Small ways to start a new year

It’s the last day of the year, and therefore it can only be time for yet another advice list on the internet. A short list of things you can do (alongside your favourite internet aunt) to ring out 2022 and brace yourself for 2023.

Change your sheets - especially if it’s not your usual day for it. There is something delightful about sliding into freshly laundered bedding.

Clean your makeup brushes, ya filthy animals.

Give yourself a mini facial. Even a better than usual scrub, a treatment face mask and an extra rich slathering of your most soothing products feels luxe.

Get dressed. I’m serious. Right the all-too-tempting urge to stay in the same pyjamas you’ve been living in since Christmas morning.

Take a bath. Pour any amount of salts, oils, and balms you want into the brew. Double double, and all that.

Make a TINY to do list, maximum five items, of tasks that you can accomplish in week one of the year. For instance, I've listed making my next dentist appointment, setting up a needed dermatologist appointment to get a proper mole screening, cooking and freezing a meal prep recipe, and taking a bag of donation items to my local charity shop. None of these require more than a phone call or a five minute walk. Highly doable, low stress, and all good for my health, space and finances.

Sip some champagne, prosecco, or sparkling tea of your choice, kittens. I’m not going to say 2022 was a hateful year, but it was a hard one. Health stuff, family stuff, work stuff, geopolitical stuff which makes everyday stuff more complicated or expensive. Just STUFF all around, and too much of it!

And yet, many things about this year have been satisfying too. I have had some defining professional experiences, personal breakthroughs in therapy, and overall progress towards longterm goals. I was able to reconnect with some friends, and strengthen bonds with others. Taking full advantage of being able to go outside again, Jeff and I prioritised travel and experiences this year in ways that were wonderfully fulfilling. We made it to Amsterdam, Mallorca, Romania and Germany, with plans for more next year…

Although it will be a bit different since we rounded off the year by adding to our family! Full post coming soon, plus more shenanigans, exciting life updates, new projects, and online merriment coming your way soon. See you on the other side.