I’m not big on traditional resolutions, but I’m all about jotting down a list of achievable personal and professional goals at the start of each year to motivate myself to make the most of it. 2016 was the year of prioritizing a happy work/life balance for me, and I want to continue that positive momentum into the new year while challenging myself to try new things, be more present, and invest more time in my favorite people and hobbies.
Here are the personal intentions at the top of my list for a happy and healthy 2017:
- Stretch my creative muscles. Whether it’s making DIY artwork for our home, dusting off the ol’ DSLR to practice photography, or finally taking the knitting classes I’ve talked about for years, I’d love to explore new creative outlets this year. I find I’m most content when I’m in a focused zone of creativity; plus, the more I practice other artistic projects, the more I’m inspired in my design work at the flower shop. Win/win!
- Make time with friends and family a priority. It seems like we’re all busier than ever these days, but I hope to get weekly dinners with my parents back on track this year, and to spend lots of nights with my best friends wearing sweat pants, drinking wine and watching ridiculous reality TV.
- Put down the phone and pick up a book. I was pretty good about reading in 2016, but I definitely wasted a lot of time watching YouTube videos and mindlessly scrolling through Facebook and Instagram; time that would’ve been much better served with my nose in a book. I’m not swearing off social media or grounding myself from the Internet (obvi) but I hope to be more mindful about my screen time in the new year.
- Bake a new recipe each week. I love spending time in the kitchen cooking meals or baking sweet treats — it’s a sure-fire way to turn off my racing thoughts and relax — but I don’t do it often enough. Sundays are designated lazy days at the Lennox house, and my mom bought me a KitchenAid Stand Mixer
for Christmas, so get ready Pinterest, it’s about to go down.
- Get outta town. C and I haven’t traveled anywhere in years, mostly because our small business makes it difficult to get away for more than a few days, but also because I’m a house mouse and nervous traveler. I know it’s important to get away and share those experiences together, so I hope to make a few trips this year to explore new places and get out of my comfort zone.
- Say “yes!” more often than “no thank you.” When an opportunity arises, I can think of ten ‘what-if’ scenarios to immediately talk myself out of it, and I miss out on a lot of relationships and experiences by letting those doubts and anxieties get the best of me. I read Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic
this year (highly recommend) and loved her view on learning to live and work alongside your fears: to acknowledge their presence and appreciate their purpose, but refuse to allow them to control your life. She says, “It seems to me that the less I fight my fear, the less it fights back. If I can relax, fear relaxes, too.”
- Work on my fitness. Ugh, I hate exercise. I’ve always thought of it as a chore, so I need to find a fun [preferably outdoor] activity I enjoy to release stress and keep my body strong and healthy. Maybe this is the year I find my inner yogi, take up jogging to join my step-dad in at least one 5K per month, or find local places to hike with C on the weekends.
for Christmas, so get ready 
this year (highly recommend) and loved her view on learning to live and work alongside your fears: to acknowledge their presence and appreciate their purpose, but refuse to allow them to control your life. She says, “It seems to me that the less I fight my fear, the less it fights back. If I can relax, fear relaxes, too.”Here’s to a new filled with courage, creativity, and lots of good vibes with a great big dose of grace while we figure it all out. Happy 2017, y’all!
{Wearing :: BB Dakota dress via m.marie (SIMILAR here) + BAGGU Canvas Backpack
What do you think?