Words and Images by: Michelle Hogan

Try something new:

Have you vowed to make 2013 the year to start something new? Perhaps you want to learn a foreign language, Skype on your laptop, or maybe you just want to know more about growing your own herbs? Whether you undertake a course or read a book you will find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year’s resolutions to keep.

Spend more time with loved ones:

One of the luxuries of travelling Australia in an RV is the freedom to plot your own path. So why not schedule some overdue visits to friends and family into your itinerary? Make plans for an evening of camaraderie at a favorite restaurant or take your loved ones out for a day in the sun and enjoy a nice picnic. Visiting your uncle’s, next-door neighbours or second cousin is the perfect excuse to finally get over to the Kimberley, don’t you think?

Volunteer:

Volunteer once over the next 90 days; you will feel really good about it, and probably end up volunteering again over the next 275. There are numerous Australian families who require assistance; whether you have specific trade skills, or just want to lend a hand, there are a variety of volunteer roles waiting to be filled. Visit the Volunteering section of the CMCA website to find out where your help is required: www.cmca.net.au/pages/motorhoming_information/volunteering/index.php 

Back-up your photos on to a hard-drive:

Travelling around Australia not only grants great experiences and memories, but the photo opportunities are priceless. Don’t put it off any longer, place all your images on a hard-drive so they are safe if the unfortunate occurrence takes place and your computer or camera dies. While you are at it, why not copy those ever important documents, such as your insurance details and your loved ones contact details, and save them to the hard-drive too?

Eat more fruit and vegetables:

So often we talk about eating healthy and changing our diets; instead of shocking the system with dramatic changes, small alterations in our life will make a large difference. If you aren’t ready to start cutting out the junk food in your diet, why not just try and add more fruit and vegetables in there? Make a  lifestyle change and start consuming the recommended five servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit each day.

Quit the habit:

Smoking and drinking often come into our mind when we think of quitting a habit, but maybe yours isn’t stereotypical. Maybe you shop too much, use your phone to text too often, eat way too many chocolates through the day. Whatever it is, look at reducing the bad habits and replacing them with something good. No habits are cheap - cut back, and the money that you save can go to a day at the spa, or a special trip you may have been contemplating.

Wash the car (or RV):

‘I was planning on doing that tomorrow’. But, for many of us, tomorrow never comes; regular upkeep of your home is important to maintain its value and give yourself a sense of pride. Even though you may no longer have to endure the typical Saturday morning job of mowing the lawn, why not take 30 minutes out of your week and give your RV a thorough wash inside and out?

Fit in fitness:

Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything  else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, lowers blood pressure, assists with weight loss, increases longevity, and can even improve arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Why not make this the time to start getting in shape?

Enjoy life:

Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Australians, it is no wonder that ‘enjoying life more’ has become a popular resolution in recent years. It’s an important step to a happier and healthier you! Take up a new hobby or read a new book. Go to a theater performance, or head to the local spa. Make more time for you and start living your life; don’t let it pass you by.

Don’t make a resolution, make a change:

When planning your next adventure, you don’t simply look at the map once and set off on the road. It is important to re-evaluate where you are, where you want to be, and make regular adjustments to help you reach your destination. Don’t just make a New Year resolution in January, make one every month, every week; set yourself short, achievable goals. Don’t change your life, change your lifestyle!

Category: Features
Written: Tue 01 Jan 2013
Printed: January, 2013
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