2019: A Recap So Far
I know, I know. It’s not January! But as we’re halfway through the year (and most New Year's resolutions don’t make it past the first month), I thought it might be good to do a check in!
If you would like to revisit the original post, you can do so by clicking here.
Like mostly everyone, I set some general health and wellness goals, as well as a few personal goals. I’m going to be honest, I’m pretty hard on myself, and at a very surface level I read through these again and thought, “FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL.” But I’m going to unpack them a little bit to see how many I’ve actually worked on so I can know where I still need to focus myself for the remainder of the year.
Here are the things I set out to do in 2019:
1. MANAGE MY STRESS BETTER.
Again, not feeling the most confident about this one, but in the original post I set out to go to the gym a few times a week, as well as visit a dermatologist, a general practitioner, and a therapist. You guys! I’ve done all but one of those things! Although, I will admit, tearing apart the house and putting it back together has been functioning as my gym membership the past few months. I still go almost every Saturday to my favorite class, but during the week I typically am out of the bed somewhere in the 7 o’clock hour and am projecting on something until the late afternoon. I went to the dermatologist a few weeks ago, and great news! That weird mole is apparently not nearly as weird as I thought it was (TMI?). And I actually went to a therapist for the very first time yesterday. That’s another other post entirely, and it was difficult, but I did it, and I’m proud of myself. I do still plan to visit a general practitioner in the not so distant future, but other than sifting through a bit of emotional wreckage, I’ve been feeling pretty good physically, so that’s positive!
In a broader sense, I don’t know that I’ve managed my stress better this year; however, I set these intentions with the assumption that everything wasn’t going to turn upside down a few months in. But that’s life, right? I feel like I’ve handled the cards I was dealt with more dignity and maturity and grace than even I expected myself to. So, on the other side of a pretty difficult season, I feel like this goal will recalibrate a bit and extend to finding myself on a career path that feels natural and fulfilling and just good for me.
2. STOP EATING LIKE AN UNSUPERVISED TODDLER AT A BIRTHDAY PARTY.
Okay, here’s the deal — I still have not learned to cook (I know you’re all staring at your screens, mouths agape). But I still haven’t had a dessert since the original post! No one is more impressed by this than I am, believe me. Especially when my husband makes cinnamon rolls right. in. front. of. me. I definitely still stress eat at moments — I’ve just replaced desserts with chips or popcorn or whatever carb is hanging out in my pantry. Baby steps! I guess I’ve lost a little weight? I don’t own a scale, and when I look in the mirror, what I see looks the same (or sometime worse?). But I’m staying the course. I’ve tried to eliminate some of my poorer food choices, and now I’m trying to reintegrate better ones. Again, baby steps!
3. INVEST MORE TIME INTO MY WRITING.
At the beginning of the year, I made a calendar of posts I wanted to put out for 2019. That felt like a lot of pressure, and because I never want this to feel forced or disingenuous, I decided to go at my own pace. Still, I was writing a good bit until that major thing happened that kind of felt like a giant pause (or reverse?) button was being pressed. It took me a few to get back here, but I finally made it. Should I crank out those spring posts I never got around to? Because I feel like I had a few solid ideas, but now we’re in a new season. Maybe those will wait until next year. Idk, let me know if your curiosity gets the best of you, and I’ll make them happen! All in all, I’m feeling much more creative these days, and I’ve been getting little bursts of ideas periodically. I think I invested so much of myself into my career that I didn’t have too much left for me. It’s good to see that energy resurface.
4. TAKE A FREAKING VACATION.
For most of the same and maybe a few new reasons (losing my job, an expired passport, normal stuff #eyeroll), a vacation has not yet happened or been planned. I’m trying not to be frustrated. I really am. I don’t know why this seems like the hardest thing in the world for us to plan and follow through with. We’re smart people! We have a savings account! WHAT IS THE DEAL? *she screams into the abyss* So listen, I need every single one of you to hold me to this. When you see me/call me/comment on a social media post, the first thing I need you to say is some variation of “Have you planned a vacation yet?” I mean, you can hurl a compliment at me, too, and I’ll awkwardly deflect it and THEN you can ask me about my vacation plans. Your choice. Totally up to you. No pressure.
5. LEARN HOW TO TILE!
In all realness, I have not made any traction on this one yet, BUT I was having lunch with my friend Sarah, and she told me about a weekly tiling class that happens at a supply store here. And it’s free! I’m definitely going to check it out. And I have plenty of time and places to experiment, so I’m gonna get on it! I actually have some concrete ideas on areas I want to tile and how I want them to look, too. I don’t have a ton of home improvement skills, so I’m excited to add to my arsenal!
Okay, AND because I’m an overachiever (the Capricorn is strong with this one), I want to add on juuuust a few more...
1. RESCUE ONE MORE DOG.
I really just feel like I need one more little fuzzy friend and OMG JUSTIN I AM TOTALLY KIDDING (but if one shows up in my backyard I will keep it so know that). I keep telling him I feel like I really need just one more dog, and while I don’t know if that’s doable because Teddy would be absolutely devastated, I feel like I need another high energy puppy friend for Scarlett. Would their energy cancel each other out, or would it be double the crazy? I’m not sure. Also, I think Justin would quietly pack his things and leave if we added another canine family member before a human one. Maybe I’ll volunteer with an animal rescue. That sounds like a good way to not bring home another pet LOLLLLL.
2. RECORD A NEW SONG.
I really, really, really miss doing music. It’s one of the things I moved here to do, and unfortunately, I got so intimidated by the talents of others, it just became one more way for me to pick myself apart, so I kind of put it to rest. Other than my daily car and shower singalongs or a random karaoke performance here and there, I haven’t actively done music in so long that most of the people I’m friends with here don’t even know about that side of me. That’s super heartbreaking to admit, but it’s never too late to begin again, so! Even if it’s a cover song I record on my iPhone, I’m going to do it. Hold me to it!
3. LEARN TO PLAY THE PIANO.
This one seems super ambitious (because it is), but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I pulled my old keyboard out of storage, and the electronics in it were fried, so that was a bust. But it’s Nashville! People are getting rid of pianos all the time. And I know someone reading this knows how to play, so please invite me over and I’ll bring the snacks! It’ll be so fun! Side note, Lizzo is totally inspiring me to bust out my flute again. I feel like I might be her for Halloween and just twerk and toot my flute all night 😂😂😂
Truthfully, I’m feeling more optimistic now than when I first started this post, so I’m actually really glad I did it. I think reflection is so important. I should make it a habit to do that more. Hm…Okay, enough about me — it’s your turn:
What is ONE THING you want to do with the rest of your year?
It can be something you started the year out wanting to achieve or attempt or finish…Maybe it's something you recently thought about? Put it out into the universe (even if you have no idea how to get started!). We’re in this together!
Sending you a lot of love!
