2017 has been one heck of a year…
- The Women’s March, Trump, and neo-Nazis in my tiny town.
- Health dilemmas and panic attacks.
- Getting a tattoo!
- Traveling to Florida to see my friends and New York to meet Ethical Writers & Creatives members.
- Joining a women’s ensemble and singing in a beautiful wedding.
- Working with lots of cool brands.
- Going full time at work.
- Quiet moments and coffee dates with friends.
- Celebrating 7 years of marriage.
- Turning 29.
GOALS FOR 2017
Small Ones
Rekindle my love for creative movement.
While I didn’t start up dance classes, I did join a women’s vocal ensemble, and that’s been really lovely. I’ve made new friends, gained a ton of confidence in my vocal ability, and found a refuge in the form of weekly rehearsals.
Take photography more seriously.
I did ok on this! I remembered to bring my camera with me more often, which is why I decided to buy a new (refurbished) one. My old Canon Rebel XS was just too clunky. I upgraded to a gently used Fuji XT10 Mirrorless and it’s been very helpful for both blog photography (the portrait settings are really helpful when you’re using a remote) and lifestyle/portraits. I was also commissioned to do two portrait sessions.
Give up coffee, at least for awhile.
I tried this for a few months, but ultimately went back to having about 10 ounces of coffee in the mornings. Still an overall reduction in caffeine.
Eat all vegetarian except for on special occasions.
This failed, because my nutrition got way off balance and I became chronically ill at the beginning of the year. I still eat vegetarian at home and for lunches, but I will eat meat on occasion. This is a small step forward that is meaningful for me, and I learned a lot about animal ethics and my own personal needs through the experiment.
Big Ones
Make a part time income on freelance writing and ethical brand collaborations.
This one was a big success for me! I was able to make about $500 a month between blogging and freelance work this year, which meant I was able to build my savings account for the first time in years! Becoming more confident as a freelancer also helped me leverage a move to full time at work.
Take a leap of faith and get the chops to go where I feel called.
Drumroll please…So, I’m in the beginning processes of becoming a priest/pastor in the Episcopal church. Things are very early stage and I will be exploring my sense of calling over the next year or so before moving onto the next step, but it feels good to be making moves toward something I’ve been feeling called to for years and years.
P.S. I also fulfilled two resolutions from 2014: get a tattoo and publish an article (I’ve published several articles since then, but this one was really important to me)
A lot of life happened this year, and some of the goals I made no longer felt important as time went on. But I’m satisfied with where I am professionally and, if I try to live one day at a time, I’m fine on a personal level, too.
I’ll share my new year’s Blogging Goals tomorrow!
