I think most of us miss the point of New Years Resolutions. We jump right into making a long list of goals, and neglect to take time to review the year and all we experienced, learned, and accomplished. I put together these reflective questions (along with my own answers) to help you think about the past year, smile about the good parts and learn from the not-so-good parts.
What is a word or phrase you want to focus on this year and why?
Be still. Still enough to quiet the voices around me and listen to what I really need and what my family needs. This will require some slowing down, well-placed yeses, more yoga and mindfulness, and time with my family.
What worked for you in 2018?
My capsule wardrobe! It’s been a year and a half and I’m still going strong.
Writing my mindfulness book, Everyday Mindfulness. It’s not perfect, but I loved writing it and hearing how it’s helped the people who have read it.
Exercising at home. I’m a gym junkie, so I was skeptical about how it would go, but I did the LIIFT program (weights and HIIT) from Beachbody and have loved it. I’ve definitely noticed more strength and muscle tone in my body.
Launching Loom Journals on Kickstarter!
What didn’t work in 2018?
Hosting events without paying myself for my time and effort. Hello, burnout!
Mom guilt. What a waste of positive emotion.
The Purple mattress.
Thinking small.
What were three memorable moments with your family in 2018?
Our annual Park City staycation, walking on a foggy Oregon beach for the first time, all the hummingbirds we saw over the summer and the kids pointing them out to me every time because they are my spirit animal.
What do you never want to forget about your kids in 2018?
My oldest switched schools, is learning piano, reading like a maniac, and improving at soccer. She is a dedicated, fearless girl who is wise beyond her years.
My baby girl giving me dozens of kisses and hugs at will. I hope she never stops! She is so happy, polite, and grateful, always thanking us for everything we do for her. She brightens our lives like nothing else.
My son learning to read! It’s so fun to see his excitement for it. He has such a good attitude about helping around the house, and asks the most thoughtful questions.
What were the hardest things about last year?
Navigating infertility, balancing creative projects and family, our job transition, moving away from home temporarily. These all ended up bringing blessings along with them, though.
What did you learn in 2018?
I am more resilient than I give myself credit for. My kids are more adaptable than I give them credit for. Hard things make me stronger and more compassionate. Discomfort is a very good thing. I get to choose my thoughts and mood. What people say or think about me really doesn’t matter, but being true to myself does.
What new products, hobbies did you discover last year?
Passionfruit Noosa yogurt. It is literally the best. I miss passionfruit from living in Australia–I can never find it here! Also, clay masks, this big dry erase calendar, and these bluetooth headphones.
What are your wildest dreams and goals for 2019? Write them as if they’re already in the works (they are)!
Brush up on my French, teach it to my kids in a manageable way, read a book in French
Host a book swap (you’re invited!)
Find a literary agent
Start writing a second book
Do the splits
Do at least three things that scare me
Make plans to travel (or live) abroad with my family
What are some habits you want to break?
Staying up late, mindless snacking, overthinking.
What new ones will replace them?
Getting to bed earlier and getting up earlier, meal and snack prepping, affirmations.
What are your travel and or adventure dreams for 2019?
Hawaii, California, Scotland and Ireland, and lots of local hikes in the summer.
I’d love to hear some of your own answers to this self-evaluation.
Happy 2019!
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I love this so much. Before I set my goals for 2019 I went through 2018 and wrote out what worked and what didn’t before thinking about what I want to accomplish in 2019! I can’t wait to see what 2019 brings for you.