December 29, 2013 - Written by: Lauren Williams

A New Year, A New Adventure

So, it’s the Sunday before New Year’s Eve, we’re all probably hungover and lounging around in our PJs and wondering why on earth we ever thought drinking was a good idea – when, in two days time, we’ll be doing it all over again. I know, I know, I drank too much rum last night too and I am definitely now victim to the two-day hangover, more than I’d like to admit.

So a New Year? Another twelve months have sped by without even teasing the brakes a little and it’s time to hurtle into the next one with all the gusto we have. But it’s a little tough to know where to begin. How do you change your ways, how do you even begin to make a fresh start when it’s so easy to just carry on?

After reading Daisy’s post about New Year’s Resolutions, and the idea that they should not be about stopping something but starting something, it got me thinking. I mean, I’ve already set myself a couple of new challenges for the new year which you can read about here and here, there are plenty of things I should definitely think about giving up – ~~drinking, partying, eating bad food, biting my nails~~ – but lets face it, that’s not going to happen is it?

So I’m taking Daisy’s advice, but putting a Lauren twist on it…

It’s time to see every little part of life as an adventure – whether it’s taking a different route to work in the morning so I can see the sunset over the beach, going on weekend breaks away to see friends in far-flung corners of the country and world, or just throwing on those walking boots and walking the coast path to the pub instead of driving and abandoning the car.

There’s a world that needs exploring, and a life that needs living.

(Image via)

I’m encouraging all the aliljoy readers out there to do the same – especially as the January blues set in and take root deep within that little part of our brains we call motivation.

After all, adventure doesn’t have to cost the earth, and with the right people, anything can be fun, adventurous and a story to tell the grandkids. Go camping in the middle of winter with a bonfire, a crate of beer and 10 bags of marshmallows, go on a local ghost tour with your friend that scares easy or just go out and get lost in the great outdoors!

So happy new year everyone – make 2014 the adventure of your life!