2017 Beginnings

Millennium Park, Jan 2017

I typically experience difficulty getting back into the swing of things after an extended break from routine; whether that be the holidays, a long vacation, or a few extra days off. I'm struggling a bit today, so I thought it would be a good idea to take a few moments to think about my goals for 2017 and where I want this year to take me. 

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Focus.

I've found that I become more and more scattered-brained with each passing year. The piles on my desk accumulate, I procrastinate, which leads to feeling unprepared and over-stressed. When it comes to my professional life, I need to make a concerted effort to focus. Eliminate distractions. Do what I can to stay on top of deadlines, make reasonable lists, and delegate. Be in the moment more and multitask less.

Move.

I want to continue hiking (and snowshoeing!) every week and practicing yoga regularly. I also want to get back into exercising more on a daily basis--walking, stretching, running, lifting, etc. Anything to get moving and feel the earth under my feet. 

Travel.

I was fortunate enough to travel quite a bit in 2016 and I want to continue as much as possible in the coming year. Whether that's traveling across the country, across the state, or even just exploring new parts of my city, I want to see new horizons and breathe new air. 

Simplify.

I want to simplify in many areas of my life this year: my possessions, my wardrobe, the food I eat, the emails and papers I save, the media I consume, how I devote my time.  I want to establish boundaries and understand that "no" can be a complete sentence. I want less of what is weighing me down and more of what makes me feel alive.  

Write. 

Whether it be blogging, a 10 minute journal entry, short stories, poetry, or sending cards to friends, I want to write more words this year. When I was younger, I would write constantly. I called myself a writer. I clung to that identity proudly. In recent years, that identity has become lost in a flurry of emails, academia, and self-doubt. I want to write words and memories and stories and dreams and frustrations and lists and anything and everything. Ultimately, I want to write for me. 

..........

I hope these ideas and goals are able to guide me throughout 2017 and beyond. I'd like to continue practicing mindfulness while striving for strength and kindness in all situations. I want to remember to be kind to myself as well and know that I am enough. 

I'm grateful that every day is a new beginning and I hope to live each one to its fullest.