Happy New Year!

The cynic in me is tempted to avoid new year’s resolutions. Largely because I’ve never stuck to them in the past and tend to give myself a bit of a hard time when I don’t succeed at things.  But setting an intention is meaningful in itself. Even if it only lasts for one day, you’ve still taken the time to think about what you’d like to change — definitely worth doing in my book.

So even if things go slightly awry as I rush headlong back into real life, here are the intentions I’d like to set for 2016:

1. Mornings. I resolutely and proudly am not a morning person. My mornings are a hectic rush which usually consist of dragging myself out of bed, losing my keys, not being able to find any clothes that aren’t creased and then nearly missing my train. In 2016 I’d like to change that.  I would love my mornings to be a time of mindful preparation for the day whether that’s heading to the gym for an early morning swim or making breakfast and listening to the radio before walking calmly to the train station. This will be a challenge – it’ll mean going to bed earlier, waking up earlier and putting in effort, but I think the improved peace of mind will be more than worth it.
2. Yoga. I really really love yoga, but it’s one of the things that gets squeezed out of my life when things get busy or I get stressed. I want 2016 to be the year that I get into better yoga practice and stick with it.  I’m starting with Adriene’s 30 day Yoga Camp – let me know if you’re joining too!
3. Packed lunches. Ah, packed lunches. You are so much healthier and cheaper than buying lunch every day in Soho. So why am I so terrible at sticking with you? This year, please can we be better friends? I promise to dedicate at least one hour every Sunday evening to preparing you so that hopefully we can make things work this time around.

And to round things off, we started 2016 with a lovely walk to High Force Waterfall at Forest-in-Teesdale. It was freezing (literally — there were icicles!) but great.

Happy new year!

And finally a bonus new year picture of these three jokers. Left to right my Dad, my little brother and Matt.

Everything is © Rebecca Daley and ohtogoawandering, 2016.

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A very Scottish December

Waterfall

Wreath

Autumnal colours

Horizon line

Powder blue

Stream in the woods

Green and brown

Cosy pub fireside

Rust

Snow topped mountains

Keeping the logs dry?

Layers of colour

Battered haggis

Waiting for the rain to stop

Wind, rain and stormy weather could easily have  been the main features of a blustery few days spent at Tigh Mor, just above Callander in Stirling, Scotland. But there were also piles of leaves glowing amber, water gushing in torrents down snow- frosted mountains covered in golden bracken and vibrant evergreens, and raindrops collecting in glistening pools along verges and under trees. Although the views were often lost in dense cloud and driving hail, it only made the moments when the skies cleared to reveal stunning landscapes even more breathtaking. The small town of Callander looks like most places do in the rain: grey and rather uninviting. But don’t let appearances deceive you- we were welcomed by mince pies and mulled wine in one gift shop, and the chip shop offered battered haggis, that deep- fried delicacy unique to Scottish chippies (try it before you knock it).

Stirling in December was deceptively beautiful, but jumpers, multiple pairs of socks and walking boots are a must.

All content is © Rebecca Daley and ohtogoawandering, 2013.