Do you ever feel conflicted between what feels good and what logically makes sense? Every single year, we get to the beginning of January and I find myself completely torn between wanting to make all kinds of promises and lofty goals for my life “New year, New me!” and all that, and the reality that I’m HIGHLY unlikely to ever maintain those goals or results on the long term! The struggle is real, and this year is absolutely no different! But why change it all now? Here is the lofty list of goals I am under no legal obligation to achieve this year!
I figure the worst that can happen is that I put my goals and plans out into the blogosphere and then absolutely nothing changes and I don’t achieve as much as I had hoped. So what?! If last year was any indication, the alternative outcome is that this is another year of measurable growth, and I will be grateful that I recorded my thoughts at the start of the year, to compare at the end! So, without further ado, here are my goals and dreams for the year 2020.
1. Do More of Whatever Sparks Joy
I feel like everyone went into the last few years with Marie Kondo ringing in their ears, “I must throw away all of my belongings” we all chanted! But this goes beyond that for me. The sacrifice of working full time is that I have fewer hours in the day to choose activities that bring me joy. Who has time to be doing things that don’t serve me or my family? Maybe before I was working, but I sure don’t any more! Aside from intentional time spent with Bear, I’d like to -write more for my website, -read more of the books I feel invested in, -be outside more and continue making self-care a priority. I also want to say “No” more often to the time killers that do not serve me. It’s not about being selfish, it’s about focusing on wellbeing!
2. Build Healthy Skin Habits
I have really noticed that after years of neglect, abuse, and mistreatment, my skin is struggling. My face especially is just looking a little rough, and I’d like to focus some time every day on repairing the damage I’ve done, and preventing further stress on my skin. This means cleansing, toning and moisturizing (yes folks, we’ve reached the age of needing an eye cream!) every night before bed, and wearing sun protection during the day! (I’m open to any suggestions for daily face SPF that is non-greasy for HIGHLY sensitive skin!). I also hope to be intentional about drinking more water and treating myself to quality products that are going on my skin! I’m not getting any younger, and let’s face it… I’m simply never going to attract a man if my skin is looking a hot mess! (Never mind my life is kind of a giant dumpster fire right now, but I’m sure some dreamboat will ignore all that if my skin is looking youthful! Right?)
3. Get Better at Being Organized
This is something I have made HUGE strides at in 2019! Thanks, anxiety! For the better part of last year, I found that when I felt anxious I would either crawl under my covers and hide from my responsibilities OR manically clean the house! Let me tell you, one of these things was actually a very helpful coping mechanism, the other…. less so! For 2020 I really want to hone those skills! From time management and getting the most out of my paper planner system, to getting scary adulting jobs done with and out of the way first (I’m looking at you, income taxes!), I want to keep on top of being organized in all areas of my life to avoid being overwhelmed. Especially living in such tight quarters, it doesn’t take much mess before the clutter feels suffocating. My goal here is to make it a priority to keep on top of the little jobs, so they don’t become big jobs. This also includes habits like -Making my bed, -Putting away clean laundry – Sorting paperwork as soon as it comes home and -less procrastinating in all areas!
4. Learn To Do Something Difficult, and DO NOT GIVE UP!
You know that feeling when the Ikea manual says the build requires two people, but you complete the project yourself and you feel hella empowered? No, you just get frustrated and cry? I don’t get that! In all seriousness, I LOVE building Ikea furniture, I always feel amazing when it’s done. Sometimes, I do get frustrated and cry, but when I finish the job and have a fully functioning, relatively cute shoe cupboard, that is a GOOD feeling! I want more of that feeling in 2020! Ideally without spending much money on low budget furniture! I am capable of so much more than I usually give myself credit for, so this is the year of proving to myself that “I CAN”!
5. Be More Adventurous
This year, I want to do the things I sat around last year waiting for someone else to make happen. I want to take Bear skiing (or snowboarding if he prefers), go on another couple of hikes, and possibly even learn to haul, park and level mum and dad’s fancy new trailer for a camping adventure, just Arthur and I! There is nothing specific that anyone else has that makes them more qualified than myself to do these things, but I have always had it in my mind that they do. I’m looking forward to going on more adventures and being less afraid of things I have no business worrying about! I am woman, hear me roar! Or at least, mumble quietly in the corner, but I have a good feeling about this!
These are just a few of the goals I feel confident sharing at the start of this new decade! I anticipate many new challenges and tests as the weeks, months and years go by, but I am cautiously optimistic that I will be able to look back in 12 months and be proud of how far I’ve come!
Did you set any resolutions or goals for the new year? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
Love ya,
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