10 Things I'll be taking into 2022 with me.

^{[This post features PR samples]}

As we come to the end of the year it's only natural for us to reflect on time gone by and embrace the new year, new me mentality. This year's definitely been a game changer for me. It's been monumental and has taught me so much about myself and my abilities. Because of my newfound strengths I wanted to create a list of things I'll be taking into 2022 with me.

^{[Photo by Moritz Knöringer on Unsplash]}

10 Things I'll be taking into 2022.

1. Not to be taken for granted as a blogger.

It can be easy as a blogger to get taken for granted. We're so often offered payment in the form of gifted products or exposure which of course as lovely as it is, isn't going to pay my mortgage. Sure there'll be opportunities where taking this will be worth it, but in 2022 I'll definitely be more proactive when it comes to asking for payment. After all, the worst that could happen is a brand says no. And if they say no, it will only free up time for me to take on more paid opportunities. My time deserves to be paid for. Understanding my worth is so important and although I've learnt a lot during my first year as a freelance blogger, I've still got a way to go. I'm excited to see what 2022 brings... And see how much money I can make!

2. Giving mum guilt the middle finger.

I'm big on banning mum guilt! It's something I was really good at when I had one child, but now I've got two, things can get a little strained. Sure mum guilt is never going to go away. You can't just flip the switch. But I'll certainly be a little kinder to myself in 2022, especially as I add the school run into the mic of my 101 different jobs. Mums, were superhuman, but we can't do it all! Cut yourself a bit of slack.

3. An amazing jewellery collection.

I was never a big wearer of jewellery. Even working in a high street jewellers, I never really conformed to the bling way of life. Recently however I've been really loving building up my collection. Locket necklaces hold massive amounts of sentiment & I've been wearing the one above from Astley Clarke on a daily basis. Not only does it look stunning, but the back is engraved with my kids initials on too. It makes me love it even more. It's perfect! There's something about wearing jewellery which makes me feel more put together, like I have my shit together. My outfit feels complete and I feel more confident in myself.

4. The desire for home grown.

Something I've found a passion for towards the end of 2021 is the desire for home grown veggies! My dad's had an allotment for the last fifteen years, however it's only recently where I've found the same enjoyment out of it. I think now because we've moved house and have a bigger garden I've got the space to grow my veggies now. I've got numerous things planted already. I'm so excited for 2022 and seeing the fruits (quite literally) of my labour.

^{[Photo by www.zanda. photography on Unsplash]}

5. Postpartum body confidence.

My body certainly hasn't bounced back the second time around. The weight hasn't dropped off like it did the first time around and I'm left with a tum that's slightly more wobbly than I'd like. With that being said it's not something which I've let get me down. I'm old enough and daft enough to understand that the way my body looks doesn't define my worth, or who I am as a person. This postpartum body confidence is something I'll definitely be taking and trying to project onto others in 2022.

6. Time management skills.

I'm entering 2022 with a different role. My eldest girl starts nursery so I'm now going to be a school run mum. Because of this I need to learn to juggle my time better. At the moment I'm so easy going in terms of what we get done and when during our day. Come January I won't have that option. Here's to time management, copious planning and bossing the next level of motherhood.

7. Dropping the unnecessary spends.

I must say this every year, but dropping unnecessary spends needs to happen in 2022. Working for myself and having just moved into a bigger house means my financial situation looks a little different nowadays. I found a few years ago that writing down my spends and therefore holding myself accountable really helped cut the unnecessary spends. I need to get back on it!

8. A great skincare routine.

I've found some really great skincare over the last year. My stand out brand has got to be Facetheory as so many of their products have become absolute staples in my routine. When I'm on it with my skincare routine it makes me feel really good about myself. I feel fresh, I don't look as haggard and I enjoy spending time on myself. I've developed a really great skincare routine this year. 2022 Will be the year I stick to it!

9. The drive to succeed.

My first year freelancing has been amazing and so rewarding, but having our second baby has certainly made work take a bit of a back seat. I'm excited to see what will happen work wise in 2022. All I know it's that I've got the drive to succeed now! And no babies will be made in 2022! Haha.

10. Self care.

Something the vast majority of mums are rubbish at is keeping up with self care. To me self care isn't bubble baths and pampering, it's taking time out, enjoying the silence and feeling like Claire rather than Mammy. I'm going to be a little more selfish next year and enjoy reconnecting with myself.

So there's the lowdown on what I'll be taking into 2022 with me. After a great year personally this year, I'm ready for a great career year next year!

What will you be taking into 2022 with you?