No Resolutions, No Pressure!
Celebrating small wins and healthier living.
“New Year, New Me” — just hearing that phrase makes me want to gag. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for self-improvement and tweaking my lifestyle and habits, but setting rigid, year-long targets? That feels more stifling than inspiring. Personally, I prefer to map out a Guide of the things I’d like to achieve and celebrate whatever extra wins I rack up along the way.
My Guide for 2024
Read 12 books over the year
Capture more photographs and explore new locations
Focus on improving my health to support my recovery
This time last year, things were far from peachy. I was still recovering from an MS relapse, and some days, just dragging myself out of bed and slogging through the workday was an achievement in itself. My weekends were spent ‘recovering’ — trying to recharge enough to survive the coming week. At the time, I was convinced I was wasting my life, being utterly unproductive but in reality, I should have been much kinder to myself.
I ambitiously challenged myself to read 12 books. Did I manage it? Not even close. I even cancelled my Kindle subscription midway through the year and turned to reading Substack posts instead. By the end of the year, I had to admit I’d failed the challenge spectacularly. That didn’t feel great.
But here’s the thing: I achieved so much more. I explored new places, rebuilt my stamina, launched my Substack, and focused on my health. I treated myself to quality food, proper rest, and time to heal. And guess what? As 2025 rolls around, I feel on top of the world (most days).
I’ve come to realise that my focus has shifted in a meaningful way. Rather than dwelling on what I haven’t achieved or what feels out of reach, I now celebrate what I have accomplished and can do. It’s a mindset that has brought me more peace and fulfilment and a perspective worth embracing.
1: Read 12 Books
Although I didn’t read many books last year, I enjoyed some remarkable titles between 2023 and 2024. My sister introduced me to Jeffery Deaver, which led me from delving into murder mysteries to exploring my interest in Buddhism and spirituality – an unusual mix, but undeniably fascinating. Here’s what I read:
Jeffery Deaver – The Coffin Dancer
Jeffery Deaver – The Bone Collector
Jeffery Deaver – The Skin Collector
Jeffery Deaver – The Empty Chair
Michael Williams - Buddhism
Ella Hughes - Third Eye Awakening
Huw Richards - Veg in One Bed
This January, I’m starting The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton, another gem my sister kindly passed along.
I’m looking to expand my reading list this year—if you have any favourite books or Substack reads, I’d love to hear your recommendations!
2: Capture more photographs and explore new locations
Last year, I immersed myself more deeply in photography, dedicating extra time to capturing wildlife, landscapes, and historic monuments. As I look ahead to 2025, I’ve compiled a list of subjects I’m eager to photograph and can’t wait to share the stories behind capturing these moments if and when they happen.
Here are a few of my favourite photographs taken in 2024.
3: Health and Healing
Food: From Supermarket Sceptic to Farm Shop Fanatic
This year, I’ve prioritised healing. We’ve completely overhauled our diet, focusing on quality produce from the local farm shop, with only the odd items, such as condiments, coming from the supermarket. I noticed a difference in how I felt within just a few days of eating better-quality food. On the rare occasions we’ve had to revert to supermarket produce, the contrast in taste, texture, and overall quality has been startling. Now, I make a weekly trip to stock up on fresh meats and veg, ensuring every home-cooked meal is packed with goodness.
Stamina: Strolling My Way to Superhero Legs
Another challenge I’ve taken on this year is building my stamina to get through the day without feeling like I’m on the brink of collapse. Also, one of my biggest fears about having Multiple Sclerosis has always been losing the use of my legs – a fact not many people know about. That’s why I make a point of going for walks whenever possible, determined to continue building my leg strength. I’ve also been considering setting up a home gym – nothing fancy. Why not just go to a gym, you might ask? Because I know I won’t go! I honestly can’t think of anything more monotonous. Hats off to regular gym-goers; your commitment is inspiring, but it’s not enough to inspire me to follow suit. I prefer exercising outdoors, which isn’t ideal for strength training, but every little helps, as they say.
Caffeine: Breaking Up with My Coffee Addiction
Most recently, I’ve cut down on caffeine. That might not sound like a big deal, but for me, it’s huge. I used to rely heavily on caffeine to get through the day. Over the festive period, I’ve limited myself to just one or two caffeinated cups a day, and let me tell you – the difference is real. I feel more energised now that I’m not overloading on caffeine. My other half gave it up years ago and even drinks decaf tea, but I was adamant I couldn’t do the same. It turns out I actually can – and I feel so much better!
My Guide for 2025
“If you’re not growing, you’re declining. There’s no staying still”
I came across a quote that got me thinking. At first, I questioned its truth - surely constant growth leads to burnout? After reflecting on the quote, I realised I agreed. Growth is the heartbeat of life - an ongoing journey that fuels progress and purpose. Standing still is an illusion; every moment is a choice, and even pausing is an important part of growth. Embrace challenges, seek knowledge, push boundaries, but take time to pause, reset, and reflect. Growth doesn’t demand perfection, only effort. And sometimes, the boldest effort lies in choosing to pause, proving strength isn’t just in pushing forward but in knowing when to breathe.
After setting a rather uninspired Guide for 2024, I decided it was time to put some real thought into the progress I’d like to see in myself and my lifestyle over the next 12 months. I’m sharing them here to revisit at year’s end to reflect on how I’ve done. No resolutions, no pressure!
Here’s my Guide for 2025.
1. Embrace Sustainable Living
Continue with my vegetable garden.
Set up a better composting system to reduce waste.
2. Connect with Nature
Continue with daily walks.
Learn and share more about wildlife, birds, and nature.
3. Enhance Our Home and Land
Take on a DIY project.
Create a safer space for the hens to roam free.
Plant trees or flowers that benefit local pollinators.
4. Develop New Skills
Experiment more with cooking using local or homegrown ingredients.
Explore courses that are useful for rural living, like animal or wildlife care.
5. Engage with Our Community
Support local businesses, farmers, and artisans.
6. Focus on Health and Wellness
Start a consistent exercise routine, like yoga or cycling.
Explore more mindfulness techniques, using peaceful surroundings.
Create a balanced routine to manage stress, reduce fatigue, and stay productive.
7. Plan for Self-Sufficiency
Learn how to preserve my harvest through freezing, drying, or pickling.
Start raising more chickens, bees, or other small livestock if space allows.
8. Cultivate Creativity
Continue to write about my countryside experiences.
Continue with photography, sketching, and painting.
9. Explore Local Attractions
Visit nearby parks, forests, or nature reserves.
Discover more hidden gems in my area, like cafes, historic sites, or scenic overlooks.
10. Reflect and Plan for the Future
Document and share my journey through photos and writing.
Set aside time each month to review my progress and adjust my goals.
Living in the countryside offers so many unique opportunities—this Guide helps me to make the most of them while fostering a fulfilling and grounded lifestyle.
Do you set yourself goals, and aims, or create a Guide? If so, what would you like to achieve this year?
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I really enjoyed reading your down-to-earth reflections 🙏🌿 So much wisdom here, and I loved reading your guide for 2025! ✨
I love this. You’ve given me so much inspiration for things to prioritise this year. The best book I read last year was The Kamogawa Food Detectives - a really lovely, gentle read. Xx