I have never been a fan of New Year’s Resolutions, purely because I don’t see the point in making a resolution just because I feel like I HAVE to. I don’t want to make resolutions based on the expectations of others or the need to conform to societal norms (which is what I have done in the past.) I would rather make goals/resolutions throughout the year because I WANT to.
Don’t worry, this is not yet another goal-setting guide. I just thought it might be interesting to share some of my winter resolutions and hopefully inspire you to have a think about what you want to achieve over the next couple of months.
Reading
I have always been a massive book worm. When I was a young whippersnapper, I handwrote hundreds of books; when I was 9, I even wrote my own spin off Harry Potter series (Tamara Jenkins and the Eagle Cauldron, absolute classic) accompanied by some very questionable illustrations. Basically I was (and probably still am) a massive geek with a very overactive imagination.
I frequently set myself reading goals, and for the next couple of months this involves reading more non-fiction, focusing predominantly on feminist non-fiction. I’ve just started reading Rise Up Women! by Diane Atkinson which explores the fight for women’s suffrage and will also be reading The H-Spot: The Feminist Pursuit of Happiness by Jill Filipovic.
Do you have any non-fiction feminist book recommendations? If so I would love to hear them!
Running
MORE STRENGTH TRAINING.
I have always ensured to supplement running with strength training, and in the lead up to London Marathon I want to focus on this more than ever.
That’s all I need to say on this one!
Embrace Fear
I have been contemplating a change in career for over 2 years but have only recently been brave enough to go for it.
What’s been holding me back? It has nothing to do with fear of failure – it’s more to do with the expectations of others RE not following the career path that I have worked so hard on for the past 10 years.
None of us like to disappoint people, especially those close to us, and my change in career has disappointed a surprising amount of people. The internal battle of wanting to pursue my passion whilst feeling incredibly guilty has had a detrimental impact on my mental health, and in all honesty, I am still struggling with this.
However, I have finally come to the realisation that my career choice is nobody else’s business. I still have a long way to go, and some big decisions to make, therefore my key goal for the next few months is to be brave, embrace the fear and pursue my passion – I’m super excited for what’s to come!
When do you set goals/resolutions? I would love to hear from you!
melltelka.com 
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie writes some good feminist tracts. I can lend if you haven’t read.
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No I haven’t read – that would be fantastic, thank you! x
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The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan is a good starting point when it comes to feminism (but I’m guessing that you may have already read that). Mary Beard’s Women and Power is also interesting (and not too long!)
As for setting goals, I set some big ones around my birthday, but tend to revisit them whenever I’ve got enough time to have a good think… or when I’ve achieved them/think they’re no longer relevant.
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Thank you! I’ve read Women and Power but I actually haven’t read The Feminine Mystique.
I love setting birthday goals too! x
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It would be interesting to hear your view of Betty Friedan I read it forty years ago and society has moved on a bit since. Beauvoir and Greer were also agents of change. Chimamanda is beautiful to watch and has a lovely sense of humour.
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I would echo Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Novels, Purple Hibiscus is amazing. She also does a beautiful TED talk called “We should all be feminists”, she is the most engaging, mesmerising speaker, a definite must watch ! Tracey Chevalier Falling angels is also fab, set as women’s suffrage was rearing it’s head. Feminism is I believe, one of the most important issues in the world today and one of the most relevant fights we need to keep on pushing. #smashthepatriarchy x
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Thanks Julia! I have a lot of reading to do – great recommendations!
I have actually listened to that TED talk and loved it xx
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Love Purple Hibiscus so much. Love your writing too and would like a copy of your Harry Potter book please. My goal is to try and be present and with my children as much as possible and ensure I set better working from home boundaries where possible. I want to read at least 2 books a day with the kids too. And read more online blogs and meet more interesting people and be a bit more open minded.
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Thank you! If I can locate my Harry Potter books then perhaps they will make a comeback!
Your goals sounds absolutely wonderful. xx
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I think you are being brave and making what will be in the long term a good decision in regards to your career. Following your passion and being fulfilled will bring you far more reward then perusing status and wealth ❤️
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