Happy New Year (and a bit of inspiration)

So we've said goodbye to 2013 and embraced the dawn of 2014. In recent years I've noticed a trend with the beginning of a new year. January is often filled with some seriously wild weather. This year is no different, with a polar vortex in America, heat waves in Australia and storms in the UK. It's as though Mother Nature wants to welcome the new year with a bang! Wherever you are, I hope you're staying warm, dry and cold (delete as applicable). For me, this new year comes with an air of excitement. I usually always start a new year off by saying, "I've got a good feeling about this year". Sometimes it's true and other times it's a bit far off the mark but this year I really do feel like there are special times ahead (feel free to remind me of this when I'm bemoaning the bad weather or complaining about my job!). To help keep me on the positive and narrow and instead of making New Years resolutions (which I never keep anyway) I thought I'd look to a few women I admire and take some inspiration from the way they live their lives to use as goals for my life in 2014. You go girls!

Wendy Davis

Now, I don't know much about the American Government system, but even I recognise that debating something for 11 hours is no mean feat (Wendy undertook a historic filibuster to stop a bill for new abortion regulations in Texas). Add in Wendy's remarkable life story - trailer park single Mum to politician and you've got yourself one inspirational lady. Wendy is my reminder that it doesn't matter what's happened in your past, if you've got guts and determination you can achieve anything.

Diana Nyad

Overcoming jellyfish stings, potential shark attacks and four failed attempts this determined lady was the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark net. Her recent Ted Talk encourages people to find their own path to achieving their goals, that age is no barrier against pursuing your dream and to never, ever give up! When times get tough I like to think that if Diana can get through 53 hours of swimming with thoughts of sharks swimming close by, then surely I can get through my own Gulf sized issues.

Kimberly Hughes aka Redlilocks

Yep, my partner in crime from ao.com and brains behind interiors blog Swoonworthy is one pretty special lady. She's always encouraged me with my blog, offering tips and tricks or just even a little note to 'hang in there.' Plus, anyone who's had to listen to me moan about work for 8 hours a day deserves some recognition. Her eye for style and organised work ethic are my inspiration and remind me to keep working with dignity and drive.

Karly

My best friend since birth (literally, we met when we were a few months old) Karly has motivation like no one I've ever known. While I'm a master procrastinator Karly just gets down and does it. She already finished her first novel (something I've been trying to achieve for a few years but rarely get past the first few pages) and is on the lookout for an agent. I've no doubt she'll achieve everything she sets out to accomplish, just because she can. Karly is my inspiration to just do it and stop putting things off. You only live once after all.

Quentin Bryce

Aussies will be familiar with Quentin as she's our Governor General, the Queen's representative in Australia. She's also my inspirational woman of choice. Whenever one of my friends is a bit down or in a need of a feminist pep talk I bring out Quentin. My favourite quote of hers is that "Women can have it all. But not all at once." Simple, but inspirational. Especially for people like me who try to take on everything and end up achieving nothing. Also something to consider if things aren't going quite your way. Ok, you might not have that perfect job at the moment but maybe this is your time for a great relationship or amazing friendships.

Michelle Obama

Behind every great man is a great woman. While for many Mrs O is lauded for her individual accomplishments and fashion credentials I admire Michelle for her role in shaping Barack Obama into the man he is today. Oftentimes inspirational women are singled out for their own achievements and every effort is made to distance them from a man's influence. We forget though that being a support for your partner and encouraging them to achieve their goals can often be as inspirational as achieving them ourselves.

Lena Dunhem

My idol. As a huge Girls fan Lena was always going to make my list. She's quirky, funny and doesn't take herself too seriously. Plus, you know she doesn't give a crap what anyone thinks of her. Lena (and her character Hannah) are my inspiration that you don't necessarily have to have everything together in your 20s. Just go with the flow and enjoy the journey, everything will work itself out in the end.

Happy 2014 everyone! Who are your inspirations for the New Year?

Sarah x

Image credit: MSNBC/oprah.com/news.com.au/Swoonworthy/Fashion and Philosophers /cdnds.net