Life Intentions For 2021

When I shared my post My Intentions for 2020, I had no idea what sort of year 2020 would turn out to be. I remember sitting and writing my intentions, and feeling immensely positive for a New Year and a new decade. Just as life usually does, things didn’t quite go to plan. However, 2020 taught me more about myself than ever before and how strong I really am, mentally and emotionally.

SELF LOVE AND KINDESS IN 2020

My first intention for 2020 was to live with intention; the intent to live each day. I believe I have firmly implemented this into my daily life so that now, without thinking too much, I am able to come back to the present and allow my mind to be open and in the moment.

Not all of the intentions I’d set out for myself were achieved to the extent I had hoped for but I show myself kindness and will carry them over to 2021, making adjustments to make them more achievable. I hope to continue my journey of self-love, self-acceptance and to live every day with intent. So here we go, a reflection of my 2020 intentions and what I plan to do going forward in 2021.

MINDFULNESS

I have been meditating for 3 years and the journey has been an awakening for me. I wanted to make 2020 the year I really let myself go into meditation and other mindfulness activities. I spent the year focusing on my time meditating, the way my body feels and my mind reacts to stopping in the moment. This is something I’ve really wanted to do and the process thankfully came easily to me. It has become a way of escapism for me from the business of life, emotional stress and even if I just do 10 minutes a day, I am able to focus on my breath, slow down and reset my mind. It is now one of my favourite things to do for myself and I look forward to practicing every day. I meditate daily, sometimes twice a day, in the morning and/or evenings before bed. Meditation makes me feel so grounded, calm and my mind can be decluttered from negative thoughts and to strengthen my mind to deal with daily stresses.

STUDIES

Because of my love for meditation and mindful acts, I wanted to deepen my knowledge of Mindfulness and have enrolled onto a Mindfulness diploma course, but with the spanner thrown into the works last year, I wasn’t able to set aside the time I really needed to study, with the kids at home and my husband working from home, I pressed pause on this. Now that we are in a new year I have pressed play and will be continuing my studies to learn more about Mindfulness. I’m so excited to do this for myself.

HEALTHY GUT HEALTH

Nearly three years as a vegetarian, the benefits that came with cutting out meat has worn off and even though I still don’t eat chicken, turkey or fish, I have recently had a couple of meals with some added meat protein like lamb. My body reacted surprisingly well, now I don’t want to use labels here and say I’m a meat eater or I’m a vegetarian, no, I am listening to my body and what it needs and craves. My diet is primarily plant-based, I will continue to plan and eat my meals as a vegetarian and this works for me. The later part of last year I over-indulged in eating due to my emotions and stress, I started eating more refined sugars and carbs. This did not sit well with my gut or my weight and I’ve now set the reset button for 2021. I’m back to eating less of what I know my body can’t handle, concentrating more on raw veggies and low-carb foods to help with my digestion, and of course plenty of water.

GETTING FIT AND STRONG

Just like my eating habit, the first half of 2020 I was exercising regularly, my body was fit and strong but then I lost motivation and my health started to deteriorate and I am far from fit and strong and this has definitely effected my mood and my migraines are a lot more regular than they were before. This year I have chosen to start with getting back into what I love, Yoga. This is my favourite type of low impact exercise and I always love to use Yoga With Adriene. I am currently taking part in her new 30-day program Breathe which is fantastic and goes hand in hand with my journey with mindfulness and my meditation practice. I have also been walking more with the kids, which is a great way to get out the house and get some fresh air. We are very fortunate to live near woodlands and it’s a great way to spend time together as a family when there isn’t much else to do at the moment. My plan is to start slowly with stretching and strengthening my body with yoga and walking, I then want to get back to running and low intensity interval training LIIT sessions to build muscle and strengthen my back and core with a little Pilates, as I really miss my classes at my local gym.

HOBBIES AND DOING THINGS I LOVE

Last year I really wanted to indulge more in hobbies and things I love. I indulged more in cleaning and organising my home and even purchased the Mrs Hinch Little Book of Lists – I love a list. I read more books and reached my goal of 20 books, this year I want to read 23. I also started sewing and baking but I really want to get into a consistent routine with them all this year. I find taking the time out of my normal routine to indulge in an activity that I love has helped me deal with what’s going on in the world and remain positive. I took the time we were blessed with at home to really do the things I love and to make my house a home. I started re-decorating and I discovered a love for interior design. This is something I really love and have even created a new Instagram account @mindfulhomeliving which Is a place I share my home renovations and cleaning loves.

LIVE MY LIFE TO THE FULLEST

I finally got to a place where I had my anxiety and migraines under control, my bad days with my depression where less and less and then COVID hit. As I’m writing this, I can feel my heart rate increase with the anxiety of what it will be like when we are able to return to normal. I’m an introvert and love my own company and I’m worried how long it will take me to get back to that place of confidence, allowing myself to live my life to the fullest. I will plan to take it slowly, little things like putting petrol in the car, or going food shopping by myself. These are the little things that cause me stress and anxiety and because I know I can overcome this feeling, I will be kind to myself and allow myself the space to be courageous giving myself the time do these things, I know I can and I know the great feeling after I have achieved them.

BLOGGING AND INSTAGRAM

Just like everything else in my life, I lost motivation with writing and sharing content on my blog during the second lockdown of 2020. I miss it, so I want to get back to sharing my loves on my blog. I was so shocked and pleased that my little blog had over 136,500 views last year and this has revived the fire in me to carry on doing what I love. I’m so grateful for all my readers and followers and can’t wait to share more of my food, skincare and life loves with you all.

If I’ve learnt anything from last year, it is to go with the flow, try not to stress or have complete control over everything, just ride with the waves. It’s the little things that we should appreciate. Let life take you where it is suppose to go. Just remember to look after yourself, concentrate on yourself, work hard for what you want and enjoy life and what it has to offer you.

Here’s to a great, happy and healthy 2021!

Let me know what your intentions are for this year in the comments below.

Love, Pinar x