2019: come and get it (or something)

I've read a lot recently about how we shouldn't make new year resolutions because we're the same people on December 31st as we are on January 1st; about how we should learn to be happy with ourselves rather than constantly try to improve ourselves; and about how we should probably remove anyone who's on a diet or crazy exercise regime from our lives for our own sanity.

I'm kind of on the fence with this. While I like the theory, I also like the constant drive to better our lives that seems to me to be at the root of humanity. By working to be better at things, we can increase our enjoyment and get SO much more satisfaction. And I don't see why the same shouldn't apply to things like healthy eating and exercise as it does for music, crafting or reading.

As for "why January 1st": well, why not? It's as good a time as any. As long as you don't make crazy resolutions that are clearly unachievable with a new year hangover, a calendar year is how we're programmed to think. You could equally choose the day after your birthday, or September 4th for the new school year - I like January.

So here's where I am: I've bucketed life down into areas that interest me and that I'd like to make work better in 2019. I'm aiming to track these on a monthly basis and report back (to myself; I'm not expecting anyone to read these ramblings!).

1. Music
Regular practice, and trying to find something to aim for. 2018 was a slightly unsatisfactory year musically, with some of the people I played with regularly moving onto other projects and a lack of evening availability (baby related) making it hard to actually get to rehearsals when they were on offer.

I spent a lot of time and energy trying to make things happen last year, and while some projects worked, others didn't - and I  didn't necessarily get the enjoyment I wanted to out of them. I'm going to take a step back for now and concentrate on my own music, and see where it takes me.

The dream is to put on a recital at some point later in the year - but only if I'm in a place where I'll enjoy it.

2. Crafting
For me, this currently covers sewing and crochet: I may choose to add to the list in 2019 though!

First up, I currently have the correct amount of yarn for 4 crochet projects. I'm going to finish them before I do or buy anything else! It's entirely possible that will take me all year.

Then, for sewing, I want to learn the things that currently scare me: zips, buttonholes and woven fabric. I also want to work through the patterns I already own before buying any new ones, and decide what is worth keeping and what can go in the archive.

3. Food and drink
I AM NOT GOING ON A DIET.

Healthy eating does not equal diet. I'm allowed to eat anything I want. BUT - I want to eat more healthily and incorporate more home cooked stuff into our diet. The last year has been difficult for cooking, so I am going to work out a new strategy for batch and easy cooking. At least one new recipe every month!

I'm also going to get back to pack lunches. Sandwiches are allowed!

I want to start baking and making again - I did very little baking in 2018, and only infused vinegar at the very end of the year.

4. Health and wellbeing
I'm calling it that rather than fitness, as it's more than just fitness. Although that's an important part of it!

Joint strength will be the key thing here - I need to get to a position where my knees aren't so delicate, and where my wrists and elbows can support music.

I want to get back to studying mindfulness - something I've let slip recently.

And final one for here - I'm going to find a sustainable hair and skincare regime!

That'll do for now...