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Writer's pictureTanya Louise

Lifestyle: Plan 2019 with me/2018 Reflections



Like I said last year. I'm always behind with making resolutions.


My Birthday is on the 10th (hint) and I mean, what is a girl to do when she bought way to much food over Christmas and it's sat staring at me?


I'm not even sure about the word resolutions, maybe goals is a better word, whatever you want to call it, I still see New Year/my birthday as a new beginning and a chance to start again.


So, in this post I'm going to reflect on last year and talk about planning goals for 2019.  


I've seen lots of bloggers, YouTubers and social media posts with people talking about what they've achieved in 2018.  I've got to admit, I had a bit of a downer recently and I said to a friend 'What have I achieved?' - 'You've survived' they said.  That hit hard.  We take it for granted.  What they were referring to was the fact I had cancer a couple of years ago.  I'm not going to got on about it, I've done several blogs, but it is part of who I am and it's shaped how I view things.  Life is precious and can be over in the blink of an eye. Surviving for not therefore be taken for granted.


Right, now that's out the way, lets get on to another biggie.  Am I happy? Woooaah - I depends what minute of the day you ask me.  I can be up and down.  Fundamentally - yes.  Do I want more - Yes of course, don't we all?  If we don't then surely we're already dead! Harsh? Not really.  I don't think we should ever stop seeking happiness and new adventures.


My writing has had it's ups and downs in 2018. I have been copywriting and reviewing for a number of years now.  I run my own blog and I'm the editor of NottinghamLIVE.  I also review for the Nottingham Post and LeftLion. I've been fortunate enough to interview some great people in 2018, including All Saints and been to review some fantastic entertainment, including Splendour and numerous musicals at the theatre.  I still write for NG Magazine, with I began in 2017.  I was also writing for Exclusive which sadly ceased publication in 2018 but for the last couple of months I have been writing for Nottingham Now newspaper.  I want to continue with the writing  I do work a lot for free to get my name known and experience.  I would love to get more paid work.  I would love to earn a good income from my blog.  I know it's tough, there are a lot of people doing it now, but I won't give up. If they can make a living from it then it can be done, surely? 





Presenting - I miss the live presenting. I loved presenting at the food festivals and I would love to do more of this kind of work. I didn't get any opportunities last year, but I'll keep looking.  It's made harder by the fact that I don't have any film of me presenting at the festivals. So I could do with a showreel.  Anyone fancy cooking while I interview you?

2017 also saw the closier of NG Digital, the community radio station I had a show on.  I think 2019 is the year to get it back up and running, and we have spoken about a new format.  


YouTube - I began filming more for my YouTube Channel.  I enjoy doing it but I'd love more views and subscribers.  What does a girl have to do to get people to watch?  It could well be my age.  The YouTubers I tend to watch are always younger, but that's only because I don't see many my age vlogging.  Is that because people don't want to watch them or is there a gap in the market?  I'll keep trying, but it's frustrating when you see YouTubers with subscribers in their thousands and I struggle.  If you haven't watched my channel yet, take a look - tell me what you think.


Modelling - I did a little more modelling in 2018, working with more photographers, and it's something I plan to do more of this year.  I have a few things lined up and there are different themes I'd like to try - you can see some of my photos here.


Exercise - Ah, the dreaded exercise.  I know I failed on this one in 2018.  Ironically the fittest I have been was when I became ill, and that kind of scares me!  However, I have decided I have to take the plunge again this year, especially with the modelling etc. The weight has crept on a little and I know I need to get more exercise. I've never got back to the energy levels I had before the cancer but I am going to try and excercise more. I had my first class at the gym today, which, if I'm being honest, made me feel physically sick, and I've signed up for some walks which I'. going to take the dog on with me.  It will be good  for both of us.


Eating - I love food and trying new dishes, but I'm also aware of the need for healthy food.  My diet hasn't been great in 2018 and I need to address that, so I'm meeting with a nutritionist. I do enjoy cooking so need to get back into the habit of cooking more from scratch.


Friends – I've found finding friends hard at my age. That is something I want to work on in 2019.  I am going to do a blog post about it which will explain more, but over the years I've been used.  I don't want to put up with that.  Is a small circle of friends too much to ask for?


Home - I managed to get a little more work done on my home this year, but not as much as I'd have liked.  This year I want to get the bathroom retiled and work on the hall, stairs and landing.  Ideally I'd love to extend but I have no idea on costs. Architects aren't cheap, and then what if I pay for an architect who tells me I can't afford to do the extension I want, then I've wasted money.  That's clearly something I need to look in to.


Read more - I used to read all the time, but not so much at the moment. Instead I find myself working late or cleaning etc - I need to make time to sit and just read a book. This was something I failed on in 2018


Relax - I find it really hard to switch off, more so since I've been freelance - the thing with blogging and social media is that its like a 24/7 job, which is all the more frustrating when you feel people aren't watching or reading what you do.  My brain is constantly thinking what I should be doing and why people ae looking at other peoples work and not mine.  I need to make some me time to chill and stop worrying so much. I worry about everything and always think worse case scenario.  I also need to stop worrying about what people think of me.  Those that don't know your story are quick to judge.  I need to not let it get to me. Also with work, I need to get people to understand that just because I work from home, it doesn't mean I'm not working.  Yes, it has flexibility, but I can't keep working into the night.  I need to be stricter with myself and others about working time and free time.





Beauty - I enjoy beauty treatments but sometimes begrudge myself them, I'm not getting any younger.  I need to look after my skin more.  I love having beauty treatments so I need to book and look forward to more of those.

Education - I've always loved learning and still have home study courses on the go which I need to complete this year.   

Travel - I'm desperate for a proper holiday.  It's been over a year and a half since I had one.  I'm ready to just chill somewhere warm.


Finally, I still need to learn to say no to things I don't want to do and yes to things that scare me, surround myself with things that make me happy, whether it's people, places or possessions.


What are your goals this year and did you rock 2018?


Love T x


I also filmed a 'Plan 2019/2018 Relections' video for my YouTube Channel which you can watch here

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