I’m writing my column today on Boxing Day, in the middle of the week, huddled in my bedroom away from the noise, mess and chaos of our post Christmas consumption. Is it just me, or does everything look and feel different the morning after Dec. 25?
Boxing Day, for me, exudes this hangover-like feeling. My thoughts are muddled and confused as I look around my tiny 950-square-foot house, strewn with presents, dirty dishes, and leftover merriment from yesterday. I’m left thinking: How did we get where? Where did this come from? I don’t remember everything looking like this yesterday.
It’s in this hazy fog that so many of us rush to make resolutions, to do better next time. Our pants are a bit tighter from Christmas parties and holiday baking, so we resolve to lose fifteen pounds. Our bank account is a bit sad looking this time of year, so we resolve to be frugal in the new year. Our cupboards are overflowing, so we resolve to Marie Kondo our entire house. The merriment of Christmas is forgotten, and all we recall is a time of over-doing and over-consuming, so we promise to make things right, no, we resolve to make things right.
Last year I decided to do-away with the idea of resolving to do better. For me, the idea of resolutions are nice in January, but by February they feel like a heavy burden that I’ve lost gumption for. Earlier in December I was introduced to the idea of goal-setting, an alternative to resolutions that offer more freedom and greater chance at tangible results. I’m all for goal-setting, especially when they’re practical and motivating, and don’t feel like a ball-and-chain.
First, I decided to look back at 2018. What are some things I accomplished? My word for 2018 that I set in January was Determination, and I think in many ways I have lived up to that word.
In 2018 some of my accomplishments included:
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Becoming a licensed driver! I passed my driver’s test in the final days of 2017, and spent 2018 gaining my courage and comfort on the roads in Guelph. By the last half of the year I have felt really confident as a driver, and claimed my title of family chauffeur without hesitation.
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Setting records in my career! As a writer I have accomplished some exciting things in 2018. In addition to my column with GuelphToday, I have settled in as a regular contributor to a few award-winning publications, most notably Yummy Mummy Club and Savvy Mom. I’ve also written a few essays for the highly revered United Church Observer. I have easily written over 100 reported articles and essays this year, and it’s been my most financially successful year as a writer.
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Read over 50 books! This year was my year reacquainting myself with my love for reading, something that I lost in the early years of motherhood. But this year I really prioritized reading, and I’m proud to say that I met and surpassed my goal of reading 50 books!
Looking forward to 2019, I have a few personal goals for myself, and they include:
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Passing my final driver’s test: I have one final test to pass before I am a fully licensed G-level driver (right now I have my G2). This is something that sits at the back of my mind often, and I know that it will be a source of anxiety and stress until I finally get it done. My goal is to pass my G by the end of March!
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Pushing myself out of my comfort zone as a writer: Last year I accomplished a lot as a writer, especially considering I don’t have regular childcare and typically write while sitting on my bed. But this year I want to step outside of my comfort zone, and really push myself to hit some of those bigger publications. I also have a children’s book idea that I would like to finally write and start shopping around. These are all things that terrify me, but I know that I have to at least try.
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Find an active hobby: I already know that I love to read and write. These are established hobbies that I’ve carried with me like old friends since childhood. But one thing I don’t have is a hobby that keeps me active. Instead of making weight-loss or fitness goals, I really want to find an active hobby that I love and enjoy this year. It should be something that I participate in regularly, that gets me moving. I’m not sure what that will be, but I’m excited to try out some new things!
Reviewing the positive parts of my year helped me to reframe my mind, and reminded me that I can do hard things, and have already accomplished a lot. But setting goals also allows me to continue to grow. I like that I have set three tangible and achievable goals, because they don’t feel overwhelming to me, but they certainly do challenge me.
What about you? I’d love to hear what your accomplishments were in 2018, and what your goals are for 2019!
