I don’t know about everyone else – but I am glad to see the back of January! lol It always feels like such a long month and tbh a bit of a struggle.
That being said, there have been plenty of positives about January, so before I start looking ahead to February I thought I’d take a look at my goals set at the start of the month and see how I got on.
For those who haven’t read it – click here to read my Hey 2020 – lets get started! post. I am planning on setting new goals each month and then doing a post at the end of the month to see how I got on…so here we go!
Sort my shit out – physically – Set some structure and goals
So at the start of January, I outlined my fitness routine with the aim to improve my fitness, and start to push myself.
On the whole, this is going pretty well, and I’m really starting to notice a difference in how I look and feel – I’m going to do a more in-depth post about this coming soon!
But here are just a couple of highlights from this month – with a new pb of 1min 21 held planks and my first ever headstand! 😀
Sort my shit out – mentally – Meditating every day
So I have nearly finished the Headspace Basics 3 course – and I’m really noticing a positive difference. I am a lot more mindful of my thoughts and emotions and being able to bring myself back to the present moment when my mind gets carried away.
I have sometimes found this difficult to do every day – but within the courses, they teach you that missing one day is ok – as long as you bring yourself back to it again the next day. It’s going to be an ongoing process – and I still have a lot to learn.
This is something I am definitely going to continue with and will try to integrate it within my daily routine.
Practice Body Positivity
I have to be honest, I haven’t really been actively practicing this throughout the month. Whilst I haven’t been overly negative about my body – at the same time, I haven’t been pro-active in the positivity bit either.
What I have started doing though is following more influencers on Instagram who promote body confidence and positivity and getting back into listening to podcasts – mostly the Fat Chat.
If you want a hilarious, positive, inspiring and honest look at body image – check these ladies out!
Read a new book – EVERY MONTH
I FINISHED IT! I may have only finished it yesterday at 11 pm – but I finished it!
I will put up a full book review post soon, but in summary, I really enjoyed this one and pleased that I chose it to start with.
What books have you been reading this month? I want to start to put together a list of books to read – so I would love to hear your recommendations.
Learn a new Piano piece – EVERY MONTH
I didn’t finish this one – it turns out that I am pretty rusty!
Also haven’t been too consistent with my practice routine which doesn’t help so I will try and improve on for February.
I have managed to get a lot further with this one though – I now only need to learn the last 2 lines so a big step forward from where I started.
I’ll try and put up a video soon for you (even with the dodgy ending).
Start journaling/writing a blog
I have really enjoyed writing both my journal and my blog this month. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’m finding it really helpful to get thoughts out of my head and share experiences.
I keep two journals, one handwritten and one digital. Both are used for very different purposes but are equally important and have really helped me in terms of processing thoughts and emotions and re-aligning my focus.
My blog – I suppose is my third journal. The aim of this blog is not only to have an open and honest insight into my 30 before 30, but to hopefully inspire others to go outside of their comfort zones and try something new.
BONUS – I’VE ONLY GONE AND JOINED A CHOIR!
So I didn’t add this one onto my list – as I wanted to take my time to find the right group. But I am pleased to say that I can already tick off “Join a Choir/Band”
At the start of January, I went for a taster session at the Adult Urban Vocal Group (AUVG) – and I came away absolutely buzzing! There are no entry requirements, you just gotta love singing. The whole group is so welcoming and Amba is an incredible singer/leader.
The music is mostly contemporary – but this can be anything from The Temptations to Stormzy – so really something for everyone.
The added bonus – is that the money raised from AUVG membership goes directly to support UVG – which is a multi award-winning music charity based in Portsmouth who provides free access to music tuition for young people aged 11 – 25.
So not only are you able to go and sing great songs – but you are enabling a younger generation to access music for free – that ticks all the boxes for me!
So in conclusion…
Whilst January has been a difficult month for me in many ways – there has been a whole load of positives too! Feeling very proud of what I have achieved so far and looking forward to what is coming next.
Keep an eye out for my February forecast! 🙂