It seems odd to come up with resolutions when there’s only two and a half months of the year left…
But this year has changed a lot in the later half for me. It’s prompted me to have a real look at what I want to achieve by the end of 2024. It’s an odd feeling when something like finding out you’re pregnant on New Years Eve happens. It sends you into the new year with a completely different approach from normal. Usually I’d be thinking about ‘new year, new me’. But in 2024 I entered the year wondering what was to come, and in the first few weeks feeling not quite myself. It was either excitement, minor anxiety, or sickness for the first few weeks.
So now I’ve settled into motherhood a little bit more, it felt like it was time to set myself some new, achievable goals for the rest of the year. Rather than being ways to ‘improve myself’, they’re more goals, or a to-do list, if you will.
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0.1 Read at least one more book
My original goal was to read ten books by the end of the year, which I was on track to do. But my reading time is usually right before bed, and at the start of the year that was when I was feeling unwell. Rather than read, I would just pass out in bed and sleep for twelve hours. So the reading took a back seat. I’ve been trying to read the same book since about May, and it’s not because it’s not a good book. It’s because I can’t figure out when my new reading time is.
Before the end of the year I’m determined to finish the book I started. Then expect to see my ‘read ten books’ resolution back on next year’s goals.
0.2 Clear our allotment, ready for Spring planting
We’ve just got an allotment. It’s perfect, it’s a five minute walk away from my house, everyone there is really nice, and it’s a big plot. The only trouble is the timing. When I applied they suggested a two-year wait for a plot, so I added my name to the list. But then they had a ‘clear out’, and I had one in three months. At the same time as bringing home a newborn. So not the best timing, but I took it on anyway. My mum and I have split it, so it’s not so much for me to manage.
We’re at the stage where it’s a little overgrown from the previous owner, and all we really have is overgrown raspberry plants and weeds. So, over winter we’re going to be preparing it ready for Spring planting. There’s a lot to clear, but very exciting.
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0.3 Get back into a self-care routine (or a routine, generally)
These days I’m lucky if I make the time to shower everyday. If I’m not going out, sometimes my shower moves down the list of priorities. But I’m getting better. I’m learning the timings for Joaquin’s naps, and managing to dedicate one of them to a shower and some days even a hair wash.
So once I’ve got that down, I want to start incorporating my pre-baby self care a little bit more. I used to do a face mask and eye masks once a week, so that needs to come back.
0.4 Get a fitness plan back in action
I’m desperate for this one, but being cautious to not jump back to quickly. I’ve read that I should wait six weeks, and we’re currently on four, so only two more to go. To begin with I’m planning a slow move back into fitness, perhaps arm weight work outs, rather than a lot of moving around. Then eventually running again. I have a deferred place for London Marathon, so running is something that needs to come back at some point.
Eventually the goal is to get back to when I was at my fittest, even if that’s just with at-home workouts for the time being.
0.5 Book a family Christmas holiday
Last year we visited Brussels for a Christmas mini break, and it was lovely. Before Covid I’d booked a few festive holidays, and it was something that always added some extra magic to the season. So with Joaquin it’s something I want to continue. And even thought he’s far too young to remember the holiday at the moment, I want to start as we mean to go on.
This year we’re looking at Eurostar destinations to keep it simple, and somewhere with a Christmas market. The two top choices are Amsterdam and Paris.
And that’s my realistic goals for the rest of the year.
