I recently read that we should apologise less and give thanks more. For example, if you arrive late for a coffee date with a friend, thank your friend for their patience instead of saying sorry. It gives good energy to your friend and the interaction is one of gratitude instead of apology. I apologise a lot. I have a guilty conscience. This year, I am going to stop saying sorry. I am doing my best. I am enough.
Instead of writing New Year’s resolutions, for the past few years, I’ve been compiling a lists of what I want to focus more and less of for the year.
My 2015 manifesto can be found here and still holds pretty true in terms of what I want. I admit I hadn’t reviewed the list in the last ten or so months and it’s been a while since I looked at my 2014 manifesto, but I’ve only tweaked the lists a little for 2016.
2015 was a wonderful year…
- I told the universe I wanted to be a food photographer and food stylist
- I made a photography portfolio
- I photographed, styled and designed a cookbook
- I photographed and styled for a food delivery company
- I joined NZBloggers and attended #brunchclub events
- I re-designed this blog
- I created a media kit
- I was named one of NZ’s top food bloggers of 2015 by hotelclub.com
- I started using Instagram
- I got my first media pass
- I published my first (and second) sponsored posts
My health improved. I went off medication in the second half of 2015 and have stayed off medication. My monthly blood tests say that my body is doing just fine without meds.
Tofu the bunny didn’t require any surgeries in 2015, which was awesome because he had three separate surgeries in 2014. We worried a lot about him in 2014 so it was a relief that there were no major problems in 2015.
2016 means being kinder to myself and being more selective about the projects I take on. I’ve been a “DO ALL THE THINGS!!!” kind of girl and am naturally curious about many projects. This year I hope to do less of everything, and more of the things I really, really want to do. I want learn to identify what opportunities and creative curiosities are unmissable and which might be better suited to others.
I’d love to know what your resolutions or manifestos are. Feel free to post your resolution or links in the comments below. Who knows, the universe might be listening.
Bunny Eats Design 
Go you! This post is really inspiring and speaks to your healthy, stable mindset. More power to you and good luck in the new year. I’ll be right there with you accepting myself. Truly the most worthwhile resolution.
Thank you Sweet J.
You are absolutely right Genie, we apologize far too often (did you see American Idol last night? One contestant apologized every time she opened her mouth, it was crazy). I wish you and the Koala and that adorable bunny, Tofu all the best for 2016.
You too Eva! xx
Well said Genie. I’d be happy if my year ahead was alot like yours past, in bloggy terms anyway. I’m starting some photo lessons next week and I just got my first free appliance to do recipes for. Now to get my head around tech.
Thank you instead of sorry is a great ethos, such a subtle shift in mindset. A bit like using and instead of but. Positive and effective.
We really can be our own worst enemy if we allow it.
I started some simple meditation this past year and stopped caring what others think. Climbed a really big mountain too. My first time.
Kid and I are starting Yoga together shortly.
I’m getting married in September so there’s heaps to look forward to.
We love Bunny Eats Design.
All the best to you,Koala and Tofu for 2016.
Adam, thank you for your thoughtful comment. I’ve loved following the Cook and Kid’s journey and look forward to more. My best advice for photography is practice. At least once a week, more if you can. Then review your photos regularly. Sounds like you have set yourself up for a great year with plenty to look forward to. I haven’t done any meditation for a long time and never tried yoga before. Maybe I’ll give them a go this year too. September wedding sounds great! Weddings are all about love and food right? 😀 Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful year. xx Genie (and The Koala and Tofu)
I’m British, so can you imagine the apologetic indoctrination? This was such a great post for me in terms of making me reflect on myself and what I’d like to achieve in the short and long term. Thank you so much. Also love that Rumi quote 🙂
Love the manifesto idea Genie, it’s a great substitute for resolutions. I haven’t made a resolution in years….but a manifesto? I reckon I could manage that. Happy 2016!
GREAT post! Congratulations on all of your accomplishments.
I too, say sorry way too easily (maybe it’s because I’m Canadian, eh?). I also say “Just Kidding” or “I’m just joking” after every joke or silly comment I make because I feel bad for making them or I just feel like I’m not funny enough…. it gets on my boyfriend’s nerves. I think I will be working on that this year.
My blog exploded this past year compared to 2014 so I hope to keep going in that direction. I have learned more than I ever thought possible about what it takes to run a good website and it is still NOT enough. I just want to learn, experience new things and be happy.
I wish you and all of your followers much success and happiness this year!
Much love from Montreal,
Joanna
I love your post, it’s great to list the things you’ve achieved last year rather than just focusing on the year ahead. I have some cooking goals that I want to work on this year. Here’s a link to my goals page on my blog 🙂 https://fortheloveofcookbooks.wordpress.com/cooking-goals-for-2016/
Thanks for sharing your goals for 2016.
As someone who apologises a lot, I’m going to try the give thanks more.
Thanks for this post 🙂
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