Fancy being a Goddess for 2020?

[Pinkarsedfly]

Bear with me. I’m 45, size 14, about as far from a Goddess as you could possibly imagine.

But...I read a comment from a MNer on one of these boards a few months back, I think it was on a thread about stopping overeating, and it’s really stuck with me. The OP was asking how she could stop bingeing on crap, and a pp said something like, ‘Eating good food in the right amount is more goddess-like. Treat yourself like a Goddess.’

I really liked that. It stuck with me. I like the idea of channelling an innner goddess much more than princessing. So I thought I’d start a thread of ideas about how to be a goddess for 2020.

So far I’ve thought of:

Take regular exercise - not in a sweaty gym, but running outside, yoga, stretching etc. Good for the mind as well as the body.

Eat well, and not too much. There’s not much goddess-like about shoving your hand down a tube of Pringles and getting crumbs down your front.

Drink more water.

Looking after skin, maybe use natural products?

Be creative and try to use more positive self-talk?

I don’t know if I’m barking up the wrong tree, but I’m feeling my way towards treating myself better and hoping it has a knock-on effect.

Any other potential goddesses out there with more ideas?

Today I'm goddessing by painting my nails, tidying my very messy wardrobe and starting dry january (and hopefully beyond). I drink too much and it's really not helping with my sleep. Bought some lovely herbal tea and posh coffee as a little treat.

Sounds like you have great plans afoot, Werking.

I’m a sod for letting my room get out of control, but I always feel so much better when it’s neat and tidy. I sleep better and everything. I guess it’s your most intimate, personal space, so it reflects how you feel inside; and maybe it works the other way too? Calm, serene room means a calm, serene Goddess?

I’m really enjoying The Kindness Method as recommended upthread - might be worth having a look to see if it can help with the hoarding? It’s all about understanding where our less-than-helpful behaviours come from in order to stop them. It’s really good so far, and the writer knows her stuff. It’s not self-help fluff. She’s walked the walk.

Oh, I have found my (Goddess) tribe.

I already take care of my skin, but this is the year I am going to religiously wear my Biore Watery Essence SPF 50 lotion, every single day. Yes, even on a rainy Sunday in January.

It's also the year I am definitely, definitely going to start wearing matching lingerie. I invest in gorgeously goddess like bras but then spoil it by wearing plain M&S midrise pants in either black or nude.

I already tend to carry a little packet of tissues in my bag, so I intend upping to Goddess 2.1 and investing in some delicate lace cotton hankies, like my Grannie used.

Finally, I always spray random sample perfumes into my bag when I'm in a department store, so each time I open my bag I get a lovely waft of perfume.

This idea is really helpful, right down to the hand in Pringles tube. Going to experiment with this idea and follow thread with interest.

My goddessing update

Have purchased a goal planner (sheep!) and looking forward to sitting down with a posh pen tonight to make a start on it

Am using the digital health scales and app to monitor my progress in losing the baby weight (from 2 DC!) cv so I can fit back into my office clothes next month on return to work

Religiously following skincare routine.
AM: cream cleanse, vit c, moisturiser, SPF 50 (Frezyderm- highly recommend as I HATE greasy SPF!)
PM: oil cleanse to remove makeup and SPF, cream cleanse to actually clean skin, alternating between acid and serum/ just serum, moisturiser, eyebrow growth gel/ conditioner, lip moisturiser, facial oil. Sounds like a lot but I enjoy the routine and it only takes 3 minutes. Often do it way before bedtime.

Wearing a different perfume every day depending on my mood. Today L’Artisan Skin on Skin for a relaxing family day.

Got up, showered and dressed this morning without coming downstairs first in my dressing gown. My mum always did this, but I’ve got into a lazy habit of eating breakfast in PJs, watching TV etc. Achieved a lot more and felt more relaxed this morning as a result.

Put away all Christmas decorations in anticipation of the new season and looking forward to what the New Year will bring in changes to my mind, body and spirit!

Despite all these mini acts of goddessing I feel that my life is not at all serene with a young child who keeps waking through the night scared and a bf baby who relies on me. I’m very tired but not helping myself by staying up late, I suppose to make the most of ‘me time’ when they go to bed! In reality I fall down internet rabbit holes. This will be my number 1 goal!

I was looking forward to baby starting with childminder tomorrow, giving me some free time to sort out my s**t befor starting work next month. But she just texted to say she has flu

My goal planner arrived today! It looks excellent!

BlueSkies that’s rubbish about your childminder.

We need the power of The Grace to figure out the most Goddessy way to deal with such a setback.

Are there any things you could do towards getting your shit together with kids around?

I feel I’d be inclined to give up and insert arm into Pringles tube - but that’s not the Goddess Way!

So, what needs doing and how might you achieve it with kids in tow?

peaceanddove I love the idea of the perfume squirt.

I’m so nicking that.

@BlueSkies2020 the comment about getting up and showering dressing before going downstairs is so right!!!!!
I am always much more useful if I start with a shower.

Took the Christmas tree to the tip , and picked up a free compost in exchange , so instead of giving the house a Goddessing , we tackled the dead looking border , and potted up some cuttings ( verbena and lavender )
I’m planning a deep hand moisturising session and nail and cuticle tidy whist watching call the midwife
#multitasking

PinkAF (which in my head I’m calling Pink As Fuck, a compliment in my view as pink is a cool colour imo but you may disagree ) - you’ve sold me on The Kindness Method. I’ve bought it on kindle and have started it. I love that the author lost 8 stone. I wish to lose 5.5 stone this year.

@BlueSkies2020 oh they sucks about the childminder, I remember so clearly how childcare fails like that felt. My kids are much older then yours but I’m resentful that the youngest has an inset day tomorrow and isn’t joining the eldest at being back at school. I need some child free time - it’s been 3 weeks!! Although since Goddesses don’t get resentful, I shall be sanguine about it instead. And see it as a wonderful opportunity to spend time with my beloved boy overseeing him doing the homework he left to the last minute.

I love your beauty routine. I was fortunate to given a lot of luxury beauty products through work the year before last which I held onto and haven’t used, as if I didn’t deserve good skincare. Then I went overboard on Beauty advent calendars. (Hoarding tendencies alert.) I still have the Liberty and The Harrod’s beauty colanders unopened I’m going to crack open one or both tonight.That’s my makeup and beauty sorted for the entire year, I’m not buying anything else in 2020 apart from a specific under eye cream and concealer and replacements. Anyway, over the last few weeks I’ve been using my hoarded products and am really enjoying some of them. My skin’s looking good.

What planners did you both get- was it the one I recommended?

I haven't posted but I have been thinking about this a lot.

So far, I've started fast 800 because I hate that my clothes don't fit. It makes me so miserable and I also hate that I've lost and then gained weight - it makes me feel such a failure. So my Goddess take is to not think in terms of failure, but to think about what I can achieve when I focus.

I'm also due back to work tomorrow. I'm kind of dreading it - I do like my job but its full on with long hours. So my other challenge/Goddess mantra is that I absolutely will make sure that work doesn't take over my life so I have no time left for myself. It's hard but it's starting to feel vital.

Everyone's posts are inspirational, glad I found this thread.

I wore a skirt and tights today, I'm building a collection of Snag tights as they fit fabulously, and come in many colours (Including a gorgeous Grotbags Green, which I'm waiting for the postman to deliver!)
Tomorrow DS has an inset day so we're going to a wildlife park, I'm not going to wear a skirt there because its going to be cold and grey, but I may wear my bright pink hoodie with a sloth on the front :)
and possibly my whippet leggings.......
Happy sunday evening Goddesses

Hello Goddesses sounds like everyone's making a great start. I've stalled a bit but we've been very out of routine - DH had an ok so was flat on his back for a few days recovering and with DC (5 and 2) at home because of the school holidays I've been on high alert and no time to plan! Once they're back to school/pre school next week I will get on the case! I definitely want to lose weight, take the time to look my "everyday" best (fringe straightened, BB cream & mascara) every day not like the crazed scarecrow I often appear on the school run! Also, get house in order and start meal planning again. I'm sure goddesses don't live on freezer food...!

Werking, I have a diastasis recti and an umbilical hernia, loads of my clothes don't fit/aren't comfy as a result. I'll add sorting that to my list. Thanks for the reminder.

This thread is very inspiring! I start a new job tomorrow after 6 years as a SAHM. I've been reading your posts over the last few days and they've definitely helped with my nerves. I will try my best to be serene getting the kids and myself out tomorrow! I'll remember the Goddess within and how we are all worthy of happiness and bettering ourselves.
Thanks everyone 💐

@Pinkarsedfly and @Werking thanks for the sympathy about the childminder. It was quite a blow as my family has been away all Christmas and we’ve had to entertain the young nippers 24-7! It’s hard work having two young ones, I’ve fallen behind with everything! My lovely DH has just said he’ll take a couple of hours off this week (own boss). I plan to use that time wisely.

@poorbuthappy yes it makes a big difference! Something about a shower wakes you up and gets the motor properly started! Exercise has the same effect but not possible right now for me with little ones.

@Werking I also OD’d on beauty products (ACs, GWP) and am now on the swaps thread which is marvellous! The long running skincare thread has been a great resource for me these past few weeks (current one has something about Botox in title; they are a friendly bunch). I’m actually using (and loving) some very cheap products- especially Cerave - now that it’s been explained to me what the ingredients do I feel thoroughly ripped off! It’s really quite an eye opener. My skin looks amazing on the cheaper products, although it’s still early days.

My main takeaway from looking into skincare is that SPF50 every day is the best investment you can make in your skin (even indoors, in winter) and go easy on the acids and products with fragrance. If you do use acids daily, then SPF (must be a standalone product) is essential. I really dislike sunscreen but they were able to recommend a chemical one which is like a second skin. Works as a great primer for makeup. And it’s not even very expensive.

I’ve unfollowed the main beauty bloggers because I’m tired of being advertised to. So I’m going back to basics and trying to use very basic and clinically proven skincare.

Yes I got the MiGoals planner (smaller version) so far it looks good. I’m starting writing out my goals now.

I think my 3 priorities this week are

• healthy eating
• early to bed
• planning (goals, routines, meals)

Wonderful, inspirational post OP - thank you.
Please may I join you all, you sound like my kind of people! I am 47 and feel I have lost track of what I enjoy and what makes me happy. I like things like this self-care, decluttering, spending time choosing colourful clothes for work and home.
I’ve started on a big declutter over this last week and the house feels much better 😀 I did my bedroom today and I’m sat here feeling like I can breathe again.
I really need to focus on my healthy and specifically weight loss as I’m suffering with lots of aches and pains.
I often look on MN for threads like this and think they should have a dedicated section for “Goddessing” or self-improvement/ self- care.
I’m going to look up yoga with Adrienne to see if I can find a gentle one to follow that won’t cripple me 😉

I'd love to join this, fits right in with my thoughts on the new year.

I'm a horrid 'resolutioner' who ruins and breaks them all by mid way through January. This year I decided to think of the year ahead and start a bullet-type journal. I dedicated one page to each of the following headings -

• 20 things in 2020

They weren't big things, nothing I couldn't stick to. Some were to do with family but they mainly concerned myself. I need me time. Simple things like "read 15 books", at just over 1 and a bit a month that's doable. An hour or two a night will get a book done in around two weeks. Or "one family day out a month", it doesn't need to be expensive, just together. Losing weight was another, no set goals but somewhere smaller than I am now would be great. My most selfish one was a spa overnight somewhere, alone. I'm an introvert who loves their own company. I want to sit on a lounge chair, dip in and out of a jacuzzi, have a hot stone massage and facial and then spend the night alone in a room reading.

• places I want to go.

Again, thinking as a family and individual of some, achievable, trips.

• weight loss.

I wrote each month and beside each the numbers one through 14. I'll highlight how many pounds lost each month and total it next year. That way I'm not focusing on losing X amount but changing my mindset to "I've lost y amount so far". It also stops the pressure of having to lose a set amount each week/month.

• days out with the kids.

Little places I want to visit with them, museums/zoos/steam train and so on. Again there's no rush but I like to have ideas.

I've then done a review page for January to fill out at the end where I'll detail - how much weight I lost, what books I read, what trips/bucket items I ticked off/challenges faced/successes I had/a quote to sum the month up and anything else.
I'm then going to keep a log for each day - how many hours slept, how much water I drank, how I felt, what exercise and if something happened I'll note it quickly. It should take no more than 10 minutes a day now.

I'm also going to try to feel put together more. Ensure I follow my skincare routine each day and night - remove makeup with hot water on a microfiber cloth, cleanse using foaming cleanser and then exfoliating once per week, maybe twice, followed by glycolic acid and peel when needed. Face mask once of twice per week in the evening. Day time I cleanse with a brightening cleanser, use a 2 in 1 moisturiser and serum and then vitamin e oil.

Makeup I'm trying to cut back on, using less to enhance more. Either a foundation or BB cream, concealer if needed, blush, filled in brows, eyeliner and mascara. Well presented lips too - scrubbed, lip balm and an easy to wear lipstick or gloss.

Perfume and getting properly dressed each day.

Cut out meat and reducing dairy.

Starting my own dry January from tomorrow until the 6th February.

Aiming to exercise 3 times per week, using a mix of cardio and strength training.

Clutter is never an issue here.
I clean my wardrobe out every 2-3 months, sometimes only one or two items are lost but if I haven't wore something in over 12 weeks I'm probably not going to any time soon.

I then rotate the house on a 6-8 weekly basis. Mainly kitchen and living areas. Over the Christmas period I've cleaned my wardrobe and drawers; he kids wardrobe, drawers and toys; the kitchen cupboards and the living room. I still need to do the cupboard by the door which will take 30 minutes at most and the cupboard under the stairs.

I then redo it in about 2ish months. It feels fabulous to throw shit away.

Am loving this thread! I've gone back to basics with five portions of fruit and veg and two litres of water a day. Have completed a MUTU intense sessions, core and walked up the five flights of stairs in the car park.

I did look at skincare but felt overwhelmed in Boots. Bought some boxes to help store the chaos in the playroom.

Clothes laid out for tomorrow, nails drying, clean bedding on all beds.

Thanks @Pinkarsedfly your reply meant a lot. I recently went on two shopping trips plus online shop looking for a new bra and couldn't find anything, I was in tears by the end of it. Caught site of myself taking off a bralet and with my arms up there were just two nipples. 

@Werking sorry you're going through similar, I have diastasis recti too so hoping MUTU will help with it. Good luck with the decluttering

@PixiePowered am in awe of your decluttering. I also have a 20 mini goals for 2020, I do one every year.

You Goddesses are really impressive! I’m going to have to go some to catch up!

PixiePowered I like the sound of your goals. All very doable - and things you’ll want to do, rather than stuff you feel you have to.

I’m going to bear that in mind now while I fill in my Migoals journal.

Love this thread. I would love to join
I pledge to

1. Use up the Christmas cheese at a leisurely pace with grapes and set out on a nice plate instead of trying to cram some in my mouth while standing at the fridge door
2. Put school run outfit together the night before so can look a little more out together
3. Drink lots of water

For now....

2020nymph we don't have a lot of storage and I hate clutter. It's got to go, there's no option. I'm like Anne Robinson, holding two mugs up and one doesn't get back in the cupboard "you are the weakest link, goodbye".
I also feel the same for clothes. I know what I like but for a while got sucked in to fast fashion and ended up with too much. I donate items every time I de-clutter.

Ideally I want to build two capsule wardrobes, summer and winter, with a few pieces that can be added to the transitions in spring and autumn. Some layering pieces. This is a small step towards it.

Pinkarsedfly it took me over an hour to complete my 20 in 20 bucket list. It had to be achievable and worded in a way that made it so.

Inspired by this thread I had my shower this evening and instead of usual tornado dry my hair I blowdried it straight and rubbed on some body lotion. Also laid out work outfit and going to fill my water bottle ready for tomorrow.