ACHIEVE MORE IN THE NEW YEAR!

Throughout the year, I kept a record of how I was doing both personally and professionally. This has given me a clearer understanding of what I want/need to achieve next year. One of the reasons I get excited about the festive season is because I like to set aside a chunk of time for myself to think back on the year I've had (using my record of notes) and, with that, get ready to do better going forward.

Ask yourself this question:
What can I put in place right now to help me start the new year in the best possible way?

REFLECTION

Phone on silent and placed in another room, centre yourself in a quiet and clutter-free space. Then, with your day to day diary, (if you keep one. If not, use a note pad or equivalent), look back on each month and make a note of what your monthly goals were. With those you did not achieve, write down any obstacles and be honest with yourself about how realistic and necessary those goals are to enable you to decide if they should be added to your new year goals list with ideas on what you can/will do differently to succeed.

CONNECTIONS

After you have reflected on your achievements, take some time to think about any relationships that were damaged and if there are positive reasons for repair. You can then think of practical ways to reconcile if you choose to. If the choice is to leave things as they are, make sure you identify a genuine and valuable reason for this so you’re able to move forward without carrying the burden of choosing to cut ties.

If someone (or something) continues to cause you pain and upset, it might be wise to let them go. Likewise, if there are people in your life who are always good to you, whom you’ve realised you don’t make even half the effort with (that they make with/for you), be kinder to them and show them your appreciation. They will not be around forever. Neither will you.

YOUR MANTRA

Something that has helped me to get through the more challenging days this year is having my own motivational phrases (on the walls at home, written down and also memorised) that I can say aloud or quietly to myself to keep me focused, positive and strong both mentally and emotionally. For me, this has worked better than having an inspiring quote saved as the screensaver on my phone so, this will continue to be my go-to motivation tool next year.

Here are some of my fave mantra’s:

1. “I am enough”.

2. “I am fearless”.

3. “I am a force for good”.

4. “I am attracting all the love I dream of”.

ABANDON YOUR COMFORT ZONE

When was the last time you took a spontaneous trip alone or ticked something off of your bucket list without waiting for a friend or loved one to be available to accompany you? One of the best ways to continue learning and developing is to go out into the world alone (obviously as safe as possible). There is everything right with spending time in your own company. You don’t need to venture far or spend a silly amount of money to have a great (solo) time! Independence is vital.

Last month, I took a lunchtime walk in a direction I’d not taken before. I had no idea where I was going and didn’t recognise any of the street names. I just walked and made a note of the route, taking pics along the way which I was sending to a friend for safety. I discovered new street art, lovely greenery, picturesque locations (that would later make for a lovely photo-shoot) and I also met someone who (through a brief chat) reminded me that "life only truly happens when you take a walk beyond familiarity". Real talk! It was an awesome conversation.

INDULGE - you deserve to, right?

For the ultimate relaxation, I love to soak in a very hot bath, filled with my fave products from Lush and a good book! For a sense of peace and to give myself a break from regular surroundings, I like to visit a certain spot in London during the early hours of the morning – a quiet stroll around or meditating in this space is always a winner for my mind. For solo enjoyment, I like to go to the cinema/theatre (again, as early as possible or whenever it's most likely to be quiet) to see anything that will have me laughing and/or feeling positively inspired!

As the saying goes, “do more of what you love” at every given opportunity! Before the Christmas mayhem gets underway and the 1st of January arrives, I pray that you give yourself the gift of open and honest self-reflection, time to unwind and ease any tension, and maybe a solo treat or adventure.

Now, if you haven't already, go line up your goals for the new year!! FOCUS!
Try not to let yourself be distracted. You've got this!

Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.

CHRISTMAS PREP!

Once again, I have been ready for this season since the end of summer. I really enjoy this time of year and look forward to all the cheese, romance and happiness that comes with it. Preparing in advance allows me to have as much fun with it as possible. Being organised; planning and spreading the cost over 3 – 4 months, often has me in a much better position, financially, for the new year! Nobody wants to be broke in January! 

But, for you, preparation for Christmas might take the excitement out of it. Or, you may enjoy the adrenalin of getting things together in a short; somewhat pressure fuelled, time frame. Either way, here are some ideas and tips to help you prepare for Christmas!

Presents
Setting yourself a budget is a good place to begin. Also, make use of any creative/craft skills you have. Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that have been made with the most amount of love. If there is no creativity in your bones, you can look to the high street.

TIP: You can recycle gift packaging from presents you've been given throught the year or use colourful tissue paper which is a lot cheaper and ends up the same place as expensive glossy wrapping once the gifts have been opened!

Decorative Fun
I love seeing the OTT houses that are turned into a grotto! They're a bit of an eyesore but, at the same time, they defo get me in more of a festive mood. Personally, I’m not one for doing the most with decorations in my home regardless of the season. I prefer to have a few tiny hanging items that are quick and easy to take down and pack away.

TIP: For a handful of miniature decorative bits and bobs that will not break the bank, check your local charity shops and discount stores or make your own with help from plenty of How To videos online!

New Experiences
Last year, some friends and I dined at The Jones Family Kitchen in Shoreditch and the food was delicious! It had an upstairs bar for drinks only with the restaurant downstairs which also had a bar. I felt that our table was a tad cramped once all the food arrived but, otherwise, it was a really good evening (great atmosphere, pleasant staff, sweet vibe) and plenty of laughter was had! 

This year, as well as having more time for myself, the Autumn/Winter goal was to explore new places and spend quality time with loved ones creating significant memories. 

September was all about my birthday and I did a lot including - the Upside Down House, Rome, Venice, Paris and Popworld! I truly had the most fun and thank everybody who joined me for the celebrations! In October I thoroughly enjoyed a Me, Myself and I week which included meditation, plenty of reading and, of course, my beloved Home Spa Experience. Despite being a challenging month, November served up lots of joy too. There were lovely moments with friends and I discovered/explored a few areas in London (e.g. New Bond Street and Fitzrovia known as 'hidden London') that I'd not been to before (not sure why) and (deep breath) I went on a date!! Get me! HA-HA!

I also plan to have a Salt Cave session as I've been told it is so good for our skin and general well-being! Recently, I was very sick (flu virus and chest infection but, I had to work as my employer did not grant sick pay which meant getting better was to be a struggle. As a result, I remained unwell for SEVEN weeks and it was very unpleasant!). A chesty cough and a blocked nose, together with an on/off headache, has lingered... The Salt Cave will apparently clear my airways, get rid of my dry cough, ease the headache and have me get the best nights sleep I've ever had! 

Have you visited a Salt Cave before? What was your experience? If not, book yourself in if you can! Look for deals on the Groupon app.

TIP (from a member of staff at the Wandsworth branch): Make sure you wear light clothing, no dark colours and take with you a book and a change of clothes if you intend to go out afterwards. The salt can get everywhere including your phone so, place it inside a plastic cover that you can seal while still being able to use the phone or just put it away!

Probably the most interesting new experience I had was my first ever Hen Do (I was booked as the Photographer - see the collage below, LOL) and, er, yeah...., it was definitely a season highlight!! LOL!

You still have time to do something new, explore a place that's on your list, and get together with loved ones (before Christmas day, of course) to share a unique experience that will leave you all with the best memories. Do it!!

Fashion and Styling

Okay, so, if Christmas is not the time when you can afford to completely relax where keeping up with fashion is concerned, I don’t know when is! Try not to take it too seriously. Have a laugh and be a bit tacky with it. Dig out some old, wearable pieces fit for the season and style them with some basic accessories. 

If you’re attending a festive shindig, Amazon, eBay, Primark, Matalan, boutique outlets, high street retail and local fancy-dress shops are usually great for affordable items which you can use again. 

Happy Christmas planning! x

Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.