2018

Happy New Year! The start of a new year has always excited me. I like the idea of new beginnings. Not that anything dramatic really happens once the ball drops, but the concept of starting fresh brings me a sense of peace. I like the idea of a whole new year ahead of me to make new plans and set new goals. 2018 is already looking pretty good. I have two trips planned and hopefully a third trip to Europe in the works! But I am getting ahead of myself. All throughout the year, new goals are laid out depending on career changes and other events that pop up, but I do like to have a few resolutions. I used to set resolutions and dive in head first. By the end of January, beginning of February, I am burnt out and feel like a failure. A pretty common occurrence with resolutions. This year I am taking a more relaxed approach. Sure, I have goals, but I am going to take it easy and make them attainable. I want my resolutions to be something to look forward to and not so much a burden. So, without further ado, here they are:

Read a book a month. This might seem like a very low bar to set, but I tend to go through stages of reading. I will read a book consistently for a week, then life happens and a month later I am finally finding time to finish the book. For instance, I started Hercule Poirot’s Christmas mid-December and haven’t touched it in about 3 weeks. I am looking forward to finding out who done it in the nest week and moving on to The Girls or In the Unlikely Event. Two books I have had for months and haven’t even cracked open yet!

Drink more water. This is a goal I set each year and clearly I am not doing a good job, but for the past few months I have really been trying. I downloaded an app and have water bottles everywhere- my room, my desk, my car. Similar to riding a bike, I am hoping this will become second nature and not something I do when I realize I am far too dehydrated. (I am going to fill up my water bottle as I type this.)

Go to yoga once a week. I first tried yoga about 4 years ago in NYC. I loved the studio and the environment. It was so relaxing and a great way to unwind after work. I am still trying to find a studio I like here in Buffalo, but I am aiming to have my first session scheduled for next week.

Travel to Europe. I have done so many wonderful things in my 28 years, but I still have not visited Europe. I am determined to achieve this goal. I would love to go to Barcelona or Dublin or Greece. Anywhere really! I just need to go. I want to explore and wander and not over plan. Just go and enjoy.

Create more. This is incredibly vague, but I enjoy doing so many creative things from crafts to drawing to writing to baking, I just compiled it all into one category. My friend bought me the perfect book for Christmas filled with recipes and DIY home décor ideas. It really rejuvenated my love for crafts and I cannot wait to start creating.