I was 10 when I became aware of how quickly a year can pass. I remember this distinctly because it was the first year where we rotated classes. Different teachers. More subjects, more things to lose and more steps to take. And each year after that, passed even quicker.

For a very long time, I looked at my life and nothing has changed. Living conditions changed, the time I spent in a car changed, shopping habits changed. Patience was going up and down. But not the deep things. The things that mattered. Those things that give purpose. Every now and again something would cross my path, where I thought – this is it. This is the big change. But most of the time I was wrong. A bit disappointing. Like getting all excited over a doughnut and ending up with a mouth full of heavy, sticky old dough.

Now the reason why I’m again reflecting over a year of the earth turning is simple. It’s another year of the earth turning for me. Last year was the year I turned 40. Going from an existential crisis about my purpose, to finding out I’m pregnant, to some heavy ups and downs; some excitements, heartaches and disappointments. My year around the sun was a supertube ride through 4 seasons and I could feel every bumpy joint on my butt.

But I feel strongly that so many other people also had some rough seasons and jointed-butted supertube rides.

What exactly is it that we want out of each year? What does a successful year look like?
Last year, all I wanted for my birthday  was to spend it with my loved ones. Some couldn’t make it, some could. Some loves were yet to come; some slowly going and some were never really there. Everyone should feel special and loved on their birthday.

I’ve come to realise that my expectation of a successful year has changed significantly. We know there will always be challenges. Some years will have more than others. We cannot run away from it. But we do not have to be shaken and thrown completely by it, to the point of no return. Because a sound foundation allows for a massive groundedness. And believe me when I tell you – hold on to that sound foundation.

Setting achievable goals every day helps with those steps forward to whatever your idea of success is.

So for my next year of the earth turning I have a couple of goals:

1. Stretch. Every day. Almost every day. But just stretch.

2. Start and end the day with positivity. Reading, music, stories. Some messages are best left unread, for when you’re wearing your boots.

3. When you say good morning  – mean it. Be genuinly excited that it’s another morning for you and your loved ones. Even if your knees hurt. Even if you’re stressed. Good morning  – simply because you get to have one.

4. Don’t just talk about your own day. Ask how other people are doing. Not because you’re polite, but because you care. And if you don’t care – ask anyway and then listen. A conversation consist of 2 people both with opinions and happenings.

5. Set 2 realistic goals for each day. It can be as simple as folding laundry or walking 5000 steps. Don’t make it too hard or too easy. But make sure you accomplish it.

6. Stay honest. Especially with yourself. The moment you start lying to yourself, deception becomes part of who you are. Others might never see it, but it doesn’t change the facts.

7. Do not settle for the hairdresser that gives you a mullet-shroom. Settle for the hairdressers that make your life easier, not harder. Not drain you and make you want to hide. That counts for everyone else in your life too. No more mullet-shroom people.

8. Be grateful for everything. The good and the hardships. Anything bringing you closer to God is not bad for you.

9. Find out more about pole vaulting. How does one even realise you have a skill in it?

10. Pray. When you are tired. Or when you want to get angry. When you are in awe.

The earth will keep rotating. We’ll continue to grow older. I am probably the dumbest that I’ll ever be right now. No jokes. And I’m perfectly okay with it. This year does not look the same as last year. But somehow it’s got a bit more hues. 😉

Have a lovely week friends!