishes (Havi at The Fluent Self calls them 'gwishes'!) for 2017. There are many more things I'd like to do, but I limited it to 9 so they don't seem so overwhelming. For now, they're just outlines. In the coming few days, I'll sit down and figure out more concrete ways of making them happen.

1. Spend more time outside. I think this will improve both my physical and mental health. Whether it's going for a walk, finding things to take photos of, or gardening, all of these things make me happier.

2. Share more on the blog. I've done so many things that I didn't write about on the blog, and regretted it -- from making hot cross buns to my crafty birthday party! I want to share more and be more personal on my blog from now on.

3. Finish KonMari'ing my house. I'm about two-thirds of the way there. I just know that I'll be happier and be able to enjoy my house more once it's finished.

4. Plan a regular yoga practice. Aside from being on my 101 Things in 1,001 Days list, this is another thing that I know will improve my well-being.

5. Continue my rune studies and other spiritual pursuits. In 2016 I concentrated much more on my spiritual side, and it really did wonders for my confidence. I'd like to extend this more in 2017.

6. Spend more time doing crafts. I only completed 6 crafts projects last year -- that statistic makes me really sad! In the second half of last year, I focussed more on art and writing, but I missed doing crafts. I'd like to find a way to bring all of them together.

7. See if my sewing machine still works; if not, buy a new one. About a quarter of my in-progress craft projects require sewing to finish them off. I've also been meaning to start sewing clothes again. This would very much help me to achieve the next gwish, too...

8. Explore fashion more and take more photos of myself. Since I gave my clothes the Kon-Mari treatment in the middle of last year, I've been much more interested in fashion again. I want to add more pieces I really love to my wardrobe and create some thoughtful co-ords. I also want to take more photos of myself: to document my outfits, and I also find it helpful for my confidence and increasing body positivity.

9. Play with my dolls more, and make/design things for them. I posted that I received a Lottie doll and some outfits for Christmas. I have to admit I have at least two other dolls that I haven't even unboxed yet. My interest tends to wax and wane in this particular hobby, but I think that if I have a spot to display my dolls in, I'll be more likely to want to do things with them. (And again, that will make me happier!)

I also have something really big coming up later this month, which I'm still proctrastinating about announcing, even though I've known about it for a while now. Soon, I promise!