I should probably call this five plans for the (rest of) 2020 and I can’t believe we’re in March already. I felt like it was only the new year a week ago and now we’re in month three already. Wow, I am already aware of how old I sound waffling about this. But to be honest, I feel a little out of practice writing a blog post. Especially one that’s not planned and is more of a personal one. But for me, nothing helps snap me out of a bout of writers block more than writing something without a plan. With that in mind, I wanted to share five plans for 2020 or more accurately five things I want to achieve or focus on this year. From fitness to career goals. Putting them out there into the world to make them a little more ‘official’.
I still can’t believe this is something I’ve signed up for. Honestly, what was I thinking. I am NOT a runner, I do not like running and have never run more than 10k in my life. Plus the last time I did that was a good few years ago. I did a bit of an overhaul of my fitness and lifestyle last year and whilst over the past few months I’ve fallen out of the positive routines a bit and let bad habits creep back in (comfort eating, anyone?) I have signed up to run the New York Marathon later this year. Running a marathon is no small feat, I have a husband of voluntarily does a whole host of silly-level endurance sport activities and somehow makes it look easy. But I know it’s not and I know this is probably going to be one of the hardest things I ever do. But when I put my mind to something I am pretty determined. The challenge is not just putting my mind to it, but putting my trainers on and actually getting out for a run. I am doing this for a charity that’s close to my heart too, so will be sharing that nearer the time. But yeah, a marathon. Not something I ever thought I would opt to do. But here we are.
I have been working on this a lot behind the scenes, including creating my own branding and design elements. Which has been fun and a bit of a test of my own skills so far. I don’t mean for the blog, but for the first time in the six years I’ve worked for myself I want a website for my consultancy work. It’s the ‘other side’ of what I do alongside the blog and honestly is more my ‘job’ than the blog. I consult with a number of brands, helping them with everything from strategy, social media audits to creating content and supporting customer services. I love that side of what I do and enjoy nothing more than getting my social media geek on. I’ve loved getting back into it after my maternity break and it’s something I plan to dedicate a lot of time to in 2020.
Another side of what I do that I LOVE is talking about the industry. Both beauty and social media. I’ve had the chance to do few panels, public speaking and podcasts over the past few years and I really want to do more of it in 2020. One of my biggest personal ‘hold backs’ is that I tend to avoid sticking my head above the parapet. Not because I don’t have opinions, because believe me I do. But as the old saying goes… opinions are like arseholes… everyone has one! But to put it out there, if anyone wants a seasoned beauty blogger or experienced social media consultant to chat anything beauty or social media on a panel or podcast in 2020. Then I am putting my hand up. I promise to bring experience, opinions with a dose of hopefully vaguely amusing self-depreciation in the mix.
Of course this is one that largely relies on the support of my family to make happen. I would love nothing more thank to take a trip with a group of my favourite girls. But at the same time I totally understand that diaries, childcare support networks and budgets are all very tricky to get in a line at the same time. So with that in mind, my next best option is to plan my own solo trip. I have always loved to travel and to do so with my family is amazing. But there’s something I love about travelling alone. The feeling of freedom and independence takes on a whole new meaning for me now I have a child. But being able to take a window of time to travel as just me is a real privilege and one I want to make the most of in 2020 if I can. At the moment I am toying between a wellbeing trip/yoga retreat (I know, mid 30’s cliche much?) or a city break to one of my favourite places in the world. I need to sit down and make some plans. But I have some date in the diary, it’s just a case of making decisions and booking those flights. Oh, and the whole worldwide epidemic calming down… but that’s another topic…
Ok, so the me of a few years ago would read that and probably roll my eyes and think it was all a bit ‘woo woo’. However over the past few years, a few things have really changed my perspective. Firstly being pregnant was the first time I felt like I really appreciated my body and ‘listened’ to it. Sure, I didn’t love being pregnant. But I just had this sort of blind faith that I would know what I needed. Then last year I started doing yoga regularly and feel like a total convert for the benefits for both body and mind. This ‘all round’ wellness is something I really appreciate and plan to continue making time for in 2020. In specific terms I plan to keep doing yoga and making it a weekly priority. In addition to this I am also looking into having some sessions of counselling and therapy as I really feel this can be beneficial to everyone
Photos by Bang on Style
Wonderful to hear all about your plans and looking forward to hearing more about them as the year progresses. Always happy to suggest yoga retreats or classes to help you with that marathon prep.