I'm not going to sit here and say that last year sucked or that it was amazing because, well, it was both of those things plus everything in between. I think that you'll have that with each passing year. Ups and downs. The good and the bad. They happen to us all and they happen often in our lives. That's how it goes.
With each passing year I become less and less interested in deeply reflecting over the past because all that matters is the here and now. I do think it's important to go over the things in the past year that are worth celebrating and taking away lessons from the experiences. But too much focus on past is not something that I find beneficial.
A quick summary of what I learned and will take away from 2016:
- I now know how to listen to my body when it comes to food and exercise. I'm more flexible with food than ever and have the best relationship with working out. Both very important and also both something that I need to be continuously aware of.
- It's much better to just get things done in your life. Just had dinner and don't feel like cleaning the dish? Do it. Getting the small things done creates so much extra space. Just do the things.
- Summer is the time for moving. Be outside. Be busy. Take advantage of it. Explore as much as possible in the summer. Relax and hibernate in the winter. Accept that this is how it is.
- Meditation everyday changes everything.
- Cleaning up your social media followings will not only save time scrolling but will also allow for you to use it as a source of connection and inspiration.
- You'll find great friendships in places and people that you least expect.
- Caffeine is not my friend. But chocolate is 100% my friend.
- I really, really love cycling and listening to podcasts. Like a lot.
- Parking far away and walking to your destination is so much more fun.
- Saying yes more is important but always remember and know when you need to say no.
- I am very aware that everything is connected and the energy you put out is what you'll receive.
- Travel and adventures fill your soul. Always make time to see the world even if it's just outside your backyard.
None of these are necessarily big revelations but they are important to me and things that have changed my life in a positive way. Sure, big live changing events are awesome but the little things that we experience add up over time to create shifts in our everyday life.
Small steps lead to big things.
I'm taking all of those things and applying them to my goals for 2017. I like to make one yearly goal. A project that I'll take on for the entire year. It's something that I think will be challenging but also something that I want to do and think I'll find rewarding. My other goals are attainable and things that I want to put a little bit more attention to. I like to strive for things that I don't have at the moment but also know is possible if I put in a bit of work. I use it as a source of motivation and inspiration whenever I'm not really feeling like doing much.
2017 Goals:
- Made in USA/Ethical/Sweatshop Free/Fair Trade Purchases
- All purchases that I make (think clothing, shoes, accessories, kitchen items, decor, etc.) I will strive to have made under these guidelines. I plan to do this as much as possible and if there are items throughout the year that I purchase not in this category I want to document and share in my 2017 reflections at the end of the year. This will be a big project. I'm honestly nervous because I'm sure there are things that I haven't even considered that will be affected. But I really want to do this and so I'm going to do it. - One Recipe Post Per Week
- I haven't been posting many recipes over the past few months. I've taken a bit of an unannounced break. But I'm ready to get back into it and I think a goal of just one post per week is attainable and reasonable for me. - Use Social Media Mindfully
- I really want to get down to just checking social media twice a day. That's it. I think it'll be good for me because I won't be aimlessly scrolling and I will hopefully get away from feeling the need to open up Twitter every time I get a free second and feel bored. - Cut Back on Plastic
- I want to use less plastic. You don't really realize how much plastic is floating through your life until you're paying attention to it. And honestly, it's not something that I really want to be in my life in such a large amount. But instead of quitting it completely and getting rid of everything plastic that I own I want to use it and become more mindful about plastic purchases and what I am using it for. - Educate Myself
- I want to learn. There's a lot of topics and things that I want to learn about. I want to actually make those things happen though. Since I'm no longer in school I don't really have to educate myself on anything but I want to. I'm dedicating more time to doing so this year. - Read One Book Per Month
- I had this goal last year but I want to make it again because I found it so rewarding. I love reading. So much.
I'm looking forward to this upcoming year and can't wait to see what the next 12 months bring. Thanks for joining me on this journey and I hope that 2017 brings you all of the growth and happiness you're looking for. xx