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Arts + Lifestyle

What's Your Take On New Year's Resolutions?

New Year’s resolutions: yay or nay?

We asked seven women from the worlds of art, travel, fashion, wellness, and beyond to weigh in on the year that’s been, their hopes for 2022, and whether or not they’ve set any intentions for this new year.


Fiona Leahy

What did last year/2021 teach you? To not take the freedoms and privileges of my life for granted, and to live more in the present moment. I also learned to surrender to what is not in my control that was a big one.

Do you consider New Year’s as a reset of sorts? A time of new beginnings? Yes, I always do a stock take of the past year and I write down on a piece of paper what I wish to rid myself of for the year ahead and burn it. It’s a little ritual I love to do on NYE.

Do you normally make New Year’s resolutions? Yes, but this year I am going to make a vision board for the year so it in visual form. I think it’s less about resolutions and more about how I want to feel.

What are your hopes for 2022? I would love a more joyful 2022 with more freedom, less restriction, more travel, and lots more dancing! 

Follow Fiona Leahy here.

Eshita Kabra-Davies, Founder And CEO By Rotation

What did last year/2021 teach you? There's no alternative to hard work and authenticity.

Do you consider New Year’s as a reset of sorts? A time of new beginnings? Definitely – the period before each New Year is so quiet that one has to wind down and reflect on the year that's passed.

Do you normally make New Year’s resolutions? Yes, I am a list-maker, so resolutions are something I always make – both personal and professional.

What are your hopes for 2022? A little more time for self-improvement and for By Rotation to continue to achieve greater heights!

Follow Eshita Kabra-Davies here.

Joanna Payne, Founder Of Marguerite

What did last year/2021 teach you? Resilience. As the owner of a company, being able to pick yourself up and dust yourself off is something you’re used to having to do every day but last year was the toughest yet. In February 2020, we celebrated Marguerite’s 5th birthday with a grand party at The Connaught in Mayfair. Just a month later, the pandemic hit and suddenly our whole events-based business model was irrelevant. Once the initial excitement for virtual events waned, we made the difficult decision to temporarily close Marguerite until we could do what we do best – host IRL events. I spent the summer picking up freelance jobs and working in an outdoor restaurant to take my mind off the endless worry. For me, 2021 was the year I learned that even if the carpet is pulled from under me, I can get through it. 

Do you consider New Year’s as a reset of sorts? A time of new beginnings? I must admit I don’t usually take too much notice of the new year, but this year feels different. 2022 is literally a time of new beginnings for Marguerite as we’re finally fully relaunching after a pandemic-induced hiatus! We’ve stripped things back and will now host just one super-special London-based event per month – alongside the new ‘Marguerite Escapes’ which is a carefully curated programme of cultural experiences outside of London with overnight stays, creative hosts and guest chefs.

Do you normally make New Year’s resolutions? No, I prefer to reflect on the year that’s been by appreciating what I’ve achieved and being grateful for the people I’ve been surrounded by whilst I’ve been doing it. 

What are your hopes for 2022? Regrowth and stability.

Follow Joanna Payne here.

Mija Knezevic, Influencer

What did last year/2021 teach you? 2021 has taught me that consistency and dedication is the only way to get to where I want to go. Technology really speeds up the process of achievement today, but perseverance is the only measurable tool. If you are dedicated and consistent today, what used to take five years, nowadays takes two years.

Do you consider New Year’s as a reset of sorts? A time of new beginnings? 2022 is the year of the tiger in the Chinese horoscope, which is my year. I hope to achieve great things, I am very excited and looking forward to new projects. 

Do you normally make New Year’s resolutions? This year is the first time I made a New Year's resolution. I am older and more mature now, so I know that certain things are expected of me. From myself, from my family, from my followers, and all my incredible collaborators. 

What are your hopes for 2022? I have made a list of things that I want to achieve this year, I have had a lot of time to think about my life the last few weeks. Besides work, I hope to enjoy my family and friends who have been my biggest supporters from the start. It’s very motivating! Ambition and drive are very important but enjoying and really appreciating your support system is equally important. 

Follow Mija Knezevic here.

Yolanda Edwards, Founder Of YOLO Journal

What did last year/2021 teach you? Flexibility and patience.

Do you consider New Year’s as a reset of sorts? A time of new beginnings? I think it’s a great opportunity to hit reset, to reflect on the year, and to think about goals. 

Do you normally make New Year’s resolutions? No, I don’t really believe in those for me – they stress me out. 

What are your hopes for 2022? I hope to read more, to put the device down more, to live in the moment more… to work a little less… and to take long walks every single day. 

Follow Yolanda Edwards here.

Serena Hood, Co-Founder Of Collagerie

What did last year/2021 teach you? As a founder, it was a year where pivoting was more important than ever. In a start-up where communication is key, we have been able to establish new ways of working collaboratively, and to find solutions in challenges. Whether our team members were at the office, at home, or on the other side of the world, I have learnt that creativity can come from anywhere, as long as you are united in a shared vision.   

Do you consider New Year’s as a reset of sorts? A time of new beginnings? I like to look at each year as the next chapter, rather than feeling like I’m starting anything at the beginning. There are a number of milestones I’m focusing on, both personally and professionally.     

Do you normally make New Year’s resolutions? Yes, and I have a few already for 2022. Reading a book, rather than the internet before bed. To “move more”, walking instead of driving. And not to sweat the small stuff… (or at least try!) 

What are your hopes for 2022? I hope that that 2022 brings more moments of happiness and prosperity for everyone, and the ability for loved ones who may have been apart to be together again.   

Follow Collagerie here.

Rosemary Ferguson, Nutritionist And Founder Of The 5 Day Plan

What did last year/2021 teach you? Prioritising things and planning time more efficiently instead of trying to balance 10+ spinning plates at once! Saying 'no' is fine. 

Do you consider New Year’s as a reset of sorts? A time of new beginnings? Yes, I see it as a reset, a new slate. I encourage the month of January [as a time] to focus on health and fitness as, socially, things are quieter and helps to balance out the carnage of December. Why is it seen as cliché and negative to give more energy to yourself in this month? It should be a positive.

Do you normally make New Year’s resolutions? No, I don’t. I used to make them, but I think they set you up to fail! Mini goals are more realistic.

What are your hopes for 2022? I survive my Msc in Advanced Nutrition! I have a couple of projects that I hope are able to happen; one being the launch of Series London with Teresa Tarmey and Dr Wassim Taktouk. I hope to continue to empower people with their own health and spread the word about Functional Medicine and its power. On a wider note, I hope COVID takes a step back and normality is restored as people are definitely feeling it.

Follow Rosemary here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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