I like to start the year with intentions, goals and a word to symbolize my year ahead.
In fact, I love to-do lists and goals so much that I tend to get a little carried away. In 2012, I set goals every month. I really liked that, except that my goals either weren’t organized enough or were over-planned. Because of that, I decided that I would have no goals for 2013 and even though the year was quite busy, it did feel overwhelming/disorganized and I didn’t like that. So what’s a girl to do?
For 2014, I’ve picked my word of the year, added in a phrase of the year (which I think exemplifies my word), and two big-to-me goals for the year.
“Be” is my word for 2014. Be kind. Be happy. Be healthy. Be loving. Be patient. Be calm. Be better.
“Be A Better Erin” is my phrase for 2014. That is truly what I mean with my one little word. I want to be a better version of myself. I by no means want to “resolve” to change anything about myself. I like who I’ve become. I just want to try to be a better me throughout my daily routines and throughout some of the bigger goals and opportunity that might present themselves to me over the course of the year. I want to be a better bonus-mom, be a better fiance/wife, be a better friend, be a better daughter, be a better writer, be a better editor. Simply, I just want to enjoy my everyday and put more effort into making my life and the lives of those around be a bit better.
And here are the two main goals I have for the year.
- Walk 150 miles (not counting my normal daily steps).
- Write 150 new very-short pieces of fiction/nonfiction/poetry.
Now, these goals might seem either super big or super small for some of you, but I think they are just right for me. I like to walk, but as I’m really not a physically active person, I hate to run right now. I also need routine to continue walking. 150 miles seems so huge to me right now, but I think it will be easy enough to achieve by the end of the year. Also, I could probably bust out 150 new very-short pieces of writing in a month, but here’s the thing. I won’t. I’m unfortunately a binge writer. I write for a month or two at a time, and then I don’t. I usually get good output once I start, but it is extremely difficult to get started again. I learned in graduate school that writing comes more easily to me when I do it regularly, and also I produce better material when my brain is in regular writing mode. So I’m hoping these 150 new short essays/poems/stories will help me get into a writing routine by the end of the year.
I’m totally open to new opportunities in 2014; in fact, I’ll be actively searching some out. I just don’t want to overburden myself. I have such high hopes for 2014. This year I’ll be getting married to the love of my life (and enjoying a bridal shower, bachelorette party, wedding and honeymoon!) and turning 30! Here is to a happy, healthy 2014 for all of us. Cheers!