New Year’s Resolutions always seem to focus on what you should give up in the coming twelve months.  But I think it’s far more worth while to make a list of the things you want to do more of in 2016.

It is a natural time to take stock of the year gone by – acknowledging the challenges and personal triumphs of the last 12 months.  But it is also the perfect time to create your intentions for the year ahead.  I am a big fan of Susannah Conway’s creative workbook, which is free to download here at ‘Unravelling the year ahead’. If you are a fan of journaling (which I am – although I must admit I’ve been a little rusty lately) you will already understand the power of the written word when it comes to defining your goals, hopes and aspirations.

Susannah’s insightful workbook is all about creativity and mindfulness – perfect for writers who need the space to dream and the motivation to follow through.  There are lots of interesting questions and exercises that really get your creative juices flowing, as well as bringing awareness to any areas where you might be feeling a bit stuck.  It’s a wonderful way to indulge your innermost thoughts on paper; to write and to dream.  And who knows, maybe some of those dreams will come true!

For myself, I have a few simple commitments I want to make.  First on my list – I want to read more.  There are so many books and so little time to read them, so my resolution is to make the time and squeeze more novels in.  Second, I want to paint more.  Painting is my other passion in life and I hope to exhibit some new pieces in 2016.  Third – I want to take time to stop and smell the roses.  Life can sometimes feel like hurtling towards an ever-shifting finish line, so I’m going to take more time to appreciate what’s around me and all the gifts I have received in my life.

Wishing you all a very happy & creative 2016 🙂