New Year, New Beginnings

I know that the start of a new year shouldn't mean you have to set yourself goals or resolutions, but the time between Christmas and New Year is the only time I have the chance to really reflect. This time last year was a very different one for me, I was days away from deciding to leave a job that if I am honest with myself, I wasn't enjoying at all and it really wasn't for me. I am in a much better place this year though and in a job that really want to develop me and get me back on track. Amazing the difference a year can make.
There are a lot of things that I want to achieve this year, but the main thing I want to do is try and tackle one thing at a time. The problem I have always had is I want to do everything at once and then I stress myself out and then don't do anything. My worst one was wanting to improve my photography skills, bought a course and never completed it as I wanted to do other stuff. That was a huge waste of money! 
So this year is about keeping the pressure off and if I only manage to achieve one thing then that is an achievement in itself. I am also getting married this year so that is going to take a huge chunk of my time and money for the first 5 months of this year!
But that lifechanging moment aside, I thought I would list habits that I want to stop doing this year.

• Stop putting pressure on myself
• Stop buying so many books that I know I won't have time to read
• Stop comparing the stage I am at in my life with others
• Stop worrying about what other people think
• Stop doubting myself
• Stop people pleasing

Honestly the amount of times I haven't done something because I am worried about what people might think is ridiculous. I've really realised how fleeting life can be - I think we all have recently and if other people think negative or judgmental thoughts then that's their problem. 

So not so much a list of goals but a lot of mindset changes and if they are the only things I achieve this year then I will be very happy.

Here's to 2022.

Underneath the Christmas Tree by Heidi Swan

Ahh don't you just love this time of year! I honestly cannot get enough, lots of excuses for cosy nights in reading and all the cosy Christmas books starting coming out. My first Christmas read of the year was Underneath the Christmas Tree by Heidi Swan, and it had everything and more that I want from a book at this time of year. Read on for my full review.

Book Review: The Girl in the Maze by Cathy Hayward

I think historical fiction has absolutely blown all other book genres out of the park this year. Every time I pick one up, I fall in love with it, and The Girl in the Maze was no exception. Read on for my full review.

Cheltenham Literature Festival 2021

The Cheltenham Literature Festival has been taking place from the 8th-17th October this year and the theme has been Read the World, which is a major new three-year theme. Read on to find out more about the festival.

Book Review: A Single Rose by Muriel Barbery

A new day, a new book review and today it is for Muriel Barbery's A Single Rose. This is Muriel's eight book and she is well known for her story, The Elegance of the Hedgehog. Read on for my full review.