Sunday 22 January 2017

Hello, 2017.

It's January 22nd and it's terrible to say that this is my first blog post of the year. The excuse of being busy is a shitty one but it's true, since December I have been super busy. I've moved out into my very first, grown up apartment, got myself an adorable kitten (which has proven to be so much hard work) whilst juggling work and studying. I welcomed in the New Year by being colossally drunk, ready to leave behind the utter shitstorm that was 2016.

I never stick to any New Year resolutions. But this year I did set myself a few things, most of all not to give a fuck. I care far too much of what people think of me and constantly worry about everything and anything. It is exhausting being this way and I know my anxiety has a lot to answer for. However, I am my own worst enemy when it comes to living up to my own expectations. I beat myself up if I don't reach a goal I've set myself. I just need to relax a bit and understand that not everything works out in my favour, regardless of how much of a control freak I am.

In 2017 I want to see a big improvement in the way I feel about myself and the world around me. 2016 taught me that the worst can and will happen at times. It made me such a stronger person and I guess I'm thankful for that. I also want 2017 to be the year in which I feel in control of my life. Due to mental health issues in the past, at times I've felt like my life was spiralling out of control. By making a few major life decisions (far too many of those were made last year), I feel so much better about things in 2017. I'm ready to get my career on track, become a happier person and surround myself with positive people.

The women marchers filled me up with some much-needed hope.
However, the biggest thing I want to get more involved in is social activism. As a person, it's fair enough to say that I am invested in politics and social issues, you couldn't help but to be if you lived throughout 2016.  Depressingly, I watched Donald Trump's inauguration and I couldn't help but feel massively disappointed by society. How have we got to this stage? Far right politics scares the life out of me and I can't help but think we're regressing as a human race. There are so much hate and destruction in the world right now. However, seeing the women marches across the world yesterday filled me with hope. It was awesome seeing women (and men!) rise up against gender inequality, racism and hate. Social activism is something that I've got really invested in and I'd love to become more involved.

I can't forget to be cliche, but I will exercise more and eat healthier. I really want to join a yoga class so I am determined to begin one soon! I'm also toying with the idea of becoming a vegetarian. Since I've moved out, I've noticed that I don't eat as much meat. I'll probably never do it, but it is something that crosses my mind.

I've got a few things planned for this year and I'm excited to see how everything pans out.

Thanks for reading,
Niamh x