Ive had this blog for a while and haven't updated it as often as I would like to.... Things get in the way - work (been doing a lot of that lately), studying, seeing friends and family, travelling and other things. Spare time has been a little bit of a luxury lately... But at least I'm making use of it :) Its always better to be busy than bored.
As the new year approaches I got thinking about new years resolutions. These sound cliché and I'm sure most resolutions don't make it past mid January, but is planning improvements to your life really such a bad idea?? Most lists end up with the same old things ... quit smoking (not an issue as I've never smoked nor do I intend to start), get fit and eat healthy (ok we could all do more of that), drink less (ditto), work hard. But what if we all set out to do something amazing? Something that either changed us, or our outlook on life or made an impact somewhere in the world. The world would definitely be a better place!
This post is partly inspired by Tristan Cano, a man in his early thirties who tragically passed away this week after battling a brain tumour for a while but who's zest for life truly inspired anyone who knew him. He made it a point to travel the world and not put off anything that made him happy but which most of us put off till tomorrow. Something we can all learn from and which has given me alot to think about in the past 24 hours. A sad loss but he was a truly inspirational human being!
So back to the outlook for 2014 ... Well I still have a hundred or so things on that list of mine to tackle and things don't happen unless you make them happen! Life's too short to sit around. Turns out a fluffy management course about visualising what you want actually worked and inspired me to make the most of the somewhat limited time we have to make a mark on this place.
Looking back at 2013, it's been a pretty amazing year what with 12 countries visited (Oktoberfest and my Eastern Europe adventure were a highlight), charity treks completed, my Masters nearly done, a small stint as a TV cooking show contestant, a promotion to a role that has been challenging but I've loved, catching up with old friends and making tons of new ones, and some rewarding moments which I've truly treasured (most of these just one on one conversations and shared moments but those are the things that matter). There have been highs and lows and times when my life has been an emotional rollercoaster but I definitely can't complain and there's a lot to be said for getting off your backside!
So what's in store for 2014?
Well I haven't finished making that list yet. Midnight at new years doesn't need to be a deadline.
Here's a preview though :)
I'm trying to decide between trips to: Morocco, New York, Scandinavia, Turkey, Australia, Central America, South East Asia or South Africa. Unfortunately I only have 5 weeks of annual leave to play with but the world is a beautiful place and deciding is taking longer than I thought. Front runners are currently South East Asia and Turkey. Thanks for all the recommendations guys!
I also think there's a lot to be said for giving something back. I'm trying to incorporate a bit of volunteering into my trips as it always makes them just that little bit more special. Also gonna try and pick a new charity each month to support and mix it up a bit.
Then there's all the stuff on my list ... I want to continue to explore my passion for food, try some extreme sports, explore a business start up idea with a friend, graduate from my masters... maybe even jump out of a plane - why not? Who knew making new years plans could be so exciting!!
I also think there's a lot to be said for giving something back. I'm trying to incorporate a bit of volunteering into my trips as it always makes them just that little bit more special. Also gonna try and pick a new charity each month to support and mix it up a bit.
Then there's all the stuff on my list ... I want to continue to explore my passion for food, try some extreme sports, explore a business start up idea with a friend, graduate from my masters... maybe even jump out of a plane - why not? Who knew making new years plans could be so exciting!!
And with a shamelessley stolen and incredibly cheesy copyright internet photo I'm gonna end this post with a challenge. Are you gonna settle for an ordinary life? Or are you gonna plan to do something amazing today, like Tristan urged us all to do .... because if you don't make things happen then you're the one missing out! People always find excuses like they don't have time, money, energy ... but if you set out looking for excuses you'll find them and if you really want something then there's always a way to get it. So stop worrying about stressful jobs, failed relationships, bills, the bickering and bitching and the mundaneness of daily life and get excited about doing something amazing, however big or small.
For all of you who shared 2013 with me thanks for making it what it was!
Happy 2014 people. Let's hope it's a good one filled with plenty of adventures! Xxx
