New Year Goals

This year – well next year tomorrow, really – I’m not making ‘New Year’s Resolutions’. Why? Because, we’re in the midst of a pandemic which will. Not. Go. Away.

It’s really hard to keep doing something every day or every week for a whole year when no one knows what we’ll even be able or legally allowed to do. “I’m going to start the gym” ; “I want to see France” ; “I’m going to make more of an effort to go out more or meet up with old friends” – well, coronavirus and the government have other plans, babe.

Even though I feel like making it to 2021 should be enough after the year we’ve just had, there are some things that I do want to do or improve this year. So, instead of making declarations we all know most likely won’t happen, I’ve made a wee list of things I’d just quite like to get done. When I do them, how often I do them and to be honest, if I do ‘em doesn’t really matter. Life gets in the way sometimes, and that’s grand.

So, here are my New Year “Goals”.

1. Do Veganuary

I’m dairy-free and do four vegan days a week anyway but this year I’m committing to a full month of being vegan. I’ve followed Veganuary on Instagram, downloaded their recipe book and meal plans and screenshotted ones I wanna try, and I’ve told my family (who I live with) that I won’t be having any of their dinners next month so count me out. So, I’m pretty confident that I’ll do it. Plus, apparently I could save up to 900 square metres of rain forest by doing it? Pass me the chickpeas.

2. Make Facial Toner

Do you ever do something, and then add it to your to-do list purely so you can tick it off?

Well, my toner’s highkey running out so I’m gonna need more in like four days and I found a homemade recipe I want to try out. So, making toner is now one of my goals. It might seem small but this ‘small’ activity is helping reduce plastic waste, carbon emissions, is more sustainable, and is one less way that I’m contributing to capitalism and consumerism.

See? It’s so much more than “just a toner”.

3. Stop ‘Keeping things Good’

This is probably my worst habit. I get nice “smellies” as my granny would say (shower stuff or perfumes) and I’m like, “I don’t want to waste these, I’ll save ‘em for special occasions”. I never saw the point using fancy stuff to just sit on my couch working from home, so used them if I was going out or doing something instead.

But, considering I’ve spent the past nine months not being able to go out or do anything, I just thought, “to hell with it”. Because, the thing is, every day is a special occasion. It doesn’t matter if you stay home all day or don’t see anyone but the postperson. Why not make yourself feel, smell or look good?

So, my “goal” is to stop keeping my nice things good; to stop saving them for ‘special occasions’. If my big adventure is going to Lidl, then maybe I WILL wear my Jimmy Choo perfume. Why not? If that’s the height of excitement in my life, then I probably do need something, anything to make me feel good and happy.

Wear your favourite outfit. Use your fancy perfume, shower stuff or makeup. Wear your matching underwear. Crack open that wine you’ve been saving. You don’t need a special occasion to treat yourself.

4. Blog Regularly

I’m not going to say “write one a week”, even though that’s what I’d like to do, because the chances are that that won’t happen. Sometimes, I don’t have the time, inspiration or I’m just not feeling it. Maybe, MAYBE I’ll be on holidays (see, I’m still an optimist). So, blogging regularly is my goal. It’s a vague and subjective word that I can’t really be challenged on. One a week? Regular. One a fortnight? Regular. One a month? You guessed it, r e g u l a r.

5. Be more Positive, Kind and Giving

There’s times when I’m like, “Hmm, I wish I hadn’t have said that” or “I shouldn’t have cared so much about that”; there’s times when I wish I was more patient, more positive, more understanding and more willing to just give things a go.

I think everyone has things about themselves that they think they could or want to improve on. So, I want to do that. I’m not saying I’m going to set out to be the most patient, upbeat or generous person to ever exist. Everyone has their own tendencies, traits and nature, and you can’t completely transform that. But, I do think you can work on it.

So, that’s what I want to. I want to work on it. Whether I achieve it, or how much I achieve it by, isn’t my main concern. My main concern is being more aware and mindful of how I act or behave, and try to do them in a better way.

Vague and subjective – nice.

6. Live More Sustainably

I feel ~pretty~ passionately about looking after the environment and not destroying the planet and future of every living thing on earth – how niche! I already buy, use and do a good few things which are more sustainable or environmentally-friendly alternatives. But, I can do more. And I want to.

I know not everyone actually cares about the planet, and it really melts my head (and the ice caps). But, I guess that’s all the more reason for me to do more. So, I want to keep buying, using and doing the more sustainable options and I want to buy, use and do more of ‘em.

I know not everything is a “sustainable” option for me, in that I wouldn’t be able to financially afford to keep buying or doing them. But, I want to do what I can. I can’t pay £12 for a bottle of mouthwash. But I can pay an extra £1 for loose apples. So, that’s what I want to do.

Yeah, it will cost me more. But, like my granda always said, “You can’t take it with you; there’s no point being the richest one in the graveyard”. And sure, if the life of the planet and everything on it isn’t worth spending an extra few pounds on, then what is?  

7. Keep Setting Goals

I’m going to go into 2021 with six goals, one of which are kinda time-sensitive to January, and be limited to that. I want to keep adapting, changing and improving who I am, what I do and how I do them. Let’s be real, not even God knows what’s going to happen this year, so it’s pretty hard to plan things in advance.

So, my final goal is to keep setting more goals and finding more things I want to do or change about how I live.

Vague, subjective and unprovable. Nice.

Things I Want to Keep from 2020

There are PLENTY of things that I think we all want to leave behind in 2020, which will probably go down in history as one of the worst years ever. But, it won’t just be remembered as the year where everything pretty much went to hell; it’ll also be the year that taught me more than any other. Deep.

I’ve had plans disrupted and completely shot down, but I’ve had new opportunities open up; I’ve lost friendships but strengthened others; I stopped doing a job I loved, but started one I never would’ve thought I’d love; I didn’t get a graduation, but I graduated with a mark I probably wouldn’t have gotten; and I’ve learned to appreciate things that I just took for granted.

So, rather than leaving everything to do with 2020 behind, there’re some things that I actually want to take with me into 2021. Spoiler alert: Coronavirus is NOT one of them.

Reading

I never really read much before March this year. I used to when I was younger, like (I was a big fan of the ‘Jane Blonde’ books), but I rarely picked up a book in the past 10 years.

But, that all changed when lockdown happened. I found I had little else to be at, so was like, you know what? Might give a book a go; see what the hype’s about. And, here I am, 63 books later.

One of my big discoveries since Covid is that I actually really like reading. I went through a rom-com phase, then a feminist book phase, and then moved onto crime because I was SICK of the sexist and stereotypical portrayals rom-coms, and there isn’t really much else in “fiction” that doesn’t involve people dying of degenerative diseases.  

 I found that reading’s a really good way to just take a break from everything and forget about real life for a while; it’s relaxing but still feels productive in a way? A lot more productive than watching Netflix anyway. So, reading a lot is definitely one of the things I want to keep up next year. I’m already waiting on five second-hand books coming in the post this week :))

Journalling

Here, did you know I have a positivity journal? You might’ve missed the multiple blog and LinkedIn posts that mention it. Don’t worry, I’ll keep this short and sweet so I don’t repeat myself (again).

I started my Positivity Journal back when everything pretty much went wrong this year, because even though it didn’t seem like there was much (or anything, really) to be ‘happy’ about, I was determined to find it. So, I started writing down all the Good Things about my day.

Ten months later, I’m still at it. Every day, I just write the good things that happened, no matter how small they are. It really helps me find the good in the crappiest of days and situations; and appreciate the wee things. I mean, before March I never would’ve considered having a “nice breakfast” to be a particularly note-worthy part of my day, but now I realise that it is, because every good thing is note-worthy.

I also have a Gratitude app where I write one thing I’m grateful for every day. I intend to keep this up too, because it helps me keep a positive mentality and outlook, and for entertainment. After day 180 you really start grasping at straws and it’s funny to read back on. My favourites from this week are: “I got a lie-in until 7:20am”; or, “It didn’t rain today”. How SAD.

Sitting Outside

Before March, I never would’ve sat outside for coffee dates or anything. I mean, I live in Ireland not France, so al-fresco dining isn’t really something you think to do without having no option or being forced to by the government.

Before, whether it was 20 degrees (the one time every year it happens) or 2 degrees, you could bet I’d be sitting on the comfy seats in a coffee shop. But now, five degrees? Hop up and grab a bench. Raining? Bring a Bag for Life to sit on. Ten degrees? CLASS.

Even when the coffee shops and all were open for sit-in, I chose to sit outside in a nearby park instead; that’s still the case in December and it’s something that I want to keep doing next year.

It’s actually so much nicer to sit outside in the fresh air. There’s less noise, more people-watching and a lot less paranoia and risk of getting Coronavirus. Plus, there’s no wifi, so you’re not even tempted to go on your phone; meaning you can sit and focus on the conversation, coffee and your surroundings.

Walking (a lot)

I’ve always really liked walking, but I’ve never walked as much in my life as I have the past 10 months (excluding that grim time when we were only allowed one a day).

I started going for like five walks a day to break the day up, give me something to do and to get me out of the house since there was nowhere else to go and no one to meet. But, even though things are open and I’ve other things to be at (like reading my 64^th book), I’m still out for a walk at any given opportunity. Eleven miles a day easy, like.

I absolutely love it. It’s so good for clearing your head, getting fresh air, having some alone time and stops my knees getting really sore. Plus, SQUIRRELS.

A Simple Lifestyle

Aside from the sheer chaos going on in the world, my life’s been relatively low-key and simplified since Covid.

All I’ve really done the past ten months is go for walks, read, chill, work, do some online courses and eat pineapple. I’ve gone for outdoor coffee dates and all like, but nowhere near as many as before (partly because no one’s in Belfast and partly because I don’t want to get Coronavirus).  

I hardly wear jeans, my office attire is leggings and jumpers, I’ve worn make up five times since March and I’ve only worn tan once. ONCE. That would’ve been unheard of this time last year. And I haven’t worn fake nails at all? Mad.

Once this is all over I probably will wear them all again because I do miss the tap-tap- tap and smelling like coconut biscuits, but I’ve enjoyed my lil ten-month beauty detox and I definitely plan on keeping up a more low-key lifestyle. The leggings are staying; but maybe not for work.

Focussing on Me and Mine

One of the main things I want to take with me into next year is focussing on me and mine above everything else. Myself, my family and my friends are and will be my priority (as well as smashing the patriarchy and saving the planet).

I’ve spent my time and energy making sure I’m and they’re okay, instead of trying to maintain friendships and acquaintanceships (?) that don’t really mean anything. Yeah, I lost some friends and lost touch with some people, but that’s grand; that’s life. Instead of worrying about who’s not in my life anymore and why, I’m worrying about the people that still are.  

I don’t care about people I used to mail or went to school with, who’s got a girlfriend now, who liked my last Instagram photo or who didn’t wish me happy birthday. I just don’t care.

I do care about my own well-being; I do care about my family and friends; and I do care about getting through this year, next year and every year after that with them.

The Climate Crisis: It’s Not Just Consumers’ Faults

This has always bothered me, but I just read another article on BBC which is telling consumers how to reduce their CO2 emissions by a “fraction” and it’s honestly the last [plastic] straw.

Consumers are told to “stop watching TV in HD”; a Channel 4 documentary told us that our social media “addiction” is “killing the planet”; and Coca-Cola is telling us to “please recycle”.

Yes, consumers and individuals should be doing everything that they can to reduce CO2 emissions, energy consumption, food, water and plastic waste and save the planet. But, I’m honestly getting frustrated that so much of the blame and responsibility for the climate crisis seems to be put on us.

Consumers are blamed for how much single-use plastic we bin; but, why aren’t supermarkets, online clothes retailers and other global companies blamed for wrapping stuff unnecessarily in single-use plastic?

We’re told to buy loose fruit and veg, which I believe that we should. But, why isn’t the same pressure put on supermarkets to sell loose fruit and veg? Or to sell more of it? Or to not charge a way higher price for them?

We’re told to stop wasting food. What about the suppliers and food establishments that overproduce and over-stock? Why don’t retailers stop ordering and stocking more than they’ll sell? Why don’t they dispose of their food waste better?

I use my brown food bin and I think every household should. But, so should every workplace, school, food establishment and supermarket. I’ve seen so many restaurants and cafés that whack all their food leftovers into their black bins, supermarkets throwing out food that isn’t sold, and I haven’t come across any food waste bins at school, uni or work.

We’re told to recycle, which, again, we should be doing. I mean, it’s 2020, who the hell doesn’t recycle? Honestly, like. But, why aren’t companies told to use more recyclable packaging? Why don’t councils give us public recycling bins? Why don’t schools, universities and workplaces? Why aren’t there recycling bins in cinemas, shopping centres and food establishments as standard?

Yes, we should recycle. We should also be able to recycle easily. I shouldn’t have to put my plastic in my handbag and take it home with me so I can recycle it.

And Coca-Cola, the largest plastic polluter in the world, is telling me how to reduce plastic waste? Seriously, like.

We’re told to “shop responsibly”, which we should. But, I think more pressure should be put on retailers to sell “responsibly”.

This is how it feels to be a consumer:

Scientists: Stop watching things in HD

Electronic brands: CHECK OUT OUR NEW 4K HD3DTV WITH A 65” INCH PLASMA CURVE SCREEN

Scientists: Stop using your phones and internet so much

Mobile phone network providers: GET ALL YOU CAN EAT DATA FOR £10 A MONTH. NEVER RUN OUT OF INTERNET AGAIN.
Internet providers: OUR FIBREOPTIC SUPERFAST BANDWIDTH COMES AS STANDARD.

Scientists: Please stop buying fast fashion. Shop sustainably.

Clothes brands: BUY THIS DRESS FOR 8P!! 99% OFF SALE!!

Scientists: Stop flying on planes.

Airlines: WE HAVE 500 FLIGHTS DEPARTING EVERY DAY. CHECK OUT ALL OF THESE FLIGHTS FOR ONLY £9 EACH WAY. FLYING IS FUN! FLY WITH US – WE’RE GREEN!

Scientists: Reduce plastic waste, especially single use plastic.

Online Retailers: HERE IS A BIG BAG OF AIR AND 3 SHEETS OF BUBBLEWRAP INSIDE A SUPER BIG BOX WRAPPED IN 4 METRES OF PACKING TAPE!

Supermarkets: Feast your eyes on our wide range of plastic-wrapped fresh produce! If you choose to buy loose items, please put them in the plastic bags provided 🙂

Do you see the issue?

Now, don’t get me wrong, I know that consumers are partly responsible for the global climate change, plastic waste and death-of-the-planet crises we’re in, but that’s it: we’re partly responsible.

Considering the fact that 1/3 of the world’s carbon emissions are produced from 20 firms, I think it’s pretty damn rich to make consumers feel like it’s our fault for going on Instagram or watching YouTube in HD.

I am trying to make a difference and I’m doing what I can. I know a lot of people aren’t, and believe me, I’m judging them for it. They should be told to wise up and actually consider the impact they’re having on the planet. But, so should the bigger contributors to the problem.

Tell consumers to act responsibly, sustainably and in an environmentally-conscious way. Tell us to pull our weight in the fight to save what’s left of the planet. But, help us out by providing adequate resources and facilities. And help the planet out by holding the agricultural, energy, fast fashion, retailers, food and transport industries accountable, too.

Rant over.

Working Full-time after Graduation: Month One

Well, I’ve officially finished my first month working full-time after graduation. Needless to say, it wasn’t how I imagined it’d be back in February when the world wasn’t a living nightmare and I could still hug people without fearing for my life.

I imagined sitting in an office wearing a snazzy blazer, not sitting in my living room wearing leggings and slippers. I imagined a desk with a computer, not my laptop on top of a cushion on my couch. I imagined a 30 minute commute, not a 30-step one. How wrong I was.

After graduating, I was lucky enough to continue working two days a week in the role I started in back in April. As per my previous blog posts, this suited me really well. I mean, a two-day week and a midweek-weekend? Who wouldn’t love it?

Then in November, I started working four days a week instead. To be honest, I was a bit anxious about starting because apart from my placement year, I’ve always worked part-time. I didn’t have to worry about tax, national insurance or pensions. I didn’t relate to Dolly Parton. Days were a social construct.

Even though I was really happy, grateful and excited about the job, working full-time after graduation is pretty terrifying. It’s like, well this is it. Here I go into adulthood. No going back now. This is my life until I retire, I guess.

It’s not that working full-time is scary; it’s that you realise you’re actually going on capitalism’s neatly constructed journey to adulthood and the scary stops are next. They’re on the horizon. I’ve finished school and uni, I’m working full-time; so, what’s next? A house? Kids? Life insurance? Shoes with ‘ankle-support’? Talk about a mid-life crisis.

I mean, I knew that working two-days a week had to come to an end at some point, but it suddenly became real. The lil bubble of pretending-not-to-be-an-adult-or-have-responsibilities I had in uni was finally popping, meaning I was actually becoming a grown-up.

BUT, that was five weeks ago. Now, I’m a lot more settled and a bit less dramatic. I’ve actually really enjoyed this past month and I can’t believe it’s over already. I forgot how quickly time goes in when you’re working full-time (suppose the fact that it gets dark at 4pm doesn’t help much).

It’s been a strange experience because I’ve been working from home the whole time. But, I’ve really liked that aspect of it. Mostly because I get to stay home where I feel a lot safer and more comfortable with everything that’s going on, but also because my day has a better work-life balance. Working is a big part of my day, but it’s not all of it.

Because I don’t have to commute, I have more time before and after work than I ever would’ve had in an office. I’m able to go for a walk before I start at 9am, go for a walk in a park at lunch time, then go for a walk after work, and still have a few hours in the evening to relax. But, when I was on placement, it was pretty much get up, commute into work, work, commute home, have dinner and then collapse out of exhaustion.

So, I think having this time for myself before and after work has really helped me mentally adjust and settle into working full-time. And the three-day weekend doesn’t hurt, either like. Even if I do go back in an office if when things calm down, at least I’ve sort of found my feet a bit and got a wee routine going, so it won’t be as big a shock to the system.

Now that I’m doing it, working full-time isn’t as scary anymore. I’m not afraid of the next few stops on my journey of adulthood, because it too, is a social construct. Plus, I’m actually quite looking forward to my retirement, what with the nice wee £40 pension pot I’ve already accumulated. I’m thinking Maldives, maybe?