Yes it’s February. Yes only now am I releasing this post. So, for 2023 I decided I didn’t want to pressure myself or stick to the norm of making resolutions to change myself. I wanted to simply create a list of things I’d like to do this year, things I’d like to stop doing and set intentions for a positive year ahead. Alana’s ‘What I’m changing in 2021’ really helped me structure my habits and figure out how to establish them. I didn’t want to ‘change myself’ physically or alter the way I look, but instead change my mindset and my perception, focusing on the things I’m not so confident with and changing my mindset around them. So without further ado, here are my little intentions for the year:
Being content with simple living
Creating a simpler life is something I have realised I want and need since moving into my new home. I want my surroundings to be clear, decluttered but still represent my family and I. I want to feel refreshed, content and free. I want the same for my life overall too, less stress, less things taking up my time and less things to pressure myself over.
Embrace JOMO
Yes, most people experience FOMO and I also used to feel like this. I used to feel sad about missing out on what my friends and others were doing, but since moving house and buying my first home, I just feel that I want to relax, be content and enjoy the simple things. Sometimes I do get sad about missing out on being with friends but I also have that exciting feeling when plans are cancelled and I get to stay home!
Cut things out of my life that doesn't make me feel good
One thing I have always done is ‘put up’ with things for the sake of keeping the peace and allowing things to just stay the same, for fear of change but as I get older I realise that what I’ve been doing is not helping me have a good life. Having things and people in my life that are toxic is bad for my mental health, so this year I am trying to only do what feeds my soul, have friends and family who lift me up and keep things that bring me joy. It may be hard at first but it is so rewarding and good for us the longer we do!
Create a 2023 bucket list
Creating a list of things to look forward to it so good for your mental and emotional wellbeing. When you’re having a bad day you can look at your list of plans or things you’re hoping to do and see that despite feeling down, you have something to look forward to. For me, it’s doing fun things like days out going to airsoft, go karting, inflatables and meals amongst many others. It gives you an incentive of the things you want to do, when you can fit it in and who you want to do them with.
Keep a habit list
One thing I need in my life is a list of habits to stick to. Without developing daily habits, my days fall to pieces and leave my mental health struggling. I have a morning ritual now and it helps set me up for the day ahead. Below is part of my current habit list which just acts as a reminder to do things but also let’s me track what I have done every day, week and month so that I can reflect on my productivity each month and see what I need to change, improve or do more or less of. My mental health and autism can mean that I forget simple things, so being able to tick it off can help me with getting things done.
I use the Daily Habits online web app which is so simple and useful!
Reduce the amount of things I do
For such a long time I have thought that doing more was better, but again after moving house I realised that I don’t want the stress of having too much to do. I want to lessen the things I do so that I can put my focus onto things and give them 100% instead of less. The more we spread ourselves out, the less effort we can find ourselves putting into each, so I focused on the things I love doing most and kept them in my life.
I hope you have found this post useful and inspiring. It’s never too late to set your yearly intentions.
Stay wonderful!
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