There's something about motherhood that makes you infinitely more realistic. Perhaps it's those early days with a newborn when your greatest achievement is jumping in the shower. Suddenly, grand plans and ambitious resolutions seem inappropriate (if not laughable).
Despite that sentiment being front of mind, The Graces Tales team are not immune from some optimistic planning for the year ahead. Here’s what our team have on the list for their 2019 resolutions. Note, there’s not one mention of giving up wine or treats. We are realists, after all. Here’s to a wonderful 2019, mamas!
Georgie Abay, Founder
“To breathe more deeply and more often. A few deep breaths during the day can completely change the way you feel and calm you down. Often the days just feel like one big rush – rushing to get the lunches done, rushing to get to school on time, rushing to my desk. I rarely stop for a few minutes just to breathe. It’s little things like this that can make a huge difference to your overall wellbeing. Other than breathing, I really should cut down on my chocolate intake. Nah, that can be for 2020.” Image by Bridget Wood
Emily Armstrong, Editor-at-Large
“In 2019 I want to 1) reduce screen time – for me, the children and when my husband and I are together, read more and scroll less 2) be on top of my diary/calendar (no more anxiety around double-booking! I have just bought every conceivable fridge, desk, wall calendar from Kikki K as well as a pocket Smythson diary as I admit the i-phone diary is not working for me!) and that includes remembering those important days for loved ones near and far; 3) to continue to prioritise my recently rekindled fitness focus, and 4) have as much fun and present time with each of my three children as I can squeeze in – both one-on-one and all of us together. Life is too short not to.”
Amy Malpass Hahn, Editor-in-Chief
“My resolution for 2019 is one that is truly cliched but never irrelevant … to be more present. After a big family trip at the end of the year, I was reminded of how many spectacular moments are in the tiny details. The concentration and pride on my youngest’s face when he slurps up a noodle. The completely incorrect but entirely hilarious lyrics that come out of my eldest’s mouth when he’s singing in the shower. I don’t want to miss these moments while I’m rushing another load of washing, replying to another email, or – let’s be honest – scrolling through a stranger’s Instagram feed. In 2019, I’m going to be more mindful and more present.” Image by Grace Alyssa Kyo
Marisa Remond, Editorial Director
“I’ve always avoided new year’s resolutions as I thought they added unnecessary pressure, but I actually made some this year and tried to stick to them and they were a great motivator to keep me accountable. For 2019, I hope to read more and scroll less, take up a hobby or new interest like pottery or creative writing, take more family holidays, up my weekly exercise quota and buy less but better. Our family has a lot of change coming up in the new year and I want to focus on the simple things that really matter.”
Claire Brayford, UK Editor
“To not let an opportunity pass me by because I’m scared of what might happen. To do all of the things I say I’m going to do but invariably put off. And to do everything with all of my heart.” Image by Helene Sandberg
Jenny Guo, Business Executive
“To cultivate a mindset of constant gratefulness and self-awareness as well as making 5 am wake up a daily habit.”