2016 Goals

I'm not usually one for New years resolutions but I do have a few goals that I want to accomplish in the New year. I'm excited to feel the January motivation and to buy a brand new 2016 diary!

Blog in a proper schedule
The plan is to blog three times a week and plan out all of my posts in advance. I haven't decided what days I'm going to post yet but hopefully by having set days I'll be more prepared and less lazy!

Go on holiday
My boyfriend Mike passed his driving test last week and we will be getting a car soon so I can't wait to have more freedom! It's been a few years since we've been on holiday so I'm excited to be able to drive to the mountains or sunny France and to bring my fur baby Sabbath along.

Have an art exhibition
I've really pushed myself to get back in to painting lately and I want to go one step further and push myself to put on an exhibition! I will have to work hard for this goal, not only to get all of the artwork together, but also dealing with my shyness and anxiety. I'm determined to achieve this!

Eat healthier and train harder
Of course, the obvious resolution is to be healthy! I'm pretty good at eating well but I just need to be more consistent and probably eat more fruit. Also my fitness goals are on track so I just plan on carrying on as I am! Maybe I'll do an updated post on my workout routine soon.

Learn to drive
Pretty self explanatory, I'm annoyed that I've put it off for so long but I need to face my fears and get some independence. As scary as it seems I just need to go for it. It will take me one step closer to my white Lincoln Continental dream car as well!

I hope Christmas doesn't fly by too fast, but I am looking forward to 2016 and hopefully I can stick to my resolutions/goals this year...

What are your resolutions for the New year?

Instagram @wolvesandflames

Go and get your dream job

Today I woke up and almost skipped out of bed.

I always have Mondays off work, so I don't have that deep set hatred that most 9 to 5'ers seem too, but I've never properly appreciated the day. Usually I'll lie in bed, scrolling through my Instagram feed until I get the energy to throw some clothes on and go the park with the dog, then I'll be back in my pj's within five minutes of walking through the door.

But this morning was different, even the cold and rain didn't bring me down.

Today was my boyfriend Mike's first week since he finished at his old job.

You may be wondering why Mike starting a new job is so life changing for me and I know it may seem dramatic, but with my partner in crime being out of the house for most of the week whilst I'm working part time, it can get more than lonely.

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Last year I faced my fears and left my zero hour contract job to start somewhere I knew I would love. My previous job was unstable at times but I would be earning a pretty penny most weeks and that guaranteed wage can make you feel quite comfortable, even though the job itself is awful (yes, I was a Vegan working at McDonald's).

When I took the leap and committed to my new job I knew straight away it was the right choice and even on the coldest, darkest mornings I would still have a smile on my face as I was catching the 6am bus.

But that got me thinking, why doesn't everyone just go and do a job that they love?

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People were generally understanding when I changed my job and the few concerns about my drop in hours with going part time were quickly dispelled when I reiterated that I'd finally have a stable schedule and a job that I love rather than that zero hours BS.

However with Mike starting his new job there has been a lot more confusion and family members have been more concerned about money than just being happy that he's found a job that he will love!

I really struggle to understand the normality of being normal. Working five days a week behind a desk in an office until you retire, is that really living life?

I understand people work jobs they hate in order to fund their adventures and that they basically "live for the weekend" but I can't help but believe that every day should be amazing.

People are so obsessed with money that they put it before their happiness and I just can't grasp the concept.

People are never concerned about other peoples household income but suddenly it's the first thing that's brought up when you start a fun job or your "dream job". We will soon be better off financially than we have ever been, but even if we would make less money following our dreams would that be such a bad thing?

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I didn't actually intend for this post to turn in to the rant that it has, I'm just really passionate about people stepping outside of the "norm" and finding something that they love (I get to work in a rock climbing gym, I mean that's enough proof that life is awesome!).

To summarise you should go and quit your job, pack a bag and travel the world (just kidding, but if that is what you want to do then go for it!)

I don't do many personal posts like this, because it's pretty scary to be so honest and vulnerable, but I really enjoy writing them and they always get the most views so maybe I should push myself more!

Thank you so much for reading...

Image sourced from Pinterest

November goals

I can not believe that it's already November, before we know it 2016 will be here (scary). I have a really exciting month ahead, so I thought I'd set myself some goals to keep me on track!

Be brave

I feel like this could be a goal of mine for every month, for the rest of my life. I'm constantly pushing myself to try new things and face my fears, it's hard but definitely worth it. Generally I want to make more plans to meet friends and family, but more specifically I want to face my fears and do more rock climbing with ropes and also be braver with my modelling and the content I'm putting out!

Fitness

I've really got back in to my fitness routine now and I'm doing some form of exercise every day and really pushing myself when I'm bouldering. I plan on improving my flexibility, stretching several times a day. I can't wait to be able to do the splits, it just might take a while to get there!

Box off Christmas

I say this every year, but I am determined to have all of my Christmas presents bought and wrapped come December 1st. I've started to take note of what everyone wants and get a plan together of how much I will spend and where!
I'm so excited to have our first Christmas in the new house, so it will be nice to have everything sorted and not have any stressful last minute trips to town like we usually do!

Always carry a sketchbook

I've been a bit lazy with my art lately and I've continuously put off making new things. I've been quite uninspired and generally lazy and so I want to go out with a sketchbook and find some inspiration. The plan is to visit galleries, museums, parks and get my groove back!

Be more conscious of time

I have been known to spend days in my pajamas (currently it's 4pm and I'm still not dressed), but now I think I need to be more organised with what I'm going to do each day and plan in advance what needs doing each day of the week in terms of blogging and errands.
My boyfriend has started a new job so once he works his notice I'm going to be able to spend a lot more time with him and have help with housework and have him as my blog photographer more often than he can be currently! I'm seriously so excited because I've hardly seen him over the past few months, I'm so proud of him!


Instagram @wolvesandflames

How I'm overcoming my anxiety

I realise that the title of this post is very optimistic, not everyone is able to fight their anxieties. But I honestly can't imagine having to deal with my mental issues for the rest of my life and I plan on doing everything I can to overcome them!
I have improved massively over the past few weeks, so I wanted to share some of the things that I'm doing and just generally track how far I've come on my journey.

Literature

When I shared my blog post explaining my anxiety I was almost immediately receiving messages with book recommendations from people. Reading these books has made the biggest positive changes so far.
Being able to relate and understand exactly what the author is discussing has definitely reminded me that I'm not alone and applying the advice to my own life has completely fueled my progress. So far I have read "Self-help for your nerves" Dr Clare Weekes, the book explains the different variations of mental breakdowns and the steps that can be taken. The book is filled with different stories that relate to each point the author is making and it's extremely inspirational reading how people have overcome their depression and anxiety.
I'm currently reading "Feel the fear and do it anyway" Susan Jeffers and so far I'm feeling empowered and ready to face my fears and never allow them to control me like they have in the past.

Rest and respite

Of course the obvious tip when you are stressed and anxious is to take time for yourself.
I know a lot of the time for me clearing my mind has been near impossible, and there would always be thoughts racing no matter what, but it's important to relax and forget about the worries for as long as you possibly can. Guilt free "me time" is so important.
Some things I like to do when I need to unwind...

• Have a candle lit bubble bath and play some relaxing music (I reccomend Nick Allbrook's solo album, Ganough, Wallis & Fatuna... he and the album are both perfect!)

• Put on some clean bedding and have a duvet day with a good book or some Netflix.
• Go for a walk and get some fresh air. I've even started running with the dog when I'm up to it.
• Meditate and take time to concentrate on your breathing.
• Go for a coffee and do some people watching or flick through a magazine.

Think health

When I was at my worst with my anxiety I watched the Secret documentary and it became clear to me how negative I was being and how I was dwelling on my fears and therefore creating more and more fear. I was allowing every little thing to upset me and blaming it on my anxiety and almost encouraging it.
So immediately I began to believe I was healthy and happy and had no fears whatsoever. As cheesy as that sounds it has really worked for me, if I'm being negative at all I just take a breath and try to get back to the higher vibration. Listen to some positive music, be in nature or cuddle your pet (or a teddy bear!), it will all get you back to that positive mental state!

How could I be sad with this ball of fluff around?!

Keep a journal

Writing down and really exploring your feelings is so important! Of course I am able to do this on my blog, but I think having a diary or journal that's for your eyes only is extremely helpful. No judgement, no fears, just writing down whatever ramblings you have for the day or writing about your victories for the day, however big or small!
In my journal I write about all of my goals and my aspirations and I personally like to keep it as a positive space, because in reality it can be difficult to be so positive about yourself and to tell others about your crazy huge life goals, so it's great to have somewhere to write exactly how you feel!

My moon bear from Hanjipan designs

I know I can't tackle my demons overnight, but I'm willing to do everything in my power to live a life free of fear!

Please comment with any other tips or things that you have done that have helped with your anxiety, I would love to read about other peoples experiences!

Instagram @wolvesandflames

How I plan and organise...

Admittedly, I'm not always on the ball when it comes to organising my blogging and other aspects of my life, but the majority of the time I'm pretty good at sticking to a plan!

Here are some examples of how I stay organised and motivated to get things done...

Plan thoroughly

I honestly don't think there is an easy way to stay organised. For me the best way is to use my weekly planner and to literally break down every thing I want to get done in the day. I will be very strict with time restraints per task and I will highlight the most important tasks to get done.
Of course I won't always stick to the plan exactly, but usually I will make sure I'm getting the most important things done and then I won't feel as guilty!


Find beautiful stationary

I am obsessed with stationary, and personally I'm more likely to make plans, notes and sketches when I love the book that I'm writing them in. I never fail to visit Paperchase when I'm shopping (all of the photographed books I bought there) and so I'm always updating my notebooks and journals.
I've found it's important to update your notebooks every few months, even if you haven't used up all of the pages yet. Having fresh stationary will keep you motivated to write your schedules and keep on top of your notes.

Separate your notes

It is important for me to have separate spaces when writing down my notes.
I have my 2015 diary that I use to plan pretty much each hour of my day, I keep it quite structured and serious. That makes me more likely to stick to the plans!
Next I have my "Blog posts" notebook, I use this for scribbling down ideas, sketches and pretty much plan out all of my blog content. It is really messy, colourful and creative.
Lastly I have my grey journal, I use this as a diary and write down all of my thoughts and just generally write about what's going on in my life.
I absolutely love writing and I think that keeping a journal helps me to improve my writing skills and keep me in the mood to write and blog

Download the Wunderlist app

I am always most inspired when I am out and about having amazing experiences, but I don't always have a sketchbook or a notebook in my bag. That's why it's so important to utilise either the notes on your phone or to go a step further and download a list app like Wunderlist.

You can make separate lists, e.g work, blogging and home, and then all of your notes will be together in the same place when you need them.

This is what generally keeps me on track with blogging and with general day to day errands.

Please let me know if you have any tips or link me to any similar posts you have because I can always do with more motivation to stay organised!

Instagram @wolvesandflames