Happy New Year! Entering 2016 is like flipping the pages of a new, crisp book and smelling its pages. It’s full of wonder, anticipation, hope and ambition. I hope you had a wonderful 2015, and if not, let it go and look forward to all the beauty 2016 has in store for you. Have you set your goals yet?
At the beginning of last year, I aimed to have a year of being inspired, connected and empowered. Looking back, I would best describe my 2015 with the word “comfortable.” Parts of my year reflect the stagnant connotation because I didn’t have any big life changes and didn’t push myself incredibly hard. This is where empowered missed the mark. Other parts of my year reflected the confidence gained from being more self-aware and open-minded. This is where inspired and connected soared.
In reflecting on my 2015, here are some events that happened:
- Crossed a few things off my life list: shoot fireworks, go to a major league football game, and go scuba diving (and actually got scuba certified!).
- Read 14 books.
- Hosted 16 parties, including DIY parties, potlucks, and seafood boils.
- Took many classes, including painting, cake ball making, brush lettering, scuba diving, cheese and jam tasting and chocolate truffles.
- Traveled to Costa Rica, San Francisco, and Chicago.
- Went to my first crawfish boil and ate lots and lots of crawfish.
- Dined with the CEO of Campbell Soup.
- Ziplined in Costa Rica and Austin.
- Went skydiving for the second time.
- Celebrated the weddings of my friends MJ and Peter and Gloria and Aaron.
- Saw Taylor Swift in concert.
- Went to the Re:Make Conference.
- Saw Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza show.
- Baked goodies for Austin Bakes for Nepal and Austin Bakes for Syrian Refugees.
- Dressed up as a grandma for Halloween.
- Ran my fourth and fastest (2:43) half-marathon.
- Participated in my first Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap.
- Published 103 blog posts on Fearless Captivations.
Looking back, I’m thankful for the opportunities to explore my creativity, to learn and to deepen my relationships. This year flew by quickly. There were some long days but it was mostly fast months.
I’m not sure where I found this advice, but it’s a thoughtful way to think about your New Year Goals: “When you’re brainstorming possible goals for 2016, think about how you can give back to your community, what accomplishments would set your soul on fire, and what actions would make it a meaningful year.” At the end of 2016, what things do you want to proclaim that you accomplished? Is the accomplishment for others (for recognition or to say that you did it) or for yourself (for true fulfillment and joy)?
My main goal this next year is to challenge my hustle to live my life to the fullest. I’m focusing on the words connected, inspired and grateful to guide me. My goals list is a live list! I know there will be new goals and challenges that pop up throughout the year. Since I failed horribly in accomplishing my 2015 goals, I’m aiming for a different strategy in 2016. I’ll strive to be honest with myself about things I can and want to accomplish and I’ll strive to invest in monthly goals and check-ins.
To be inspired, I’ll continue seeking ways to live more adventurously and creatively. This will include diving deeper into culinary topics and exploring creative habits.
- Attend a conference
- Complete a 12 item cooking/baking list (things I’ve never made before)
- Visit 12 new restaurants/coffee shops
- Complete a creative project every month
- Doodle/letter daily for one month
- Read 12 books
- Host 12 events
The people and the relationships in life are very important and I’m challenging myself to dig deeper and get more connected. This will include a conscious effort to maintain those relationships.
- Send two letters every month
- Take a girls’ trip
- Spend time one-on-one with a friend every month
- Monthly adventure dates with the boyfriend
Something that’s not always at the top of my mind is gratitude, and gratitude can make all the difference in attitude, inner peace, and actions. That’s why “grateful” and creating routines around gratitude will be a priority for me this year.
- Journal daily for one month
- Go to therapy
- Maintain a regular exercise schedule (TBD)
- Complete an Acts of Kindness Project (TBD)
As for my blog, my blog goals have shifted back and forth a lot this past year because of balancing time commitments, evolving social sharing guidelines and life priorities. For now, I’m aiming to provide regular and passionate content related to eats, travels and celebrations. You’ll be seeing features on my favorite restaurants, mini-trip guides and travel inspiration and DIY entertaining tips and tutorials. What do you want to see more of? Send me a message or tell me in the comments.
I hope you are ready to rock 2016! If you need some more inspiration in what you will accomplish this next year, check out these two links:
10 Values To Live By Every Day
26 Things Every Person Should Do For Themselves at Least Once a Year
What do you want to accomplish in 2016?
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