The new year is upon us and this is where we are told to look back at the last 365 days and look at the next 366.

Last year I didn't really want to set myself any "resolutions" as I didn't think I would stick to them. So instead I categorised the big areas in my life and wrote what I could improve on, which I feel like it actually helped because it wasn't specific enough to be pressurising and feel like a failure when I inevitably fail them. This year I am going to step it up a notch with my resolution-y post and outright state what I want to do, but still vague enough that I don't have that pressure.

SO, here is a look at the year ahead for me and what I want to achieve. I wonder if any of these things match up with you guys?

1) Education
2016 is going to be my last year of tertiary study (for now, anyway) and I have just gotten word that I have been accepted into Honours for my Design degree, which is really exciting! I have always been a "B" girl, but this year I am going to push myself and my design skills further and aim for some of those "A"s! I may or may not have started some of my work already!

2) Mental Health
I've been on my anti-depressants for just over a year now and they have worked wonders for me. However, I don't want to depend on them for the rest of my life, if I can help it. I'm not saying that I want to go off them in 2016, but I would like to work on my mental health a bit more; not kick myself when I'm down (easily said than done) and try to look at the more positive things (again, such an easy thing to say) which means that coming off my meds wont be such a scary concept.

3) Bodily Health
This past year I have started to eat a lot healthier, but in doing so I have also been eating very unhealthy in between. I have been eating a lot more fruit this year as I have gotten a smoothie maker but since being on holiday from university, my healthy smoothies have also gone on a holiday. So in 2016 I want to eat more fruit and vege, and drink a lot more water. This is going to be a bit hard as both my boyfriend and I can be quite lazy when it comes to cooking, but what I'm thinking is starting off snacking on an apple/orange/carrot instead of chocolate and work my way up to the healthier meals.

4) Family
Since I have moved out of home I have been drifting away from my family more and more each year, and I haven't quite noticed how bad that has been for not only myself but also for my family. In 2016 I want to go home more and visit them as the last time I saw my family was almost six months ago. I want to let my family care for me and not push them away when I want to be Ms Independent; I'm still their little girl!

5) Friends
This year has definitely been the year of friendships; I've stepped out of my comfort zone and have been talking to a lot more people and making more connections. I have however noticed that each year I have a "group" of close friends, that unfortunately as each year comes by the older friends get a little forgotten by the newer friends. This is usually because we don't have the ease of seeing each other every day and drift away. In 2016, I want to not let this happen and rekindle my old friendships.

6) Sleep
This year my doctor told me I have insomnia, and since moving into my boyfriend's flat I have noticed that my sleeping has really gone out the window. Sharing a bed with someone means that covers is some kind of custardy battle, snoring and sleep talking is a thing to get used to, room temperature and blanket quantity needs to be compromised and lastly sleeping schedules vary extremely. In 2016 I'm going to try get my sleeping habits back on track and nap less, which is going to be a long and tiring (ha) process. I need my 9-10 hours a night back! I have no idea how I'm going to do this, I just am!


So, here's a virtual toast to 2015, lets hope 2016 brings along good finds, good times and good company!

What are some of the best things of 2015 for you? What are you looking forward to most about 2016? Are you making resolutions, if so, what are they?

- Louise