Happy New Year and a few reflections & intentions

Happy New Year! I hope you managed to relax a little over festive period and were able to ring in the new year with loved ones! We had plans to drive to the UK just after Christmas, to see more of my family and friends (and to introduce Victor to them), but had to cancel them due to the new Covid rules. So with no plans for New Year’s Eve, we made the last minute decision to escape the city and to celebrate it with a couple of his friends in the mountains. And I’m so glad we did as it was just the change of scenery I’d been needing. Taking in the incredible views of the snow-capped Alps, breathing in the fresh mountain air and feeling the crunch of the snow under my feet, did me the world of good. It’s one of the aspects I love about living in France: within just a few hours you can be in the mountains or at the beach.

We drove our borrowed Citroen Aircross C3 first to our friend’s rented chalet near Thônes, where we celebrated the new year with champagne and fondue and then woke up to the sun rising majestically over the mountain on New Year’s day (they have a toddler, so it was an early rise!). On the first of January we drove to La Clusaz (a very cute ski station complete with some beautiful old chalets, which I highly recommend visiting if you ever have the chance) for lunch; I ordered my favourite tartiflette and then we made our way to Annecy (my first time visiting), where we spent Saturday afternoon wandering around the lake and Sunday walking through the market in the old town. It was a real tonic for the soul.

And so, onto a few reflections. As it was, I think for many of us, 2021 was not a very easy year for me and I spent a lot of it feeling anxious and suffering from insomnia. It of course had its positive moments (seeing my family for the first time in 15 months, finishing my book, holidaying in the south of France and moving in with Victor), but to be honest, I just didn’t feel quite right the entire year. I know it was a lot to do with what we’ve all been collectively experiencing, but it was also intense and stressful due to my book. I’m proud of my achievement, but looking back I would have done things a little differently - but as with most big milestones in life, you never know how they are going to turn out until you try! And I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to realise a dream I’ve had since I was a child and to everyone who has bought, supported and shared my book! It has meant the world! At the same time I’m happy that the experience is now in the rear view mirror and that I can focus on new projects. I will certainly be taking the lessons I’ve learnt when I hopefully have the chance to publish another. Now with the start of a fresh new year, I’m feeling a lot more positive and ready to tackle 2022, along with new ideas and projects that I have in mind!

My biggest success of the past year, besides the completion of a book is undoubtedly my relationship (and then the bonus of moving in together). It took me a long time to find someone that is a great fit for me and a relationship that just feels right. I feel lucky and grateful for it and him every day and I can’t wait to see how our life living together starts taking shape.

And finally onto a few aims and intentions. I don’t make resolutions any more, I think they are a bit out of date now as I don’t think putting added pressure on ourselves to do things differently at the start of a new year, especially during this period, helps our mental health. Instead I like to set myself a few intentions, so here are a few that come to mind:

More self-love! This is a big one, I do have a tendency to beat myself up when things don’t work out the way I want, so I’m aiming to be kinder to myself this year and I hope you will too!

2. More journalling - practising the Morning Pages and finally finishing the Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

3. More Yoga and generally taking care of my body

4. Less series & screen time and more reading - I have a habit of getting a little addicted to series (Outlander, Downtown Abbey, Vikings, Poldark - I’m looking at you). Whenever I had a spare moment last year I was watching one. They’re of course good to relax to sometimes, but I want to spend more time reading and becoming absorbed again in good books.

5. More walks in the woods near where we live on the weekend

6. More cooking and learning new recipes - I’m hoping to share a favourites on my site this year

7. Learn a new cocktail or two. We currently have a very well stocked drinks cabinet and I’ve been collecting glassware, so I think now is the time to show them off a bit more

8. Print and frame photos! I’ve just ordered a selection of favourite photos and purchased a couple of vintage frames - I can’t wait to get started with this project

9. More snail mail. I love to send postcards and cards and will continue to do more of this

10. Career wise - complete a couple of projects I’ve had to put on the backburner, while I focused on my book and continue my focus (and learning) in interiors and design. Contribute to a few favourite publications and collaborate with more of my favourite brands.

And finally I’m going to leave you with a new favourite quote that I hope you will take with you into this new year!