Note: if you’re here just for the recipe, scroll down to the very end, I won’t be offended, I promise. This post is pretty much going to have nothing to do with Christmas or cookies, and definitely nothing to do with Christmas cookies. I’m just going to talk about myself for many many paragraphs, mainly because well, this is my blog, right? So I don’t really need a reason.
Anyway, at the end of last year, I shared a post on Instagram reflecting on 2017. I’d had a rough year, and I was so touched by the number of people who reached out and asked if I was ok (#ruok is such a nice thing to be asked, even when you are ok). This was my post:
I didn’t think much about it when I posted this, but it clearly had an impact on me because a few days into 2018, I made a commitment to myself to make this a better year. Change is never easy, even when the status quo is not great. I’ll be the first to admit that taking the first step to make a change and to keep the change is bloody hard work.
So what did I change?
- Exercise. After having kids, I stopped exercising for four years, and I didn’t realise the gradual (negative) impact it had on my mental health. As a working mum, the toughest part about this change was finding the time. But I made the time. I get up at 5 (maybe 5:30am) and yes it was hard (it gets easier), but exercise (and endorphins!) is amazing for you – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
- Work. I was working for a company that just didn’t click with me (no offence to any ex-co-workers who might read this!) and became unmotivated (in work and life). Where I work now… wow, I love the company, the culture, the people! It’s crazy how important it is to have a job you love because cliche as it sounds, we spend so much time at work, we have to spend those hours with people we like doing something we love.
- Not letting it go. Going against every Frozen bone in my body, I decided to stop letting it (myself) go. Last year, there was a point where I didn’t have the energy to look after myself physically and I just let it go. It sounds so superficial, but looking after myself better this year (like you know, putting on makeup) has done wonders for my well being. In fact, superficial as it sounds, this is the easiest change that has the (relatively) greatest impact.
- Gratitude. I started praticing gratitude through focused meditation. It’s so easy and takes next to no time. But acknowledging the things we are grateful for does wonders for the mind and soul.
- Social life. This one I’m not as hugely passionate about because let’s be real, I’d rather be in bed by 9pm. But I’ve gone out more this year, said more yes’s to invites and just enjoyed connecting and reconnecting with people. I don’t think this has had as huge an impact as the other changes but hey, it’s been fun!
It’s been a year since I’ve consciously made these changes and it’s interesting to reflect. I don’t know if it’s a quantifiable thing but if you ask me how my year has been, my first reaction would be fantastic. Which is a total 180 from last year’s reflection. At the end of 2018, I’m:
- Fitter, stronger, faster, leaner! I’m more fit than I’ve ever been, and I’m grateful for this body I have as I approach the big 4-0 next year!
- So organised! As if I could be more organised (those who know, know) but somehow I’m more organised, less frazzled, more in control than ever. I get the kids out of the house earlier and pick them up later but everything still runs smoothly, the house is running like clockwork and everything is just… great! I don’t know if it’s a result or manifestation of all the changes but I’m not complaining!
- Less tired, and more energetic. I sleep less but I’m not as tired as I used to be. And when I’m tired (because let’s face it, I’m a working mum of two) it’s not the same type of tired, it’s a genuine tiredness that I know some rest will fix, not the ‘I’m tired of life’ tired.
- Happy. So much happier than last year.
- Grateful. For having had such a wonderful year.
So. That’s my 2018! But before I sign out for the year, we still have a huge Xmas party at my MIL’s tomorrow (food food food presents FOOD) and then a week lazing in the glorious sunshine of North Queensland.
And for those who still read this thing that’s not even really a blog anymore, thank you, and I truly hope you have some down time, have fun, and be safe.
| Giant soft xmas cookies |
|---|
| 2 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg 1 egg yolk 1-2 cups red & green M&Ms |
| 1. Preheat oven to 165°C/325°F. Line two baking trays with baking paper. 2. Sift together dry ingredients – flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. 3. In another bowl, beat together the butter and both sugars until blended. Beat in vanilla, egg and egg yolk until creamy. Mix in the dry ingredients until just blended. 4. Scoop 1/4 or 1/3 cup dough balls into your hands. Roll and flatten (some flour might help), and place in the baking tray, leaving about 2-3 inches between the cookies. 5. Add red and green M&Ms on top of the cookies. 6. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until the edges are just brown. When done, let cool on tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. |
| Makes 8-10 big cookies |