2016 has surprised me, as I never imagined it could top 2015. This has been a year of adventure, growth, and turning lifelong dreams into a reality. Of course, 2016 has been a shitty year globally, but who says I can’t focus on the positive? Now I know 2017 might not be as life changing as 2016 was for me, but I might as well set some goals to make it the best it can be. I’ll let the world leaders figure out how to make the rest of 2017 better.
First of all … what resolutions from 2016 did I keep, and which did I completely ignore?
- Travel Solo More: Check!
- Make Local Friends: Not exactly, but I have made lots of international friends
- Use The Local Language: I kind of did in Paris
- Learn to Better Deal with Travel Mishaps: I think so … or nothing super stressful has happened.
- Avoid Restaurants in Touristy Areas: Sometimes a girl is just hungry!
Here are my 2017 Resolutions
1. Meet More People
It’s easy to get comfortable with the people you live with or the people you meet right away when you move to a big city. I have become such great friends with the girls I live with (which is a very fortunate thing in London). That being said, I too have become too comfortable. I need to continue expanding my friend groups. London is such an international city, yet I’ve only befriended Aussies and Kiwis – it’s that Commonwealth 2 Year Visa bond! We all know how obsessed I am with British culture; time to befriend some locals too!
2. Attend More Events/MeetUps
An easy way to meet more people (local people too) is to go to events. Through London social Facebook groups (i.e. London New Girl), MeetUps, and simply seeing what is happening in the city (via sites like TimeOut), I can meet new people AND experience new things. You don’t move to another country/continent to keep up your old routine.
3. Go to Sleep/Wake Up Earlier
A key to feeling healthier and more productive is to get more sleep. I don’t want to spend each night scrolling Instagram (or Tinder) while Gilmore Girls plays on Netflix in the background. Time to get to sleep well before midnight and spend more time in the morning creating a routine to increase my productivity.
4. Discover More of London
I’ve ticked off the majority of the places I want to see in London. Now it’s time to explore more of the city than I am familiar with. I’m hoping to start a new series where I suss out each of the neighbourhoods in London and write up a profile with my favourite discoveries (i.e. Islington, Clapham, Notting Hill, Shoreditch, …).
5. Write More
Ain’t that an obvious resolution? There are so many ideas that I have about life in London (including more letters to Bridget Jones). I’ve given a bit of a hint about what’s to come, so let’s hope I stick to this resolution!
Did you think I was going to say exercise more? Hah. Maybe I’ll just walk to work more often. Hey, at least I’m getting out and about!
What are your resolutions for the new year?
This is a great post Samantha! I’m so glad you’re enjoying London, I look forward to more letters to Bridget Jones as that post was adorable!
I hope you make friend with a Brit soon, though we’re quite awkward about meeting new people so you’re best making the first move! Happy New Year x
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Thank you! I love writing the Bridget Jones posts as well. Just need to experience some more embarrassing/juicy mishaps! Lol
And noted! Happy new year to you too 😊🥂
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This is awesome! I am going to London in a few days…any places you recommend seeing?
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Thanks! Is it your first time?
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I was there for a day once, I recall seeing the changing of the guards, London Tower and Big Ben.
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So true, it’s such a waste to move to a new country and not make any friends from that country! It’s even easier when you speak the language (that was the hardest thing about making Polish friends for me).
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I bet! I’m likely moving to a non English speaking country after my visa is up here. Will definitely need some tips then
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#2 and #4! I’m trying to do the same!! Wouldn’t it be lovely if we randomly run into each other! But seriously, if you’re ever down for tea, let me know cause I’m on the same resolution too 😂
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Of course! We can help each other out with the resolutions! 😄🥂
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Good luck with the resolutions and happy new year!
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Thank you!
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Hey Samantha. Are you still in London? We live just outside in a place called edlesborough. I can happily give you a few out of the box idea from an actual English person if places to see that arnt so touristy? How long are you here for?
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Yes I am! I’m here for 20 more months :) Would love some ideas
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ok email me your email address to travel@awanderingmemory.com and I’ll put together a whole recommendations piece for you. We live 40 mins outside near a place called Milton Keynes and were born and bred around London so hopefully will have a few ideas you will like.
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Exercise more? lol… way too many people get sucked into that New Years vortex. My job is very physical and I love that! I don’t need to work out and I appreciate that.Not to mention loving my job!
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Very true! Lucky you :)
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haha all very great goals! I, too, kept on telling myself that I will expand my circle of friends in my own city, but has failed to go to Meet Up events! I need to get on that this year…
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Thanks! Haha ya MeetUps always seem like good idea on the days I have nothing to do, but then it comes around and I second guess it. Need to bite the bullet and go!
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Resolutions:
1) post regularly on my blog
2) get my second blog up to speed so that I can release it publicly
3) find an agent to help me publish my novel
4) Join an exercise group to expand my circle of friends
5) Speak up when I see or hear about people behaving badly or passing on untruths.
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Great resolutions :) Congratulations on writing a novel!! I hope you get it published this year, that would be incredible! … Also 5 is very important, good on you
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Great goals for 2017! Very aspiring! I always make a vision board with pictures that inspire me. I totally forgot to do it this year and this post just reminded me! Can’t wait to hear about your travels in 2017!
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Thank you! I hope you are successful with your goals :)
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Just catching up on the blog, some good resolutions here. I’m from London and go back quite often so maybe I’ll catch you some time :)
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