New Year plans

LegacyUser

This is something so small and a bit trivial especially compared to so much that's happening in Ireland like major flooding in parts.

I don't know where to begin.

For the past few years, by Janaury or no later than February, I always had something planned for the months ahead. Something to look forward to. Like a concert or another event or a holiday. I usually always have something planned and looking forward to and it would keep me focused, on the track and on the go. I would look back then at the end of each year and think - wow! That particular thing was really epic and made the year.

Here I am now in early 2016 with nothing planned.

A holiday later in the year is out of the question because I am still recovering my finances from last year.
I have a wide range of musical interests and I had a look at bands websites and there is not a lot coming up for me in relation to this. Some are gigging and others aren't and of those that are, their dates or locations aren't suitable for me.

There's nothing on the horizon for me on this side of things.

I know it's only early days in 2016 yet but I feel a bit low.

charlietheminxx

OP I am the same as yourself. I absolutely have to have something lined up to look forward to. It keep me going, especially during January when I am miserable and poor.

Have you joined music forums for whatever genre you are into? Have you looked at maybe seeing bands on an overnight trip to mainland Europe? Tickets are cheaper, you can go with Ryanair for very little money and it feels like you've really gone and done something?

Have you friends from abroad that you can ask to come visit you? That's always a laugh.

You don't need lots of money to make plans. Keep looking forward!

santana75

A wise man once said, Live in daytight comparments. If you constantly need to place things in front of you to look forward to you'll always be like a hamster on a wheel. There is so much in the present moment, its an amazing feeling to just be as you are right now. But you'll miss that if youre always thinking about or planning some event or something to look forward to. Live your life now, dont put your happiness at some point in the future, its a choice.

Wanderer2010

OP, I know you say money is tight but is it even possible to put aside 20 or so a month and plan for a Ireland-based festival or gig later on in the year, have a look through the forums as suggested there may even be a low-key instrumental gig on in a pub with cheap entry and there are lots of bargains with B&Bs in Ireland, even a few months of saving small amounts would help you?

gothic_doll

Following from the suggestion above, a festival abroad is a great idea if you are into indie/rock.

Rock en Seine is really lovely and I recommend that one in Paris. Can get there from the metro, easily signposted etc.

Or try and get into new bands who are similar to the ones you like- look at last.fm pages for your artists and the similar artists are always very good. That opens up more gig opportunities.

Or just book yourself a random fun weekend abroad! I'm sure there will be good deals around especially if you avoid July/Aug. It just needs a bit of research.

Bananaleaf

santana75 wrote: »

A wise man once said, Live in daytight comparments. If you constantly need to place things in front of you to look forward to you'll always be like a hamster on a wheel. There is so much in the present moment, its an amazing feeling to just be as you are right now. But you'll miss that if youre always thinking about or planning some event or something to look forward to. Live your life now, dont put your happiness at some point in the future, its a choice.

I see your point completely and I'm not disagreeing with you, it would be great to be able to live in the moment as you describe it, but for some people that would just not be possible, unless they had something planned for the future. For some, having something planned allows them to relax and enjoy the moment they are in.

OP - you say that you are still getting your finances on track - could you maybe have a goal for a few months time, eg: X amount put away by X date for X trip

orthsquel

If what you normally would do to create memorable moments in your life isn't possible, would you consider parallel activities or completely different activities and experiences to create memorable moments you can look back on? Or develop and try out new things and explore them or re-kindle things/events/interests you once loved and create memorable moments in going to events related to that? Or a different type of holiday than you usually have e.g. adventure holiday in rugged Ireland living frugally or something totally different than what you would normally do?

LegacyUser

I bought a house by myself a year ago and some months my next pay day can't come fast enough. Last Autumn I decided that house or no house, I want to get on a plane and go somewhere this year. I don't know yet where I'm going or when it will be. All I know is that it's something to look forward to some time this year. Every time I'm paid, I try to put some money aside for my short break/cheap holiday and transfer it into a savings account. Most of the time it's not a lot of money but its slowly building up. I've ring-fenced this money and am determined not to touch it for anything to do with the house or other bills. When I log into my online banking to check on my current account, I can also see the balance of the savings account. I don't always love looking at my current account balance but when I see that little savings account, I see a holiday.

Confucius say

Keep in mind this is probably the most depressing time of year. Post Xmas having eaten and drank too much and the shortest days of the season. As another poster said try and live in the moment or you'll wish your life away.