I usually write these posts surrounded by clutter (whether physical or metaphorical). However, I have just had a deep cleanse of my desk/workspace and can now actually see my desk - who knew it was white?! I've also started the new year with a brand new set of sheets (I've fallen in love with Sheridan Linen sheets and thought I'd spoil myself with a new set for the new year). Alongside the new sheets I also went on a bit of a splurge in the Peter Alexander (Australian pyjama brand) and brought quite a few new pairs!! Those are the places/things I use/wear the most and they need to be the most organsied, comfortable and relaxing. That's pretty much the three words I want to be used when describing my 2017; organised, comfortable and relaxing.

I have quite a lot planned for 2017 and I am geniunly excited for the year ahead!

One (slightly) terrifyingt thing happening in August is my 20th birthday... Fuck. I know that it's only 20 and to most people it isn't a big deal, but I'm just a little disappointed because I thought my life would be at a totally different point by the age of 20. I shouldn't be putting that kind of pressure or whatever on myself (and that's partly what I'll be fixing in 2017), but this time last year I thought I was going to be in a very different place, and I'm not...

Now to the more positive stuff. Throughout 2017 I want to focus less on things that will break me and focus more on building myself up. This means in terms of my confidence, work, university, relationships, etc. I want to focus on making my friendships/relationships deeper. I don't need a huge quainty of friends. I want to focus on the heartfelt conversations between those friends, not a quick coffee catch up to exchange pointless gossip (although sometimes pointless gossip can be fun). I want to spend the year prioritising both my physical and mental health. I became really serious about seeking help through 2016, but I also had a few setbacks. So, this year will be a year to focus on getting my mental self (and physical self) in full check. 

While talking about being in full check, I think being 20-years-old is the time to decide where/how I want to spend the next (at least) 5 years of my life. While I am totally content here in Australia, I see myself (within the next 4 or so years) moving to Seattle. In saying that, I want to absorb more culture. Whether that be living in a foreign country, or just doing a lot of travelling. In 2017, I'm setting myself a goal of seeing three 

I want to be content in my real life and not focusing on my fake Instagram life. Not that my Instagram is fake or anything, but that (like most) the photos are staged and editted, I focused too much on finding the perfect photo throughout 2016. In saying that, I want to take a lot more photos throughout the year so that as I get older I can look back on all the memories. However, (yes another contradiction) I want to spend less time on my phone and more time enjoying the world around me. So, I'll take out my phone and capture a few photos then the phone goes away for the rest of the day. Further, I want to take another holiday where I completly switch off my phone for a few days (or a week) and focus solely on the people/things/places surrounding me.

When it comes to my blog, I want to have a more clear objective and goal for where I want it to go. I have a very exciting little project that I've partly started and will be taking off in March/April time, but that's about my only set plans in terms of work. I'm the boss of this blog so it's time I start acting like it and take full control. It's time to stop riding the wave of ease and start actually putting my entire heart and sole into it. Alongside that, I want to continue my author title through 2017. I haven't already published two novels and am close to having my third on shelves. But, I would love to say write another - maybe a new series?! Keeping with the book theme, I want to complete that 50 book challenge. 

I'm doing this thing called "no makeup January". And is is exactly how it sounds. Throughout the month of January, the only time I will be wearing makeup is if I have an event. So, every single day I will wake up and skip the make up (I'm a poet). The plan is that by not wearing makeup you realise that it's not a necessary part to leave the house - something that I've thought for the past three or so years. By not wearing makeup you are encouraged to become confident in your own skin.

As for dating and boys, why is a woman in 2017 who is confident and unapologetic in her wants and needs is often labeled high maintainance? Ugh.

In saying all of this, I am very lucky - and I know that. I know that all of the opportunities I have been given are not given to everybody and I am so proud of where I am in life. I hope your year is filled with love, laughter, joy, hope, lust and excitement. Let's take this journey together!!

XO