There is something wonderful about that moment when the clocks tick over to 00.01 on January 1st and a new year begins. With a new calendar comes the prospect for new beginnings, a clean state, the prospect to fulfil grand plans and resolutions.
I’m not one for rigidly-restrictive resolutions, but I do like to take the opportunity of the changing year to pause, reflect on the year that has passed, and look towards how I wish the year ahead to take form. Whereas others hastily scribble these down the moment it hits New Year’s Day, I like to mull over my plans for a full week, and write my goals once one full week of the new year has passed. Continuing my tradition, these are a few of the bigger things I resolve to work on this year (I won’t bore you with my more practical little goals):
To continue to view the world through rose tinted glasses. To take the optimistic view of things, to worry less about that which I cannot control, to appreciate the small pleasures in life, and to actively seek out things which make me smile.
To be kind to my body.ย After a major health scare last year, I’ve vowed not to take my health for granted just because I’m young. I aim to get more sleep and work on reducing stress in my day job, eat healthily 90% of the time, get more exercise and drop a few pounds.
To actively spread loveliness.ย To practise random acts of kindness often, to do kind and romantic things for my loved ones, to send more hand-written thank you notes and ‘just because’ presents to make people smile, to dish out genuine smiles and spirit-boosting compliments everyday.
To make time for treasured moments. Enjoy daily ‘me’ time doing something I love, read more books, to be playful and go on picnics and lie in grassy fields watching the clouds float by in blue skies, to travel to several new places I am yet to explore.
Throughout January, I’ll share a few more of my favourite ways to get organised (from your wardrobe to your beauty cabinet) and to ensure 2012 is filled with as many charming pleasures as possible.
I’d love to hear what goals (tiny or momentous) you’re all setting for this year?
Love, Miss B xx
takelifewithagrainofchocolate says
Found you randomly after googling images of vintage pyjamas. ๐
I absolutely love your resolutions. I love the way you have phrased them too. Good luck to you in 2012.
agirlastyle says
Thank you! And lovely to have you around ๐
B xx
Top Bird @ Wee Birdy says
Well I started out buying a bag of organic chia seeds so I guess I’m heading in the healthier eating direction. Trying to feel positive and creative about it… xx
agirlastyle says
Definitely in the right direction! Good luck!
B xx
Jennie says
Lovely piece of writing. I am with you on the smiling thing, I too try and smile as much as possible because I believe it makes the world a better place. It is a seriously underrated act of kindness. You do bring much loveliness into the world with the beautiful words and pictures you share on this blog. Happy NewYear. X
agirlastyle says
What a sweet thing to say, thank you so much!
B xx
Kate says
I know, totally unrelated but: Is that big Cluster Ring yours? If yes, could you please indicate where it comes from? I’m absolutely in love.
agirlastyle says
Oh thanks! It’s a golden hydrangea flower I think – got it years and years ago from Urban Outfitters (nothing fancy, but I love it)
B xx
life/style/flash. says
These are great resolutions, they certainly sound easier to stick to than the usual “lose a stone”-type resolutions.
I hope they contribute to making your 2012 wonderful!
agirlastyle says
Oh thank you! I’m a great believer in positive changes rather than restrictive/disciplinary resolutions.
B xx
samantha-avena says
Great resolutions ๐
I hope 2012 is a very happy year for you xx
agirlastyle says
Thank you! And to you ๐
B xx
Becky says
Lovely resolutions and I look forward to your organisation posts.
agirlastyle says
Thank you! Do let me know if there’s anything in particular you’d like to see ๐
B xx
TheOnlineStylist says
I love your resolutions B… all of them. When the clock ticked over to 2012 on New Years Eve, I made up my mind that I would definitely take out more time to indulge in life’s simple, small pleasures this year. And sometimes stop… and just be. Time seems to be flowing by too fast now! xxx
agirlastyle says
You are so right about this! Life is too short to not treasure those lovely moments. Happy 2012 to you!
B xx
normalityandme says
Such lovely goals! I may steal one or two ๐ all the best for 2012 x Emily x
agirlastyle says
Thank you! Happy New Year to you
B xx
Lorien says
Great resolutions from a great girl. Not that I expect any less from you ;-). I am particularly loving the rose coloured one, and the general positivity coming from you. That is one of my resolutions to try, and be more positive. Positive thinking goes a long way. xx
agirlastyle says
Thank you so much Lorien! And it’s amazing what an impact it seems to have on everything (happiness seems to trigger happiness).
B xx
Ruth says
I really like your revolution to see things through rose coloured glasses. I have spent so much of my life, albeit a short life, worrying and stressing over thing I never had control over. I have spent so much time making myself feel guilty about the smallest things. Last year was the first year in so long I was actually happy most of the time. It was a combination of things, one of them being your blog, that made me start feeling happier. This year my goal is to try and see things through rose tinted, heart shaped glasses just like you!!!
I hope you have a lovely 2012.
agirlastyle says
Thank you so much Ruth! And good luck with your own rose-tinted quest!
B xx
the style crusader says
I love reading people’s new years resolutions – your list is great. Love the eat healthy 90% of the time part! Totally with you on feeling especially vibrant and fresh with the start of the new year. I know we’re already a couple of weeks in but I’m still feeling the new fangled motivation that comes with the start of a fresh year.
Hope 2012 is pure magic. Excited to follow along in your adventures! xx
agirlastyle says
Thank you so much! And Happy New Year to you too!
B xx
Mitchell says
Love this list! Inspiring – think I will try it myself! xo
Mitchell
agirlastyle says
Thanks!
B xx
Curiouser and Curiouser says
Love them…my first one is find a new job – last day tomorrow! Hopefully not too quickly though as I’m actually looking forward to some time off. Let me know when you are back in London with your rose tinted glasses and we can indulge in some afternoon tea xx
Hilary says
You have a wonderful blog.. I particularly like your banner. new resolutions indeed will be in effect this year.. I hope you had an amazing new years eve! Have a great night.
XX Hilary
sabrina says
“to actively spread loveliness”- I love that.
beautifully said girl!!
xx-
sabrina
http://www.samplesize16.com
agirlastyle says
Thank you so much! If more people did this, wouldn’t the world be a lovelier place?
B xx
shopsweetthings says
What a wonderful inspiration for 2012! I will look forward to reading your organizing tips as I am always looking for better ways to organize my stuff. xo
agirlastyle says
Thank you so much!
B xx
Emma says
Can I borrow the “make time for treasured moments” resolution? I love the sentiment of this!
I started with qualities for the year, and then it evolved into something much more specific and type-a (I can’t help myself!!).
Here are mine: x
http://www.basilbe.co.uk/2012/01/goals-just-few-more.html
http://www.basilbe.co.uk/2012/01/from-low-point-to-dreaming-big-2012.html