Happy New Year! Let’s be honest, new years come with a lot of clichés and although I love a fresh start and new beginnings, I think that the pressure we put on ourselves going to a new year is ridiculous. Let’s face it, life can be difficult enough, without us pressurising ourselves into feeling not good enough and wanting to constantly change to be ‘new’ versions of ourselves. So, this year, instead of making a list of ways to change myself and pressurise my routine, I’ve made a vision board based around two words that I want to embody and embrace; Happiness and success.
I’ve compiled a bunch of feel good pictures that represent what I want to do more of or experience more or this year and going forward. It’s full of growth, love, experience, happiness, joy, adventure and things that ignite that flame inside of me. I haven’t really set definitive goals, but moreso just things I am working towards and aiming for. I realise that a year goes by fast, and if I don’t achieve all that I hope for, then that’s ok!
So, to breakdown my vision board images for you, here is a list of what the images represent:
Learning to drive and hoping to pass my test during 2024 (Image of a car wing mirror with the road and sunset in the distance) – This is something important to me, but also comes with it’s hurdles, so it’s more of something I’m thriving for without the pressure.
Reading (Image of many books from a side angle so you just see pages) – In 2023 I managed to read 46 books, exceeding my original goal by 36! So this year I’m aiming for 50, without the pressure of course. I just adore reading and found that it brought me so much joy and contentment last year, so I want to carry that forward with me.
Earning money (Image of a hand dropping pound coins onto a wooden table. The pile of coins has small plants growing from it) – I just wanted to put out into the universe my goals for increasing the money coming in. There is stigma around wanting money, but the truth it, it’s an important part of human life and it’s ok to want to earn more. I’d like to earn more money doing things I love as a career and in turn ensure my family and I are safe, secure and happy.
Embracing cosy & hygge (Image of an open book on a sofa, surrounded by warm lighting and a candle out of focus in the foreground) – If you have read my blog or followed my socials, you will know how much being cosy means to me, so this year I just want to embrace hygge. I want warmth, cosiness and relaxing vibes.
Writing and publishing a book (Image of a persons hands writing on paper. They have a coffee in front of them and the vibe is warm and cosy) – This year I’m hoping to write more for fun and am even thinking about aiming to publish my book. This is a dream for me and something I have found brings me joy. Just like reading, writing is a place of happiness, contentment and all those fuzzy feelings, so I’d like more of that!
Date nights, or nights dedicated to my fiancée and I (Image of two hands holding wine glasses in a cosy setting and clinking glasses. There is a rose on the table they are sat at) – Last year I recognised that my fiancée and I didn’t have many days or evenings out alone. It was spent at home with the children and although home is our happy place, it would be nice to go out for meals, go to arcades, escape rooms and just do more things we enjoy together!
Studying & my 2nd year of university as a Bachelor of science student (Image of an open book and a note book on a table with a pen and a coffee) – I’m in the second half of my second year as a part time bachelor of science student and I suppose I just wanted to include this in my vision board since it’s now a part of me and my growing knowledge. I want to do well in my studies and learn more about psychology and the brain. I hope to pace myself and cope well with this years assignments.
Coffee and warm drinks (Image of a latte with latte art) – This is a simple one, but one I had to include. I just want to enjoy warm drinks, perhaps in a cosy coffee shop(s). I love the feeling of being home or in a coffee shop with a warm drink in front of me. It brings me joy and therefore, I aim to have more of it!
Go on trips with friends/ Family (Image of four friends standing on a hill looking over at the sunset) – Each year, my group of friends, my fiancée and I like to plan small weekend getaways. They are wonderful ways to just have a reset in a new place and relax away from everyday life for a short time. So I aim to plan some getaways filled with walking, exploring and board games!
Going out for meals with friends and family (Image of a table from an overhead view with plates of food and drinks, and peoples hands) – Just like the trips away, I’d like to go out for meals and experience good food with good company, more often.
Concerts and festivals (Image of a crowd blurred with a band in the background. Multiple hands are making a heart shape) – Last year, Lewis and I bought tickets for a festival and music gigs, so I wanted to pop this on my vision board to signify it being something I look forward to experiencing.
Gaming (Image of two PlayStation remote controllers on a wooden table) – 2023 bought more gaming into my life and it was super fun, relaxing and a great way to bring friends and family together, so 2024, I’d like more of it please!
Include healthier foods in my diet (Image of a tray of smoothies with fresh fruit next to them. The smoothies are in glass jar like glasses with straws) – I’d like to simply eat more mindfully and become healthier through my eating habits, recognising that what I eat and drink is important to my biological and cognitive functions.
Increase my energy levels (Image of a person with their arms stretched out in a field during a sunset) – One thing I struggle with, mainly due to mental health difficulties, is energy. I always feel tired and drained, so this year I’d like to try and pick up my energy and improve it, to help with my feelings and productivity.
Better sleep & routine (Image of an alarm co*ck within the covers of a bed) – Last year I bought a SAD Lumie lamp to help combat my seasonal depression and to help me wake up feeling fresher during these dark mornings. I also started waking up with Lewis when he gets up for work, since if I don’t, I struggle to get up. I’d like to continue this routine to increase my productivity and energy levels. It’s kinda nice to be awake whilst the rest of the world seems asleep. We usually rise between 4.50 and 5.10am on weekdays.
Incorporate more exercise into my life (Image of multiple treadmills with peoples legs doing a walk on them) – I started my personal trainer sessions last year and it was fun and motivating, so I’d like to pick that up again as well as generally just get to the gym or do more exercise at home to get my blood pumping and my body healthier, plus a clearer mind.
Start a dance or exercise class (Image is a silhouette dancing) – I decided that I’d love to gain the confidence to join a dance or exercise class this year to increase my confidence, independence, exercise and energy. Plus it’s great to develop new skills and gain a new hobby! I’m thinking dance, aerial silks, aerial hoops or pole fitness/ dance.
Travel and adventure more (Image of a person with their arms stretched out as they look out at the horizon over a stoney surrounded beech) – Simple. I just want to get out more and travel t0 new places. Breath the air of different cities, countries and environments. I want to feel free and take some time away from everyday routines.
Develop my career as a mental health and lifestyle content creator (Image of the back of a ring light with a phone in the holder. There is an out of focus person in the background) – So, more than ever I have found my love for creating relatable and helpful content online, and I’d like to create more and develop my career in the industry bit by bit.
Thank you so much for reading. Have you created a vision board? If so, what’s on it for this year?
Stay wonderful!
