Every year since I can remember, I've always went to the effort of making resolutions - no matter how stupid the idea seems. Like every year, I've set myself the typical "get fitter, put down your phone more" stuff. Which, to be fair, I succeeded in mostly in 2016. I am much fitter than I was, although not as fit as I was earlier in the year when I was walking or running 30+ miles a week - but that's just down to weather and time restraints. I also set myself the aim of posting more selfies, and generally gaining a bit more confidence, and as much as I definitely posted more selfies than before, it wasn't so much down the more confidence than more of the pressure to accept myself as I am (another important lesson that I'm going to carry through with me to 2017, hoping the confidence I'm longing for follows suit).

However, along with a range of those little goals, like wanting to read more, try different types of exercise, cut down on sugar as much as possible etc, I want to strive for something bigger this year. I want to push myself to do something brave and exciting once a month this year. These don't have to be found universally brave or courageous, just something a little out for my comfort zone. For example, I want to get my ears pierced. The whole reason I haven't had them done up to this point is because I'm terrified of needles and I'm terrified of altering my body (a weird side effect of a crippling fear of change haha). Not only does this resolution let me tick fun things off my list, it means that I'm pushed to conquer fears and push personal boundaries, opening up so many new experiences. To name a few of the ideas I have, I want to walk the West Highland Way, and I'm planning on going interrailing in May/June. I've also wanted to try skydiving for so long, and that would be another cool experience to tick of the list.

Of course, these are just ideas, and I'll likely look back at this post in a year's time and laugh at my own naive ambition, but oh well, it's all a bit of fun. A new year means new beginnings, and new experiences/people/places/memories and I'm excited for it all. A new year does not necessarily mean a new me - but someone who uses the next 365 days to build on the person they've created and developed over the past 18 years.