It’s a new year, which means it’s the perfect time for a fresh start! Truth be told, I don’t think you need to wait until January 1 to start working on new goals or to refresh your life. If you passionately want to start a new project in March or August or on December 31, go ahead! But I also think it’s worth it to take advantage of our yearly reminder to take a look at our lives and see what we’d like to change or work toward. If it’s the start of a new year—or if you’re reading this in the middle of the year and just feel a need to refresh your life—here are six ways to do so.
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I’ve always wondered how many diets start—and fail—in January. Fresh off the holidays and the abundance of sugar-filled and rich foods they bring, sometimes you enter a new year feeling like you don’t need to eat for the rest of the month, but you need sustenance to live. I’m not going to tell you to start a diet or what foods you should cut out. I don’t know you and what your body needs to thrive. I will say you might want to start adding a few veggies in if you currently lack them in your diet. Movement always helps too. And water. The one thing I can tell you is that your body needs water to thrive and I’ve found making sure I’m properly hydrated always helps to give me a boost.
In 2017 I realized I had a lot of clothes that didn’t feel like me so I started to do a little clear out. Each month I’d get rid of a few of those pieces and incorporate a few new pieces. “Your clothes look like you,” my dad told me one day. It was cool to hear that from him, because I feel like me in them, too! And it feels great!
Our stuff can really weigh us down. Go through your belongings and honestly evaluate whether or not you want or need something. And be brutally honest with yourself! Yes, you want to read the articles you bought the magazines for, but you haven’t yet. Are you really going to if you haven’t already? Maybe you really want that back massager, but it doesn’t have a place to live when it’s not being used so it’s just become clutter. Maybe it’s time to move it on. If not, what can you move on so that your back massager can find its new home?
This could be its own blog post! What’s in and around your space can make such a big difference on how you feel—and I’m not talking about making sure your room is perfectly zen. What do you see when you’re in your space and how does that impact your thoughts? I didn’t want to be home at all this summer, so every chance I had I left town. The last time I “escaped” I sat in my brother’s basement thinking, “What is it that’s making me uncomfortable at home and what I can do to fix that?” My first thought was my comforter. I had spent so many sleepless nights with that comforter as I waited desperately for my time at a workplace I was trying to put behind me to end, and it made me think of that. My second thought: the cover I had on my computer, which I also used at work. Guess what I ordered as soon as I got home? If you’re looking for a new duvet cover, I absolutely love this one! It looks nice and is so comfortable. It’s also totally affordable! Add some cute throw pillows and set up a salt lamp (or two!) to help with air purification. Bonus: they’re a fun piece of decor. When you’re done, you’ve created your own little oasis. (PS – if you’re looking for a cover for your computer, I’ve received lots of compliments since I replaced my old one with this one.)
I get it! You have your goals and you’re so excited to get started with them that you want to do everything and make every change Right. Now. Been there! I’ve had those starts to the year. Get up early on January 1 (even though you were up late the night before ringing in the New Year), write a blog post, read the first chapter of Genesis, journal, work on a novel for an hour, work out, edit a poem, get some hobby time in and paint, post on Instagram, read a chapter of a book, yoga it out, spend some time in prayer and… how is it 1 a.m. already? Guess I’ll start working on going to bed earlier tomorrow.
It’s not realistic to do All The Things and make All The Changes on the first day. Take a step or two at a time. Your goals will still be there tomorrow.
2017 was the year I went from a casual “breathe blend, lemon, and peppermint oil plz” person to a bona fide oily girl. I’ve found that diffusing oils can make a room feel different—and fresh! You can diffuse lemon to get that “freshly cleaned” scent. I even have a friend who has diffused lemon essential oil because she hasn’t cleaned before people have come over and they always think she has! Eucalyptus totally creates a spa feel. My favorite blend these days? Eucalyptus and pine, sometimes with peppermint thrown in. The first time I used this I drew a bath and started diffusing these oils. I stepped out while the water was running and when I walked back into the bathroom it smelled/felt AMAZING. It immediately elevated this to favorite blend status. If you’re not quite ready to let go of Christmas, diffuse pine and orange. It’s better than a Christmas candle! (PS – my favorite diffuser. If I spend a night away from home, this little guy comes with me.)
Design by NXNW.
![“When was the last time you spent a quiet moment just doing nothing - just sitting and looking at the sea, or watching the wind blowing the tree limbs, or waves rippling on a pond, a flickering candle or children playing in the park?” [Ralph Marston]
I used to see my dad just sit and think, “How can he do that?” I always wanted to be doing something.
And now I try to remember—and often forget—to find pockets of time to be still.](http://scontent-ort2-2.cdninstagram.com/vp/009daf7a2c4e890d8f45e88c9da19f7e/5D732606/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/57094653_1357214081070469_8843512423712889536_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.cdninstagram.com "“When was the last time you spent a quiet moment just doing nothing - just sitting and looking at the sea, or watching the wind blowing the tree limbs, or waves rippling on a pond, a flickering candle or children playing in the park?” [Ralph Marston]
I used to see my dad just sit and think, “How can he do that?” I always wanted to be doing something.
And now I try to remember—and often forget—to find pockets of time to be still.")
!["Everything you can imagine is real." [Pablo Picasso]
MoMA was a dream. And inspiring. Do something that inspires you this week.](http://scontent-ort2-2.cdninstagram.com/vp/048969695427becb45c124e8afa94899/5D52492E/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/54204242_705399393228105_4317314845970727381_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.cdninstagram.com "\"Everything you can imagine is real.\" [Pablo Picasso]
MoMA was a dream. And inspiring. Do something that inspires you this week.")
Chelsea Jacobs
January 3, 2018 at 8:40 amSUCH good advice! We all need a refresher every now and then!
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:28 pmYes, we do! It always feels so good to freshen things up, too!
Kenya Rae
January 3, 2018 at 8:51 amThe one about refreshing your space resonates with me. My office is in a constant state of transition and is driving me crazy. With every piece of progress I make I feel so much better!
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:31 pmI don’t think I realized the impact my physical space has on me until this summer! I hope that you continue to make progress with your office! It must feel good when different pieces fall into place. 🙂
Stephanie Cummings
January 3, 2018 at 9:07 amThe refresh your space is so important in the new year! Time for the perfect purge
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:31 pmIt is! I’ve been purging a lot this year and it feels so good!
Chelsea
January 3, 2018 at 9:45 amLove this post, Crystal! Going through my closet always helps me feel rejuvenated! It’s been on my to-do list for a while now!
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:32 pmThank you, Chelsea! It always feels good to move out some old pieces! And put some new ones in! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength & Sunshine
January 3, 2018 at 9:48 amLove the opportunity to refresh in the new year!
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:50 pmMe too! It feels so good!
shootingstarsmag
January 3, 2018 at 10:04 amI do want to try using essential oils more this year – I hear good things about them! I’ve been using a blend right before bed that someone put together for me, but I’ll have to look into a diffuser!
Good luck with 2018!! 🙂
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:33 pmLet me know if you ever have questions about them! The more I use them, the more I fall in love.
Lily Ayala
January 3, 2018 at 11:53 amEssential Oils have become a recent favorite of mine, love them!
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:33 pmThey’re a favorite of mine, too! The more I use them, the more I love them!
Courtney Heathcock
January 3, 2018 at 12:56 pmI love this! So many good ways to have a refreshing start into the new year instead of rushing in!
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:33 pmThanks, Courtney! Yes! It’s so nice to ease into the new year and really try and refresh your life so that you feel good. 🙂
Robin
January 3, 2018 at 7:14 pmI am so guilty of not easing into my goals, and waiting until January 1 to really dig into big changes in my life… It’s so inspiring every year that I always try to fix every area of my life all at once! This is a great reminder to start simple–after all, what does it matter which goals you set (and how many) if you don’t keep them? Happy New Year!
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:34 pmExactly! I always like to rush into them, too, but I just burn myself out when I do that. I don’t want to do that again this year.
Christie Brown
January 3, 2018 at 7:15 pmThese are such great words of wisdom! I agree, it’s easy to get excited about a new year and new goals that we take on too much all at once and become disheartened when things don’t pan out. It’s definitely better to ease in to everything. I’m aiming to drink more water this year and I think I’m about due for a closet clear-out.
Happy 2018! 🙂 x
Becca
January 3, 2018 at 7:56 pmHappy New Year! We’re hopping on the minimalizing train over here and it feels so good to declutter clothes and all the random things that tend to accumulate.
Adriana
January 3, 2018 at 9:10 pmSuch great tips! Decluttering really does help clear your mind! Love this!
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:38 pmYes, it does! It’s amazing how helpful it can be!
Renee Benes
January 3, 2018 at 11:24 pmI feel like just reading this put me at ease! Great tips and I am 100% on board!
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:39 pmI’m glad you appreciated the post! I hope you were able to refresh your life a little bit in January, too! I’m still working on it. 🙂
Kiarna Jayne Welch Gibbs
January 4, 2018 at 4:54 amLove these tips! I recently bought a few crystals to place in my bedroom!
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:39 pmThank you! It’s amazing how little things can make a difference. 🙂
Erica @ Coming up Roses
January 4, 2018 at 6:46 amI just know this is the year that you turn ME into an “oily girl” too! LOL!
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:40 pmYes, it will be!! 😂 I take some of them when I travel, so it’ll happen. 😉
Carley
January 4, 2018 at 9:07 amI feel like drinking water is such a basic thing and yet, we all need reminded to do it. I’m definitely a person who craves a cold Pepsi every now and then and when I get on a kick, I have to make a concerted effort to drink water.
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:42 pmYes! I typically drink a lot of water, but I lose track of it a lot, too. And sometimes that cold Pepsi sounds like the most refreshing thing ever. When I notice that I’m reaching for soda too much I start drinking carbonated water. I’ve found some La Croix flavors that I really like (others not so much!) and I’ve discovered that sometimes the carbonation in the water satisfies the soda craving. 🙂
Beth Kondrick
January 4, 2018 at 9:59 amYes to all of this! And I agree, doing it in baby steps is the way to go. I used to try to do everything all at once and my older wiser self has realized that isn’t the best way to achieve goals. Start small and build up, right?
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:51 pmMe too! I always want to rush into them, but I must be getting older and wiser too because I’ve realized that’s not fruitful for me. I just get overwhelmed and burn out. Slowly adding them in this year has been so much more productive for me!
Melis | Primp And Prime Beauty
January 4, 2018 at 10:08 amI definitely have started a few of these like drinking tons of water, clearing out my wardrobe and living space, but I need to incorporate burning essential oils throughout areas of my home.
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:43 pmGo you! It’s been a work in progress for me so far this year. It’s so nice to have essential oils diffusing! It’s cool to see how different scents make me feel and it’s refreshing to have them going. 🙂
Carissa Link
January 4, 2018 at 10:32 amI’ve literally done 3 of these things already this year so far! I bought a diffuser, and a salt lamp! They are already doing wonders. And I just recently went through my wardrobe (which I try to do a couple times a year) – these are some great ideas!
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:44 pmThat’s awesome! I love how they make a room feel! I hope you’ve been able to refresh your life for the new year and that it’s been helpful for you!
Kim Munoz
January 4, 2018 at 12:22 pmMy sister got me a diffuser for Christmas 🙂 I really want to clear out all the extra stuff we have stuffing in closets and under the bed. I kinda want to donate my whole wardrobe and start fresh too. Not that I have much but, it would be nice to do that!
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:46 pmI hope you enjoy your diffuser! And yes! Clearing out all that stuff feels so so so good! And refreshing a wardrobe. I essentially did that over a period of time. I still have a few things that I had from before the purge. It took awhile to be able to do it, but it feels so good. All my stuff was so old and… it just needed to be done. 😂
Charlotte
January 4, 2018 at 2:33 pmLove this post, Crystal! I’m starting to think that a new space (or at least a cleaner, more minimalist living area) can make a world of difference and I’ve started decluttering, but by bit (glad that Bryan is finally joining me, too). It feels so good!!
I need to diffuse; in the meantime, I love my salt lamp, too 🙂
Happy happy new year; here’s to a wonderful 2018!!
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:48 pmYes! I’ve been going for a cleaner, minimalist space, too. Although, my idea of minimalist is that everything has a space and if it doesn’t have a space it has to go. As I’ve been doing this I’ve realized that the stuff that doesn’t have a space hasn’t even been used. I’ve just had everything in unorganized piles. Time to go! And like you said, it feels so good!
And yes! Diffusing feels so good! Salt lamps do, too!
Bridget@Antics of a NuttyHiker
January 5, 2018 at 7:12 amGreat tips! My biggest goal this year is to drink more water, which I have been doing! Next is getting the house more organized!
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:48 pmThose are great goals! I’m glad they’re going well so far!
Taylor Smith
January 5, 2018 at 8:43 amGreat tips!!! Baby steps is always easiest for me!
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:49 pmThanks, Taylor! Me too! I just need to remind myself of that a lot!
Chelsea
January 10, 2018 at 5:59 amI love your point about easing into your goals! I feel like I always have so many goals that I get lost in the clutter!
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
February 5, 2018 at 1:49 pmMe too! I either rush them and burn out or forget about them. I keep going back to them now as I slowly incorporate them into my life and I feel like I might be more successful with them than I have been in past years.