WEEKEND RITUAL #17 : GREETINGS FROM 2015

Well hello, 2015.

Firstly, I am not the type of person who sees in the New Year with a a plethora of 'New Year, new me' style Facebook statuses and ill-fated attempts at getting fit. My New Year's resolution for the past three years has been (when asked) to avoid eating peas for another year (which says a lot about my childhood diet). However, the past week has brought some unexpected changes to my life and I've had to reassess and revaluate various different aspects - playing a 'one in, one out' game, literally and metaphorically (expect a good portion of my wardrobe to be on eBay in future weeks). The fact that these changes happened to coincide with the 2014/2015 turning point has given me the opportunity to assess how happy I am and how close I am to where I want to be. I've been given the opportunity to remove the elements of my life which were holding me back, set myself goals and motivations for the coming year, and work towards edging myself that little bit closer towards my career dreams.

Read the below and remember, baby steps work best, be realistic. And aim high, ALWAYS.

+ Work hard and play hard. As a perfectionist, I'm the first to admit that I can push myself too hard at times, but balance is vital.

+ Drive yourself. Take every opportunity you are offered, especially the scary ones.

+ Love and be loved. Nurture every relationship, because what you put in should be what you get back. Relish the ones which make you happy, and never take anyone for granted.

+ Be beautiful inside and out. Your skincare regime may rival that of a catwalk model but ensure that you're filling your body with the good stuff too. And vice versa.

+ Get on the move. Run, walk, swim, play, WIN.

+ Sometimes what feels like a step backwards is actually a giant leap forwards. Don't be afraid to go against the grain, and never let anyone define your success but yourself.

+ Detox. And I'm not just talking booze. Remove the negativity from every aspect of your life and you'll be all the more happier.

+ Goals. Make the most of every day, and ensure that you've worked those precious 24 hours to their full potential. In the game of life, every second counts. Don't waste it.

+ Surround yourself with positive people. You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with, so choose them wisely.

+ Put yourself out there. Don't just wait for opportunities to come along, and don't rely on others' promises. Life is short and YOU are the only one who can make things happen.

+ Happiness > money. Always. Give up that 9-5 chore/snore and do what you love. Even if it means pinching pennies for a while, it will be worth it in the long-run.

And remember, resolutions are for life, not just New Year.

G x

Join me in 2015 on Twitter and Instagram.

+ One of my favourite things about the New Year is that everyone has been sharing their favourite blogs of 2014, and I've discovered so many amazing new reads in recent days. Divya, SofieTenneil, and Holly dedicated some very kind words to TGG on their own blogs. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to know that you enjoy reading my content as much as I enjoy writing it. BIG LOVE ladies. + + My friends are forever inspiring me, and none more so than Jen, who shared her passion, knowledge, and experience of blogging in this fantastic (and free!) PDF, ahead of her upcoming book launch (how exciting!!). + + + I love reading all the 'best of beauty' posts which float around Bloglovin at this time of year, and Lilly's '14 Beauty Items of 2014' was my favourite. + + + + Stylist have rounded up the best-selling beauty products of the year, always an interesting read. + + + + + Last week on ALO I bought you this guide to addressing your skincare concerns, the FAST way.