Although a cliché, the beginning of new year is the perfect time to take stock of your life and make plans to implement change for the better. During this festive holiday I spent much of my free time pondering the past year, and all the things I wanted to amend and improve upon.

I have always tried to embrace life to the fullest - it is something I have to work on continually, but I truly believe that working on yourself is the key to living the happiest life possible.

Today I wanted to share five things that I would like to change in 2023 - changes that will equip me to build the life of my dreams - essentially a life of contentment. I would love to hear about the changes you’d like to make, in the comments.

my attitude to dating

In 2023 I have made the decision to stop putting so much time and energy into finding a partner. Although it is not something I’ve been obsessed with, I have spent time on dating sites and apps, in the hopes of meeting someone special. My experience of this has not really been very fulfilling - and this seems to be the case for all my single friends too.

In 2023 I am going to press the breaks on dating apps and instead focus on being the best version of myself. I’ve always been someone who believes in the power of the universe and trusting that good things will happen. In every other area of my life I know that if I work hard and stay focused, I can achieve my dreams. Now is the time to let it go - no more searching for Mr Right - he will have to find me!

2. changing my style

My home is a place I share on a weekly basis as part of my YouTube channel. Because of this it is a huge representation of who I am as a person. In the past two years since living alone I feel I have changed so much, yet my interior is still stuck in a former version of myself.

In 2023 I want to begin to implement changes in my home to bring it up to speed with the person I am today. I will start working on my living room and bedroom early on in the year, with small changes taking place as and when possible. I have always embraced change, and I look forward to sharing it all with you.

3. improving my skills - but properly

Pretty much every skill I have has been self-taught. In 2023 I really want to improve on the skills I have, but with the help of professionals - not only to improve myself, but also because I think it would be super fun!

In particular I’d like to take a cookery course, as well as improve upon my editing and videography skills for YouTube.

What would you like to learn this year?

4. altering my routine

Although my routine is pretty solid, I’m always looking to make small changes so that I can improve further. In 2023 I am undertaking a secret self-care mission - something I’m hoping to reveal at the end of the year. Changing my routine will help me on this mission, and bring positive change overall.

In particular I want to start waking a little earlier than usual, and decrease the time I spend on social media.

5. SPENDing MORE TIME WITH FAMILY

Living in Edinburgh, with the rest of my family hundreds of miles away in Staffordshire means that is has been difficult for me to spend time with them. Because of train strikes over the festive period, I was forced to stay with my family for much longer than planned. Luckily this was a happy misfortune and I absolutely loved being able to be with them for so long.

Although I always knew the value of family, this time spent with them really made me realise how important it is to make time for all the special people in your life, despite how busy life can be.

In 2023 I’m certainly altering my schedule so that I can see my loved ones much more.