18 goals for 2018

I can’t believe we're half way through January already! I’ve been tagged by Lisa from Mummascribbles in her 18 goals for 2018 post. I’m not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions but at the same time I think the start of the year is a great time to reflect and think about what I really want out of life! I do like spontaneity but at the same time I'm more motivated if I have certain future goals to work towards. I wrote about looking back on 2017 and my general plans for 2018 and I've already made some small changes in my life. Here are my 18 goals for this year.

1. Travel

I’d love to visit India again and travel more around Europe. This is the second term of Pip’s first year in full-time school and I’m still adjusting to the holiday structure but hope to plan at least one trip abroad this year. I also want to plan smaller weekend trips around the UK.

2. Grow my own fruit and vegetable

I used to grow my own fruit and vegetables before Pip came along, probably because I had more time on my hands. Since moving to Brighton,  I’ve discovered my garden is filled with slugs and birds that eat everything! I’m going to have another attempt this year and hopefully Pip can help with sowing like he did last year!

3. Exercise more & lose weight

I was following a regular exercise regime in the summer which included a lot of swimming and badminton and I felt so fit and healthy for a while. That has slipped during the winter months but I have just started getting back into it. I've downloaded a fitness app to count my daily steps which has been incredibly motivating so far. I think the lighter evenings and warmer days will help massively so am quite positive about keeping this up. I won't mention how much weight I put on over the Christmas period but let's just say I need to reduce my food portions as well!

4. Experiment with food 

Tying in with the above I need to experiment more with food. Pip has always been a wonderful eater so we're lucky in the sense he's not a fussy eater. He will try everything yet requests his favourite food at dinner time – pasta & pizza! I’m trying to move away from these meals and make more vegetarian bakes, rice & fish dishes and healthy curries.

5. Explore more of Sussex

This ties is with number 1 but I’m adding it as its own point as there is so much to see and do around Sussex. We've visited farms, Stanmer Park, attractions such as Drusillas and countless trips to Devil's Dyke but there are miles of the South Downs I'd like to explore.

6. Meditate

Back in 2016, I did a 8 week mindfulness/meditation course which changed a lot of my thought processes and the way in which I relate to people. I was practising meditation nearly every day for the  first six months of last year but again, let it slide over the summer months! I practice when I can but my goal is to stick to a regular routine. Meditation really does make a big difference to my daily life by giving me peace of mind!

7. Practice mindfulness

Along with meditation comes mindfulness. I’ve ever aware that Pip is growing up. I’m so glad I spent a lot of his pre-school days with him but he is so tall and big now and talks non-stop! He’s still only 4 though and I want to continue living in the moment, being mindful of our activities and making the most of our days together!

8. Broaden my career

I’ve been thinking for a while about a change of career, either returning to academic research or trying something a little different. The problem is with my experience most jobs are based in London where I used to work. I couldn't commute these days and have been keeping an eye on local job vacancies so fingers crossed something will pop up!

9. Organise/de-clutter my house

Along with parenting, work, school activities and social life I must admit it’s my house that suffers! I have been needing to declutter for ages and my goal is to make more of an effort this year!

10. Get more motivated in blogging

My motivation for blogging has really dwindled lately. I go through phases of being super motivated then find myself bored and disillusioned by the whole sphere of blogging. However, I still love writing and networking and am working on ways to improve my motivation! I usually work from home but have decided to work in coffee shops and co-working office spaces regularly and attend more blogging events.

11. Have a proper schedule

Tying in with the above, I work from home and have a schedule in terms of working hours but not much more. I’d like to try mixing up my working schedule to include set writing times, breaks and exercise sessions, regular meetings with other freelancers and days without distractions where I focus on set projects.

12. Spend quality time with friends and family

Along with goals and trying to improve in different areas I love just hanging out with family and friends. I cannot wait for the weather to warm up a bit as it’s been so rainy and dull recently! I don’t think I’ve ever looked forward to Spring so much! I'm excited about warmer days, sitting on the beach with friends, going for long country walks and attending all the summer festivals including the Brighton Fringe.

13. Spend quality time with Pip

At the moment, due to these dark evenings, we only have about an hour of daylight left after school. It's not much time at all. Come summer and lighter evenings, we'll be making lots of trips to the beach and hopefully be spending a lot more time outdoors. I'm really looking forward to those warmer seaside days with my boy!

14. Save money 

I want to make more an effort to save this year so I can go on all the holidays I am often dreaming about!

15. Take more photographs

In the past, I loved photography but I don’t have the same passion I used to have. I aim to get back into this hobby this year and look at ways I can improve.

16. Read more

I’ve said this in previous blog posts but in the evenings I always get distracted by the internet. My goal is to turn the internet off (easier said than done!) and read more this year. I have a load of wonderful fiction books on the shelve waiting for me on!

17. Knit a jumper! 

Ever since I was pregnant, I've wanted to knit Pip a jumper. I can knit but I have only ever knitted scarfs and blankets! I downloaded a few patterns a couple of years ago but didn't get any further. So my goal for this year is to knit a jumper and if I start now, hopefully it will be ready for next winter, ha!

18. Relax/switch off

And finally one of my goals is to remember to switch off and relax! I rarely spend a whole day without the internet so my goal is to be stricter with my time, completely switch off every so often and enjoy the company and surroundings without any distractions!

Related Posts 
A New Year
5 things I'd like to do in 2018
My Travel Bucket List
It's My Two Year Blogiversary!
Our holiday in Venice with kids: the highlights

*This post contains a sponsored link.

What are your goals this year? I’d love to hear them!

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