Writing down the Vision

This post is part of The Peony Project's monthly link-up

I don't know what it is exactly, but I am just really excited for this year. I have no idea what it holds (I'm not Miss Cleo or anything. Am I dating myself there? Please tell me you know who Miss Cleo is). And of course I have concerns and uncertainties because hello, it's me. But still there is this excitement for what lies ahead. 

I know resolutions are cliche and kind of a joke, because let's face it, many of them are unrealistic and too broad. Goals are typically more specific and attainable, with steps to get you there. That's kind of where I'm at with my vision for this year. I'm not trying to change everything about myself in one fell swoop (And why would I? I'm pretty cool. And humble too). I'm working towards specific things in my life that I want to do better at, while always keeping in mind that I'm not striving for "perfect" or to have "arrived" because that's not the end game here. 

So I have some goals for this year. Nothing mind-blowing. Pretty simple, and probably kind of ordinary, but they're important to me. They've all just been in my head so far, but I think there's something really important about actually writing down your vision and goals, it crystallizes them in your mind and makes them more approachable, if you will. Plus in writing them here I'm telling all of you, so yay for accountability! Yet another bonus of blogging. So here they are: 

One

 Continue cultivating a healthy lifestyle of nutritious food, regular exercise, and good rest. This is a journey I started last year, and I have been amazed at how much better I feel. I still struggle with consistency in this area sometimes, but I've found a program and way of life that works for me, and is easy to jump back into when I fall off the wagon. Within this, I have about 10 more pounds that I would like to lose, and I would like to get stronger in my upper body (i.e. doing REAL pushups, better and longer planks, and lifting heavier weights) and my endurance. 

Two

Connect more with my family and friends OUTSIDE of social media. Facebook is great and all, but it can't take the place of a real conversation on the phone or face-to-face. Again something I started last year, but want to continue and do even more this year. 

For me and Adam this means continuing our monthly day trips, just the two of us, where we set aside a whole Saturday or Sunday each month to go somewhere and explore together, connect with each other, and have fun. With my friends and family this means being more intentional with scheduling coffee dates, dinner, shopping with my BFF, etc. Making time for what's important, PEOPLE. 

Three

Sort of along those same lines, send more snail mail. At least once a month, I want to send a card to someone. As I mentioned in the post about the Holiday Card Swap I did, I was inspired to send more cards and notes, not just on holidays or birthdays, but "just because". Just to let people know I'm thinking about them and I care. 

Four

Grow my blog. I'm still kind of a newbie so for me this may mean different things than it does for someone more seasoned. For me it means: 
- Getting a new design to make my blog more inviting and personalized (in the works!)
- Start sponsoring other blogs to gain exposure.
- Read more about blogging from those who have been at this longer and have wisdom to share. 
- Plan and schedule posts in advance so that I can be really confident in my content. 
- 3 posts a week, but don't feel pressured to post 4 or 5 unless I just want to. I don't want my content or quality to suffer because I am pushing for something that just isn't there.

Five

Read at least 50 new (or new to me) books this year. I love to read, it's my happy place, but lately I haven't been devoting as much time to it. I definitely want to make it more of a priority this year. 

I have lots of other little things I would like to work on or work towards, but these are the major ones. What are your goals this year?