Can you believe how quickly this past year has gone by? I certainly can’t. When you’re a new parent, and I think many new parents would agree with me, the days can seem SO long, but then all of a sudden, weeks have passed, turning into months.
Of course, the biggest thing that’s happened this year is that Boothopia gained a new resident – my sweet son, Lil’ Ziggy. He is such a beautiful blessing in my life, even on the harder days. Giving birth and watching my baby grow… it’s taught me so much about myself. It’s taught me to love myself, to recognize my strengths and offer grace to myself in moments of weakness. I’m a work in progress as a woman, a wife and a mom, but I’m looking forward to growing right along side Lil’ Ziggy.
Another big thing that happened in 2015 was our move from Fort McMurray to Calgary. When I moved to Fort McMurray back in 2010, I went without looking back. I was ready for the adventure. This time, though, I was so sad to leave. I made some wonderful friends in Fort McMurray, we were part of a great church, and I was worried for the first time about being in a new place, especially with a baby. My fears were unfounded, though, as my friend Wendy introduced me to her mom group right away, and I began to make new friends. I’m really enjoying the city now. Who can say if we’ll be here for a short time or forever, but I am a firm believer that wherever you are, make it home.
That’s 2015 in a (very small) nutshell, full of new experiences. It’s been a bit of a roller coaster, but I’m certainly settled in better than I was before.
And now, the obligatory 2016 “resolutions!” These are the things I hope to accomplish this year, or at least just work into my life.
Create a business plan and monetize my blog.
Since my maternity leave is up in March, I am going to get serious about monetizing my blog and starting to earn an income from writing again. I know it’ll be slow to start, but I’d love to take my blogging to the next level. I’ll be creating a schedule for writing, and of course learning all I can about promoting myself on social media. By the way, I finally have my Facebook page set up. Click the link in my sidebar and give it a “like!”.
Learn to love my body exactly how it is right now
This year, I’m not going to diet. I’m going to treat my body better than I have before. I’m going to nourish it with better foods, I’m going to condition it with exercise, and I won’t beat myself up when I have a treat. I’m going to treat my body with love no matter what the numbers on the scales or the tags say.Learn how to take great photos with my new lens, and learn how to edit photos.
I had been searching for the Canon 50mm f1.8 lens for MONTHS at a decent price. I don’t like to buy things that aren’t on sale. After all my research and talking to photographers, I really wanted to try this lens out as I feel I’ve more or less outgrown my kit lens. It just didn’t cut it anymore with taking pictures of Lil’ Ziggy, especially indoors.
Well, I finally found the “nifty fifty” for a great price at none other than Best Buy, and I got the very last one in Calgary! I’ve only used it a few times in as many days as I’ve had it, but I’m in love. Look, I’m not a super knowledgeable or talented photographer. I don’t REALLY know what I’m doing most of the time, but when I took my first shot with that lens (in my BASEMENT no less!), I was hooked. With my plans to monetize my blog, I’ll be taking the time to really get to know my camera, and learn how to take the best pictures I can. I received a free Basics of Photography course from Craftsy after I purchased an ebook bundle last year, and Chris and I will be going through it together.
I’ll also be learning how to edit those photos using programs that are a bit more sophisticated than Picmonkey. Don’t get me wrong, Picmonkey has served me well this past year and I’ll keep using it for text, borders and overlays, but I mean actual editing. Making photos that people would actually pin on Pinterest. Photos I’d be proud to have developed and hung on my wall.
Become better with money, including saying “no” to most opportunities to spend it.
With my maternity leave coming to an end soon, I have to make some decisions in terms of earning an income. No matter which way I go, I know I won’t be making as much as I did in Fort McMurray. It’s not like I frivolously spent all my earnings back when I made more, but I certainly didn’t feel limited like I do now. So this year, I’m going to develop some better money-spending and money-saving habits that will help our family finances. I experience a considerable amount of anxiety when it comes to money, so I’m looking forward to improving myself with these things.
Learn to be peaceful.
Something I struggle with daily is keeping my cool when things don’t go my way. When you have a baby, that struggle is REAL, ’cause they don’t play by your rules! There are days when I haven’t had enough sleep, Lil’ Ziggy is whining constantly or can’t be put down, the house is a mess and I haven’t showered in who knows how long. In 2016, I want to work on being more peaceful – not pushing down my frustrations but learning to channel them in better ways. Find better outlets. Just find ways to calm myself in the chaos, to accept and deal with things that frustrate me, and be a more peaceful person.
What are your 2016 resolutions? If you don’t make formal resolutions, what do you like most about the New Year?
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Wow what a year with a new arrival and looking forward to a great year of reading your lovely blog too hun. Thank you so much for linking up to Share With Me blog hop. I hope to see you again this week for another great round. #sharewithme
Thanks Jenny! Yes, it’s certainly been a very full and interesting year. I’m also looking forward to your weekly blog hops this year!
I love your reflections and goals!
Yes, time goes by so slowly/yet quickly with young children. It’s almost like being a parent has its own time-space continuum.
I hope you have a healthy, productive, and happy 2016.
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Thank you so much, Jennifer! Wishing you the best for 2016 as well. 😀
Some great goals – I started writing mine down but realised my main problem was willpower, to actually achieve said goals, so maybe my resolution needs to be to gain some willpower!!! 😉 #sharewithme
I know what you mean! When I make goals I always sort of overestimate my willpower. Especially when it comes to eating healthy. It’s a work in progress!
I love your resolutions for the new year! I have high hopes to improve my photography skills as well and I love the idea of being more peaceful. Good luck with your goals for this year + happy new year! Thanks so much for linking up with us over at #BestOfTheBlogosphere!
Thanks so much Ashley!
These are some wonderful goals! I love what you wrote about loving your body. I struggle with that too at times. I also got a new camera lens and I should make it a goal to learn to use it better!
Thanks Samantha! I’m attempting to do a Project 365, where I take a picture every day. I of course have already skipped a couple of days due to travelling, but I’m looking forward to seeing how it improves my photography skills.
What great goals! I could have written this myself! I love that you say that wherever you are, make it home. We moved to Texas last year just for a short while before moving again. I’ve had a hard time with making this place home since it’s so temporary, but when we got back from Christmas I was like “wow, this really IS home.” And it felt so good to be there.
I so need to be better about spending my money. I tried to do a shopping fast and it was more like shopping fail. Ugh! I think this year might be the year to read an actual finance book or something because my efforts are not working.
I have also had to practice being peaceful A LOT since having a baby. I totally lost my cool this morning when she just would not nap or nurse or do anything. It’s so hard when you think you have to fix it but you really don’t or can’t. I hope we both grow as peaceful, serene mommies this year!
I hear ya! It’s amazing how a simple missed nap can send you into a mental tailspin! Lack of sleep is NOT my friend. We should do a no-shopping challenge or something. My weakness is online shopping.