2020 Visions

The hell that was 2019 is finally behind us. Whilst, in terms of the political landscape, 2020 isn’t off to an entirely great start and is set to get worse, we nonetheless have to take some solace in the small fact that on a personal level there are things we can do to make our own lives a little better at least.

If I’m honest I’ve reached that age where I regret some decisions I made when I was young, such as not spending my 20’s and 30’s travelling, not buying a home when I was young - things that only really come into your head when it’s too late to change them. So instead I have tried to fulfill my life in other ways, such as dancing.

I don’t make resolutions for new year, but as part of an ongoing attempt to become a better dancer, I have already taken steps to get stronger and will continue that trajectory in 2020. As part of that, I rejoined the gym the few months back. The first time I joined the gym, 2 years ago, I gave it up quickly as I hated it. I was shown bikes and rowing machines and other contraptions and I just hated them all. However, this time I decided to do weights instead and I love them. I finally found the thing at the gym that I genuinely enjoy. I do use some machines that will strengthen my legs, but mostly I focus on lifting weights. It’s an amazing release for pent up energy. My other favourite thing is the ‘prowler’ which is a cage full of weights which you push along a track of astroturf. Don’t ask me why I love this, because I don’t know, but I find it so much fun.

I never saw myself a ‘gym’ person but it’s just a case of finding the kind of exercise that works for you. For me, tackling ageing isn’t about wrinkles or saggy skin, it’s about health. You can have the skin of a teenager but if you can’t walk a few metres without getting breathless then all the beautiful skin in the world isn’t going to help you. But more than that, being strong is just ridiculously empowering.

Aside from health, in 2020 I am going step up my hunt for the perfect ruffles. You know my love of ruffles but in all these years I have never found the truly exaggerated ones I’m looking for.

Like these from the likes of Burberry, Anne Sofie Madsen and No21.