Couch Potato on New Years

You don’t usually find the average person skipping out on a New Year’s Eve party to write a blog post. But hey I’m one that stands out. As I’m cozied up in my living room wearing my mickey mouse PJ’s, listening to Majid Jordan and sipping on some caramel almond amaretti tea (why am I such a cliche?), I’m looking back at 2016 as a whole. The popular perception of 2016 is that it’s been a terrible year (and it has in some ways) but for me, it’s been one of the best years of my life. Meeting so many extraordinary people, being exposed to amazing opportunities, landing my first job, starting university – it’s been one heck of a ride.

2016 was a year of personal development. I paused everything and worked on myself all 12 months. I studied hard in school, went to the gym all summer, and got off my lazy butt to get a job and make some money. Money that I ended up blowing on pointless crap anyways. Now I’m looking forward to see what 2017 brings. So here’s the thing. In 2017: I don’t just want to achieve. I want to learn. I don’t want to hustle. I want to work. I don’t want to fake it ’til I make it. I want to make it. I want to commit to the hard task of building something meaningful, brick by brick. This new year, I’m going to give myself permission to take the time I need to practice, work on, and truly master the skills and techniques I’ll need for the next level, and to not worry about having to get to the next level as soon as possible.

My guiding mantra then for 2017: Be happy

I have realized that I do better in everything and anything when I’m happy. When I enjoy what I’m doing, I even surprise myself with how well it turns out. So I need to just be happy. Be genuinely happy. Do what I love, surround myself with positive people. I need to stop stressing over little things and holding onto unrealistic expectations. Learn to let go, move on and look back at the good things. Hoping 2017 brings love, laughter and many more great opportunities.

Cheers to a New Year! – from me and my cup of tea ♡