Goodbye 2017 / Hello 2018

Rather than wait until the start of the New Year, I decided to start my "focuses" early with a 4 day detox cleanse. Today is day 1; so instead of the usual drinking too much, eating rubbish & sleeping in until mid-afternoon, I will be waking up bright & early with a clear head and good intentions.

When I say "focuses" that's my version of the typical New Years resolutions. I've never managed to stick to any resolutions in the past so last year I decided to change my perspective & have found that having "focuses", that I actually commit to, has been far more successful.

One of my "focuses" this year is to look after my body & mind better, so what better way to start than with a cleanse.

Day 1 went something like this :

- Up at 6:20am to feed the boys & start the day.

- Lemon tea to wake up & boost my metabolism.

- Journalling : focusing on what I want to achieve out of my cleanse, what I can improve or remove and where I want to be heading.

- Gratitude journalling. (I absolutely recommend this - great way to start the day on a positive note)

- 30 minute gentle yoga flow.

- Dry brushing my skin & having a refreshingly shower.

- Green Juice : Apple-ginger juice.

- Breakfast : Raw Apple Granola with Almond Creme

- Morning activity : Off to the farmers market to stock up on more fresh fruit & vege and a nice relaxed walk with the boys & the husband to our local cafe for dog treats & chamomile tea.

- Lunch : Simple Rocket Salad.

- Make a big batch of Alkalizing Mineral Broth.

- Snack : Turmeric, Ginger & Lemon juice.

- Afternoon activity : Reading a magazine in the sun followed by a long leisurely walk around Hagley Park with the boys (The husband had given up on me and headed off to celebrate NYE the traditional way by this point)

- Dinner : Cavolo Nero Wraps with Herb, Lime & Sesame Sauce (not going to lie - didn't love the sauce...)

- Salt bath : Lavender, Himalayan pink salt & Rose.

- Journalling : Reflection on the day that was.

- To be followed by a Pre-sleep Meditation to welcome in the New Year.

I've never done a proper detox or cleanse before but so far I'm really enjoying this. 

It's nice to slow down & reset. Trying lots of things I wouldn't usually consume has been a great experience, not only have they tasted better than I expected but paying attention to the preparation & process of making everything has been really enjoyable too. It's made me more aware of what I'm putting into my body and given me the opportunity to try new ingredients & flavors.

2018 hasn't even started yet & it's already a good year.

2017 was a good year too, long story short I stepped way out of my comfort zone and have really felt the benefits of that. There's been both ups and downs, both of which I've learnt from, which has given me personal growth as a by-product. 

Lessons I've really taken out of 2017 :

- Money doesn't buy happiness.

- Trust your instincts.

- Breathe & be present in the now.

- It's important to slow down & enjoy the little things in life.

- Only ACTIONS = results! 

- Only by changing what we do daily will achieve those bigger picture goals.

- Schedule in "me time" and time to exercise or it won't happen.

- Slow progress is better than not starting.

- Don't sweat the small stuff; it's almost all small stuff.

- Collect memories not things.

- Self care is time well spent.

- Family & friends don't live forever, appreciate them now.

- Simple pleasures are valuable.

- Consistency is KEY

One thing I did achieve in 2017 that I'm pretty happy about is the number of books I read. My "focus" was to read 1 book per fortnight. (so 26 was the aim for the year) In the end I read 39 books in total which was more than I had realized until I did the math. Reading more was always one of my "resolutions" that I never stuck to previously so that's a little personal victory for me.

How are you spending your NYE?
What did you learn from 2017?
Do you have resolutions or "focuses" for 2018?

Julia x