The new year is always a time of fresh starts and good intentions, often involving giving up something. Whether it be alcohol, sugar, or whatever your personal 'bad habit', a fresh beginning often implies swearing off things and, in the process, denying ourselves many of life's little pleasures.
And while the notion of self improvement is not a bad thing, perhaps rather than focusing on subtracting something from our lives, we should all be looking to add something instead. So, for example, this year I am diving in and taking a proper meditation course after dabbling with it occasionally – partly to declutter and slow my mind down, but also to take time out for myself, away from the clamour and demands of everyday life. My other intention is simply to make more time for friends in the coming year. So, a little self-improvement and a little fun — but both, hopefully, life enhancing rather than diminishing.
Whether you want to learn to host a podcast (find out how in our Play section), or master some Bob Fosse dance moves (just me?), whatever your heart desires, go with it.
Speaking of self-improvement, life coaches have been part of the self help lexicon for some time now, but Laura Craik's foray into the new breed of specialists – from gut therapists to hormone fairies (yes, it's a thing) – is both entertaining and intriguing. Who knows, maybe a book doula is all that is keeping you from penning that bestseller?
And in our feature Magical Thinking, Stacey Duguid consults tarot guru Elaine Mary Collins and legendary astrologer Shelley von Strunckel to discover what the year will hold for each astrological sign, sartorial choices and all. As a Leo, I will apparently be favouring leopard print and red — both of which are things that sit very far outside my comfort zone. But in the spirit of trying new experiences, I'm going to give both a go.
That exciting feeling of newness is one of my favourite aspects of the new year. And this issue is filled with it, including Hannah Swerling's exploration of life's ultimate fresh start (as in the birthing of new life) in Mother! an insightful series of stories questioning what motherhood means now, and also examining why one in five women are child-free.
On the fashion front, our Denim on Denim shoot, lensed by the iconic Gilles Bensimon and styled by Melanie Huynh, shows you all the ways to wear fashion's freshest offerings. And there is a lot to choose from – denim is one of the year's biggest trends. My personal favourite is the Seventies-style jacket and jeans look from Dior, but there is something for everyone to try.
Meanwhile, Joely Walker's illuminating piece on skincare asks, 'Do you have lazy skin?' It turns out we all might. After you read this piece, you'll realise that, when it comes to your beauty regimen, sometimes less really is more.
So, in short, try a bit of reinvention this January. As The Incredibles' Edna Mode put it: 'I never look back, darling. It detracts from the now.' And from the new, too. Whatever that involves for you, here's to 2018 – and being more ELLE.
The January issue is available on newsstands now.
