New Year, Same Approach
Despite some “interesting” world events (ahem, Trump), I had an awesome 2017.
I started a new job with an agency I deeply admire. I explored new passions in dance and silversmithing. We finally moved back to our apartment after a nasty fire in 2015. One of my best friends asked me to be a bridesmaid for her wedding. To top it off, we travelled with our friends and family to Peru. Of course, the year had its ups and downs, but after everything, I can’t complain.
Now, fast forward to New Years Eve 2017 with the plethora of resolution posts and social media pressure to participate. I’ll be honest, I tried to write this post at least 5 times, but I couldn’t find a new angle – because I don’t have one.
Last year’s mantra to “fear less, embrace challenge” helped me get a lot of shit done. I don’t plan to stop that approach, but to keep shining on. 2018 is all about exploring further the things I uncovered and loved last year. I want to see myself grow, see things through, tackle challenge and set priorities. So this is where I landed with that in mind.
Photography
This has been a long-standing passion of mine and for some reason, I hesitate to admit that. I’ve been a photographer since high school, it’s time to embrace that! I got my first point and shoot when I was 16 and my equipment upgraded throughout the years. I want to take this year to master my settings, composition and shooting in low light. That means more Manual Mode, tutorials, and practice practice practice. Anyone up for a walking tour with me?
Blog
This blog was an amazing creative outlet over the past year. This was not my first blog attempt, so there’s a reason why it’s sticking this time. Not only is blogging therapeutic, but it’s paying off – it’s one reason I got my job. I want to nurture and evolve this blog in 2018. I want to create a content schedule for myself to remain consistent, organized, while staying authentic. I do this planning for my clients, why not myself?
Career
My department is new and I get to help shape what that looks like. This is an exciting challenge and now that I’m settled, I plan to take more charge and initiative. I want my role to evolve into creative direction so I have to build skills in certain areas. I’m going to dive into video, learn light room and practice writing. I also want to build notoriety in my industry, so I want to speak on panels, do a presentation, or host a work event.
Hobbies
Last year I started dancing with Luminesque and I took a silversmithing course at Mountain Gems. I loved both but I know with upcoming 2018 events, I can’t do everything. Dance won’t be a big priority for me this year, but I’m happy to do it for at least one more term before weddings and travel plans take precedence.
As for silversmithing, I’m excited to see where this takes me. I’m at the point in my skill where I see pieces for sale that I know I can make, and that’s exciting! What I lack are practice, tools and materials. This year I want to take another class, slowly build my toolkit and make time for drop-ins.
Travel
Travel sets my heart on fire. I love to explore new cities and immerse myself. So, of course, it’s a goal of mine to see more of the world. My oldest friend and I both turn 30 in June, so we plan to visit Germany to mark the big milestone. In addition, my husband and I want to visit Iceland or Eastern Canada. That shit costs money so I know saving enough will be a big goal this year.
Health and Relationships
With everything I want to do above, I need to be diligent about building time for my health and relationships. I have terrible habits for going to sleep late and not “unplugging”. After returning to work after a week off, I understand the importance of rest and relaxation. Call it age, over stimulation or both, but I was physically and mentally pooped. I admit that I’m TERRIBLE at relaxing and “doing nothing”, I just get bored too easily. I obviously need guidance, so to start I’m going try headspace to build meditation into my routine. As for sleep, I have a few ideas that I’ll keep you posted on.
On a more personal note, quality time with a partner is almost more important once married. As someone with a VERY patient and supportive partner, it’s too easy to get away with chasing my ambitions and tabling time spent with him. I don’t think a rigid schedule is needed per say, but building moments throughout the day where I am fully connected and not looking at a screen are more realistic. Planning weekly activities beyond Netflix and chill would also do us some good.
So there you have it! Not all the goals are fully fleshed out, but I feel a lot more comfortable knowing what I actually WANT to work on that go beyond my cliche resolutions in the past. What are you planning to work on this year?
