 |
| FEATHER VEST: Club Monaco // WOOL SKIRT: Reiss // OVER THE KNEE BOOTS: Stuart Weitzman // TURTLENECK SWEATER WITH PEARL DETAILS: Suzy Shier |
First of all, a huge welcome to my blog!! This is my first official post and I am beyond excited and hopeful for what’s to come! I have been putting this off for years now (5 years to be exact) but have used the promise of a new year and new beginning to put this dream into action. Although, I feel a bit nervous to put myself out there to the world, I especially feel God’s hand at work, gently coaxing me forward with this dream. As the last week in December draws to a close, I always seem to panic about setting intentions for the year ahead. I understand the value of reflection and goal setting but for some reason, they always seem to get swept up and lost in the business of the holiday shuffle. Since, I just went through some of the biggest life changes this past year (from getting engaged, getting married, renovating and selling my condo, and buying a house with my new hubby), it seemed fitting to decide to that goal setting (and planning) should belong at the top of my list. I feel that whenever life changes are upcoming, setting specific and attainable goals can help them to seem less daunting or overwhelming. So that’s why, I’ve decided to be more intentional this time and write everything out to stay accountable.
So from my hectic life as a teacher, to my new role as a newlywed and new homeowner, to my brand new blog, scroll down to read all of my 2019 resolutions, and...don’t forget to let me know…what are your goals and plans for 2019?? So without further ado, here are my goals/resolutions for 2019!
Start My Blog
Yup, I can’t believe I’ve put it off for this long. Five long years of dreaming about it and planning it out in my mind. Imagining, fantasizing and hoping. I think one of the biggest things preventing me from taking a leap of faith and putting it into action is the fear of failure and what others might think. Just writing that down makes me realize how ridiculous that really sounds, but I honestly worried that others might think this to be silly or superficial or that I’m too old to be writing a blog with this kind of focus. I worried that people would think that this is something that young 20-somethings should be devoting time to and not someone older and more mature, like myself. But, I’ve finally reached the point in my life, where I really don’t care anymore what anyone thinks. I know my true friends and family love and support me no matter what and truth be told, they probably aren’t all that surprised that this is something I’ve chosen to do. I mean, I’ve LOVED fashion and beauty since I was a toddler. My mom has countless stories about my passion for all things fashion and beauty and my friends can tell you about the times when I helped them reorganize their closet, took them shopping for a specific outfit or did their makeup for prom, graduation or even their wedding.
So that being said, I’m writing this blog with a focus on fashion/style, beauty, lifestyle and travel. These areas have always been huge passions of mine and I can’t wait to write about them and share my love for them with others. I know that I personally love to be inspired by other bloggers. I love to get ideas for new beauty products to try or new ways of styling items in my wardrobe. And sometimes, I even escape through their beautiful pictures when I’m having a tough day. So, my hopes are for this blog to similarly be a source of inspiration; a place for you to come to be inspired, have fun and become more confident in your style. A place where style and beauty are ageless and won’t be judged. I’m looking forward to starting this journey and can’t wait to see who joins me and where I will be next year at this time.
Learning About Photography
I’ve always had an interest in photography and learning to capture memories and mood through film. About 5 years ago, right before my dad passed, he gave me some money at Christmas. In my heart I knew that his health was fragile and that he would probably not live much longer so I wanted to put that money towards something special that I would still have years later and think of him every time I used it. So, I did my research and bought a Canon Rebel t3i and a few lenses to go with it. I was so excited to buy it but became incredibly intimidated by how to use all the functions. I’ve barely used it aside from many a few times last year but am determined that 2019 will be the year to get more familiar and proficient with it. My amazing cousin (@patriciacdn) has the most incredible photography on her Instagram account which is dedicated to her two beautiful little girls. She is completely self-taught and I am continuously inspired by her photography. You should definitely check her out! Last summer, we were chatting about photography and she gave me all kinds of tips and tricks. She highly recommended reading the book “Beyond the Lens” for helping to improve my photography at a more basic level. I started to read it, but then as soon as the craziness of back-to-school started, it got put on the back burner. I am determined to learn more and make this interest a greater priority so I fully intend on setting aside one night a week to read and learn more about photography. I’m hoping that the more I post, the more my photography will also evolve and improve. Practice makes perfect, right?
Improving My Overall Health
With the craziness of wedding planning, renovating my condo, buying a new house, moving in with my husband and adjusting to life as a newlywed, AND trying to teach my most challenging class yet, it has been beyond difficulty this past year to prioritize my health the way that I’m used to. I used to go to the gym or boot camp sessions on a regular basis and eat more healthy and regularly throughout the day. I feel so much better when I do and notice a difference in my energy level when I don’t. I’m tired of feeling tired and sluggish all the time and need to break the cycle. I already see a naturopath and osteopath who are amazingly talented and are helping me to achieve my health goals, but I need to do more work on my end. Which means, getting back to the gym and starting yoga. I would be more than happy with getting in some kind of physical activity 2-3 times a week. Heating more healthy also means, in adding to being more consistent with my Paleo diet, I’m cutting back on those dangerously addictive Veggie Straws and delicious decaf Starbucks lattes!!
Regular Meditation
It seems like I only run to meditation as a coping mechanism when I’m seriously stressed out. I find it very helpful in quieting and calming my mind but yet I’m not as good at is as I’d like to be. Part of that is because I only use it when I’m super stressed and never as part of a daily ritual. I’m aiming to do some sort of a 5 or 10 minute mediation every day so that way it becomes part of my routine and that when I do get stress (which is inevitable), I’ll be able to reap more of the benefits.
Revamping My Work Schedule
So for those of you that don’t know, I’m an elementary school teacher whose hours are pretty much set. However, I find that I am most effective when I have a set schedule for when I am supposed to work on marking and planning and organizing materials for my day or week ahead. I need to set aside one day every week to stay late at school to plan for the week and get my photocopies done. Also, its important for me to choose one day each week to get caught up on my marking.
My Faith
The honest truth is, the more time with God I spend, the better I feel. Whether that’s reading a Christian book, listening to a podcast, going to Church or spending quiet time with Him, I always feel happier, stronger and more fulfilled. I hate using the excuse of being too busy to prevent me from spending more time with Him, but that seems to be the one I use most often. Being intentional and setting side time every day is the only way that I can seem to make this a greater priority. Also, reminding myself that every Sunday morning is Church time and that I always feel uplifted and lighter leaving afterward.
Invest In My Marriage
My husband and I have been married for just over 6 months now and it has been by far, the most challenging and rewarding 6 months of my life. I understand that just as I invest in my health, hobbies and career, I also need to invest in my marriage and see it as probably the greatest investment I will ever make (aside from parenthood, I’m sure). I’m so lucky and blessed to have my husband but recognize that it can become far too easy to start taking each other for granted. By taking the time to appreciate one another and to keep doing so for not only the big things but also the small things, will sure to benefit us both. Trying to keep regular date nights and just laughing and having fun with each other as we did when we were dating is so important as well. It’s so easy to get caught up in the pile of household chores, bills that need to be take care of as well as the pressures and need to furnish and decorate a very empty yet beautiful new home that you forget to just enjoy time with each other. So, in 2019 I’m devoted to giving our relationship the TLC and nurturing it deserves.
So, there you have it--my main goals for the upcoming year! Now that I’ve written them all down, they do seem a bit daunting but I’d rather set out more and achieve only a few than to set out none and achieve none. I’m a pretty determined person and know that once I set my mind to something I always achieve it so I’m feeling confident about being able to achieve quite a few of them. I’m planning on doing a follow-up at the end of this year to see how I did with everything. Wishing you the best year ahead full of dreams come to realization and goals achieved! Happy 2019 friends!!!
xx TL
 |
| DRESS: Shein // OVER THE KNEE BOOTS: Stuart Weitzman // NECKLACE: Astrid & Miyu |
Post a Comment