This year I set out some pretty big goals for myself. Within the first few weeks, I'd ticked a few off and then, as it often happens, Summer came to an end, the days got full and I didn't check my list for a little while. Looking back now though, I realised that those goals and ideas, buying less, treading lightly, learning new skills, were all firmly at the forefront of my every day life. So now as I reflect on what I've done thoughout the year, I realise that by living consiously and thoughtfully, I've been able to achieve much of what I set out to. And while my total no waste kitchen is still a little way off, I know I'm taking those little, mindful steps each day, to slow down, stay in the moment and revel in the beauty of every day life. Here's some of my favourite goals for the year.
Buy less, live more - This really has become the motto of my life at the moment. I used to find myself just buying things, little things for no real reason. Perhaps because I thought I needed it, wanted it, had to have whatever it was. That need to buy is often so innate within us a society, it's hard to shake off, but this year I've been really trying. Each day our home becomes a little more minimalist and a little more peaceful. Having a list, placing boundaries, evaluating and avoiding impulse buys have all helped me to bring less stuff into our home and feel lighter, happier and more fulfilled.
Preserve the year in homemade jams and preserves - I've loved learning about preserving this year! It's the first time I've delved into the preserving world and I can't believe how rewarding it is. Our foraged lilly pilly jam was one of my favourites for the year and I can't wait to try some different recipes and ideas next year. Chilli jam is high on my to make list.
Make my own pasta - Why have I not made my own pasta before. Seriously how delicous and simple! I must remember to do this more often and to learn how to dry and store it too.
Give homemade gifts - Making gifts always makes me so happy. This little set of garden friend finger puppets (which I just finished yesterday) is one of my favourites for the year. I've found it a really beautiful way to slow down and invest time into something special.
Write more - This is always a challenge and one openly accept every year. I'm noticing now that when the words come, I just have to be there ready with a pen to catch them, no matter the time or place, so I often keep my journal close just in case. There are ideas brewing, words wanting need to be shared and I'm looking forward to writing and publishing more in 2016. You can find more about my journalling practice here.
Make my Nan's relish recipe - This year, as I finally took a leap of faith into the world of preserving, I made my Nan's relish recipe. It took all day, a tradition I'd love to continue each summer and it really tasted amazing. Of course, our three bottles didn't even make it until Autumn, so this summer I think a bigger batch is in order. You can find the recipe here.
Have a family holiday in Byron Bay - This holiday was so beautiful. Alongside being a part of my sister's gorgeous wedding day, we got to reconnect with a part of the world we love, play at the beach and rekindle our dreams of sea side living.
Create a minimalist wardrobe - This was a huge goal for me this year and something I'm really proud of. Only a few years ago I had a huge amount of factory made, cheap clothes, that I didn't really look after or care much about. Now I've got my wardrobe down to 50 items of clothing and 10 pairs of shoes and couldn't be happier. I'm in my third year of my ethical fashion journey and now almost everything I own is ethically made, handmade or preloved. I'll be sharing more about this topic in the new year including some tips on how to curate an ethical and minimalist wardrobe of clothes you love.
Tread lightly - This goal is really all about mindset and making conscious choices. From growing our own food, refusing and reducing single use plastics, composting and buying less, it's everyday discussions and decisions that make our lives and the planet healthier and happier. This is a goal that I work on each day and one that will always stay on my list.
Finish my raffia sun hat - Last summer I got rebellious and made my own sun hat. I wanted to take a stand against fast fashion and create something I really loved that would stay with me for many years. You can read more about my hat making here.
Learn a new skill - I thought I might learn darning but it turns out basket making was a new skill that's brought me great joy this year. With some leftover raffia from my sun hat, I set about creating a basket and enjoyed the process so much, I've been creating some to sell for Wilde Asher. I love beauty in utility, creating useful, long lasting objects and these eco friendly baskets just feel really special to create.
Begin a new project - I've fallen totally in love with natural dyeing this year and it's become an ongoing artistic study and project. I first tried natural dyeing back in 2012 with mixed results. I rushed what I was doing back then, wasn't very thoughtful and was only after the end results. This time around I've taken the opposite approach and am realising that the true beauty of this ancient practices lies in the slow and gentle pace and the beautiful and often unexpected results. I'm planning a series of posts about my natural dyeing studies for the new year and can't wait to share my experiences.
Give back to the community - This year I've been so happy to be able to give a little back through some crafting adventures, like making these prayer flags as part of Bec's fundraiser for Oxfam, my peace signs for UNICEF and some granny squares for Fleur's 'Little Squares of Strength' blanket.
Reconnect with Mother Earth - Time in the garden, weekend bush walks, gathering flowers, star gazing, cloud meditating, creating sacred spaces and ceremonies for the solstices and equinoxes have all helped me to begin my reconnection to Mother Earth. I hope to create an even more mindful daily practice in 2016 and expand my connection, through more yoga and meditation.
Live simply & love greatly - This year I have been learning to let go, trust my instincts, go within, find balance, cultivate happiness, practice gratitude, go slowly and be present, not just one day, but every day. I've noticed that at about 3pm each day, I can find a moment of quiet and I think to myself, 'yes, I've got this, it's working, I've found balance and simplicity', only to lose it again by the next morning. And what I've realised this year is.. That's perfectly ok. The eb and flow of life, much like the tide is profound and beautiful and working with it, staying present and aware of this cycle is where balance and happiness can truly be found.
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I started this goal list back in 2012 as a way to combat my previous lofty ambitions and new years resolutions which I was never able to keep track of or fulfill. I decided I wanted something that contained big and small goals, something I would love working through and something I could some back to year after year. I love the evolution of my goals over the years and the way they reflect my own evolution and growth. Now as I look to 2016, I'm looking forward to rolling over some of this year's ideas and adding a few new fun things into try.
Do you set yourself goals for the year? I'd love to hear about them!
Much Love & Light
xxx