[C]an I tell you one of my personal truths? The new year… the box marked January 1st on my calendar, makes me all sorts of nervous.
The Internet would have you believe that everyone is full of glee, rainbows, hope, excitement, possibility and plans. It’s fantastic, right? Unless you don’t exactly feel that way… unless you’re a little nervous like me. Now, it’s not that I’m not tremendously hopeful and excited, but the vastness (glory be!) of the 364 days ahead sometimes feels paralyzing with possibility.
Do I sound like I’m complaining? I’m not. Do I sound like I might have a scatterbrain? I do. Do I sound like I don’t know where to place my feet as I step into this year? Pretty true. So far I’m thinking one foot in front of the other is the best (and only) way to go.
What are your resolute intentions for the new year? Do you have a few? Have you written them down on your bathroom mirror in lipstick? Tell me how you’re working this new year!
Here are some things, large and small, I’m thinking about for 2015:
โข Dear Joy, turn off your cell phone. Seriously, what would happen if didn’t check your phone when your dinner companion gets up to use the restroom? The world would end, right? Well… let’s try anyway.
โข Social media anxiety is sooo 2013. Whether it’s a fear of missing out or a fear of participating… none of it is actually real, so just calm down and maybe try turning off your phone.
โข There’s always room to make your kitchen life better. And I think it’s time for a new kitchen skill. I’m thinking I’d like to be a chocolate master. Is that a thing? It’s about to be.
โข I speak Spanish and Italian. The only problem is that I speak both at the same time in the same sentence. Helpful to no one, ever. This year maybe I brush up on my Spanish and kick the random Italian out of my Spanish sentences.
โข New rule: Two drink max then walk your butt home and turn off your phone.
โข Charitable resolutions like Be The Match or Compassion International are always in my year.
โข There are all sorts of year-long projects to get involved in at the start of the year. My favorites are: Journal52 (prompts for the 52 weeks of the year… like brain food!). A self-portrait a day with The Everyday App. And journaling with technology using DayOne App.
โข When in doubt, when excited, when curious, when hungry for all the things: GUT CHECK. Our guts know.
โข Have some fun. Have some dang fun! GEEZ.
Happy New Year. I love you.
xo Joy
86 Responses
I appreciate your references to other websites. I just celebrated my birthday recently…. a good time to get started on JOURNAL 52, instead of the traditional Jan-Dec routine!!!
Just found you. Thank you for personal truth. Refresing.
I know I am a little late to the party on providing a comment but like the New Year it’s just a date -right? Joy I know His eye is on the sparrow and it’s on you too. He will direct your paths as you acknowledge Him in all your ways. You will continue to be joy to Him and to us. Gosh -there’s a lot of potential and goodness wrapped up in your name. I am going to try that honey bread too and a lot of your other recipes. I love your style and honesty in so many ways. God bless you. Bless means “empower to prosper”.
Hey, do you speak spanish! Fantรกstico. Lets talk to spanish right now. Me encanta la idea. Y estoy de acuerdo en que un aรฑo nuevo por delante puede resultar aterrador a veces cuando, de pronto, no estรกs tan segura de hacia donde te diriges. I know that feeling. I have been there. Entiendo tus sentimientos. So, quiero decirte que me encantan tus recetas y que he tratado de prepararlas en mi cocina, con estupendos resultados… JA! Aunque no suelo hacer comentarios, procuro leer tus post tan pronto los publicas y me encantan… Feliz Aรฑo!
This is lovely, Joy! Happy new year! I wish you all the best for 2015 – may it be everything you hope for. You are amazing.
I’m right there with you in regards to phone off-age, drink consumption, and FUN having. My goal this year is to take Monday’s off of my usual day job; work a little less, and live life a little more. Have an extra weekend day for all those projects — fun or tedious — that I never have time for. Hence my ability to be sitting here writing this comment!!!
=)
Happy New Year!
Not to miss the point of your lovely post (and it was…), but what is that gorgeous bread you are gazing at?
What are those delicious looking baked goods in your photo?! (Sorry if I missed it somewhere)
Love this post, you might as well have just said this year I’m going to switch off my phone. The End. :) love it, I will be joining you in the phone switching off thingy xx
For 2015, I think you should add to/update your NOLA recommendations. :)
So every time you mention Be the Match, I am totally compelled to leave lots of kind words and hugs and virtual cinnamon rolls. It’s my #1 cause, one that has had a personal impact on my life, and a way to reflect on the past while hopefully putting a positive impact on the future.
That being said, have you ever considered being a courier for Be the Match? I’ve been doing it for about three years and started when I was freelancing. It really lends itself to flexible schedulesโseems like you might be a good fit!? Please feel free to shoot me an email if you’d like to know more.
Happy new year :)
I really should add the “2 drink max” to my resolutions.. And turning off my phone–oh! how I need to do that more often. Thank you for your thoughtful resolutions for the year, they’re inspiring!
Joy, thank you for your honesty and transparency! It’s quite refreshing.
Suggestion for the phone thing: Pebble smart watches run from 89.99 to the fancier ones at 200 something. I got one to help me be on my phone less. It’s great because it will push notifications such as a call or a text and I can easily check if it is super important. If not, no need to get my phone out. If I see it is an important call or my husband has texted “911,” I can check it. It’s also great because sometimes I will check my messages on my phone then get stuck in a social media loop. Very helpful.
What are those delicious looking buns you are standing next to?
Thank you for the link to J52! I feel like journaling every single day is overwhelmingly introspective. But I like the idea of one guided thought a week to work on. Looking forward to it!
A wonderfully honest and refreshing post about the new year, Joy! I didn’t know you speak both Spanish and Italian… how cool. I also love the Journal52, thanks for sharing that :) Happy New Year!
Turn the phone off with the kids. Luckily they are only 4 & 6 but I would be annoyed if they had phones and used them like I do! I do NOT need to check FB while we are eating! Also, work on the 4yo’s alphabet recognition. Seems he can write “Henry” but can’t spell it. Hmmm. Happy New Year Joy!
What a great post, Joy! As I am getting older, I find it pointless to drink more and more. So two glasses is my max to. No need to feel terrible the next day because, well, you couldn’t say no. Also, unplugging from the internet/phone is also a great idea. Might have to practice that more often myself in 2015.
Happy New Year!
xo
Colette
http://www.skatterednotesblog.com
My resolution: No worries in 2015! I’m so tired of worrying about every little thing and forcing myself to meet self-imposed timelines, deadlines and demanding perfection of myself. I’m going to have fun this year. All year… No worries just fun!
I love you too, Joy!
I’m also trying to cut down on the amount of time I spend checking my phone, as well as social media (and using electronics in general). Good luck with your goals and Happy New Year :)
What a list! This year I’m not going to make any, I just want a simpler and decluttered life :)
Se vuoi fare pratica di italiano, sono disponibile :)
Happy New Year from Italy!
Wow – you not only want to learn how to create delicious chocolate creations – you also want to be a Chocolate Master. I’m very impressed and I have absolutely no doubt that you’ll achieve your goal… even if becoming A Master takes more than one year !!
I learned French and Spanish. I was always doing some kind of combination of both. This post is lovely. I cannot wait to see what comes of the chocolate master. i hope for you sake it involves a lot of tasting.
One of the things I’d like to do more regularly (like you mentioned) is journal! I was reading through my sporadic journaling from 2014 the other night and the little that I did write really helped my perspective. It helped me see my life as a cohesive, mostly-positive continuum and not the series of overwhelming little crises I can sometimes (ehem) see it as.
My hopes for 2015: to become better at guitar playing and drawing.
Have a great day!
Astrid
Great resolutions , especially like the social media/ cell phone ones, I think I’ll try to pick up my cell phone less & instead pick up a book :) Happy New Year Joy!
Totally my goal to brush up my spanish too – I desperately want to be fluent!! feliz aรฑo nuevo!!
Truly lovely intentions. I will continue to follow, enjoy, and repost your blog entries. Thank you for all you do! :-)
Wishing you a year filled with happy memories!
The electronic leash (phone) seems to be a big one for a lot of people. I am making an effort to shut it off at bedtime and trying not to do things like flipping through it while watching tv or while out for dinner. Good luck and may your 2015 be awesome !
Great intentions!
https://mademoiselleaventure.blogspot.ca
Have fun.
Thank you for the reminder. Life seems to have gotten really serious.
Love reading and listening to all things Joy the Baker. Happy 2015!!
I also really want to know what incredible resolution-defying bread you made there!
Side note: If you ever need beautiful food illustrations for a cookbook or to provide contrast to your photography, I’m constantly inspired by your use of color and texture in your cooking!
I need to clean my house. I’m serious. It’s AWFUL. It’s just 2 people in my house, plus a fluffy orange cat, but I have so much ‘stuff’ that needs to be cleared away. I want to hire a housekeeper to come every two weeks to help me out so I can enjoy 2 Saturdays out of the month to myself, but even before she comes, I need to get rid of stuff first. I’m getting on that!! Journaling and all that jazz can wait till June… :P
Ohh, I do the same with Spanish and Italian, and have basically stopped speaking either due to embarrassment. But, in bocca al lupo for the new year, for us both!
I’d like to adopt some of your goals for myself because you really have the best of intentions! Happy New Year, Joy! Can’t wait for your new book. Good luck wrapping it up :)
I’m with you on the phone, throughout 2014 mine has been glued constantly to my hand, not good! I don’t usually make resolutions but this year I had one – put the phone down and pick up a book… so far I’m doing good, but it’s only 2 days in. Let’s keep this thing going!
Happy New Year,
Danni x
– It was such a joy to read ‘The Best of Intentions for 2015″. :)
Wishing you and your family a healthy and Happy New Year!
with warmest regards,
Gigi Guerrette ~
Love these! I’m working with the word CREATE for 2015. Time for loved ones, crafty things, new meals, and other things.
Turning off the phone myself will make this happen more easily. :)
Here’s to a GREAT 2015!
I hope you have an amazing New Year, Joy! Sad I didn’t see you in Nashville but hope my awkward fan-girl letter made it to you okay. :)
My resolution is to make one of those cake frostings that involve using the stove and a thermometer. Not really sure if it will be any better than the ones you just mix up in a blender but I’m curious to try!
I never knew you speak two languages! That’s awesome! One of my resolutions this year is learning Spanish. I’m using the app Duolingo. I’m not sure how advanced it gets, but it’s free and a pretty fun tool!
I’ve used that app too!! It’s great!
I’m right there with you on the two drink max! Gone are the college days where I could go party and still make it to work at 8 am the next day!! Other than cutting back on drinking I don’t think I’ll make resolutions this year. I’m pretty happy with life the way it is right now.
Happy new year!!!!
Sara
506 Miles: from Detroit to Nashville
While most people were shouting “Happy New Year,” I was crying because I am so afraid of what this year will bring. It will surely be a year dedicated to my marriage and my family and overcoming the hurdles we know are on the horizon. One foot in front of the other has been my motto for the past few months. I’d like to learn how to bake a pie this year too. A real pie, homemade crust with a pretty lattice top like grandma made. Somehow I believe this will make me a better wife and mom too, but mostly I just like pie.
i’m rooting for you and i’ve got you on the pie tip! we’ve got this!
I love your honesty Joy! I definitely want to brush up my Spanish skills too. My resolutions include more blogging and more snowboarding!
To Paulette,
I bet you’re not the oldest one on this blog. I just turned 67 on Christmas Eve. I can relate to everything you say in your post. I’m taking lots of time to understand myself at this time of my life. Self-forgiveness for past mistakes as well as letting things go have brought me tremendous peace of mind. I do find myself feeling as though I’ve missed the boat and not accomplished the many things I set out to do earlier in life. I like Kelsey’s comment: “Just keep moving—one foot in front of the other.” Also, I try to follow one of my favorite “old lady” role models: Maxine, the greeting card character. A little bit of feisty-ness goes a long way towards longevity, I think. By the way, Joy, I love your blog!
I know that eating healthy is usually a new years resolution, but what did you make for the picture? I hope there is a recipe :) They look amazing!!
You are awesome Joy! Love the realness of your posts and of course love your baking skills! I just baked your buttermilk doughnuts. Thanks for helping me to become a better baker! :-) Happy New Year!
Such a great post and I feel the same way! Baking with you in Vermont in 2014 was a highlight of my year. Maybe you will come to Austin and come bake here in 2015 ;) Just an idea! Happy New Year!
Vermont was so much fun and I really am so so happy we got to do that together!
I’m so excited to try this recipe. So inspirational!
Happy new year!
http://www.trangscorner.com
Loved this post. It’s something I feel too, at the turn of the year – nervous, when really it’s just another day. I will be trying to stay in the present, and of course, turning off the phone more! Happy New Year :)
Amen to always having room to make kitchen life better! I think that’s one of the best things about cooking: always more to learn. My mother-in-law got me a molecular gastronomy kit for Christmas, so I’m planning on playing mad kitchen scientist this year! :)
You always have such wonderful links and offerings. Inspirational for sure! I started my own 365project for 2015 documenting my daily intentions by making a new papercut work of art every day. I think I might have to dig deeper into those journal apps you provided. Thank you and Happy New Year! https://cutoutsstudio.com/2015/01/02/unity-new-paper-cut-for-january2-2015/
Hey Joy, I will learn to master chocolate with you! And there will be no tears ; )
Wonderful post! I completely agree with all of your suggestions, especially letting go of social anxiety and making your kitchen life better. Today on eBay I just bought a veggie spiral tool and a couple of other nick nacks to help me eat healthier. Thank you!
I can completely relate to the possibilities of the new year, and the feeling of dread they can instil. But in my culture (Russian), New Year’s Eve (and Day) is about celebrating these possibilities, while also honouring what has passed. I find that I can cope with the anxiety better if I don’t just look ahead and set resolutions, but if I also take the time to cherish everything I have accomplished. And judging by what you present here, you have a lot to be grateful for! I wish you all the best in the year to come, and hope that you really will get to unplug from your phone.
good words! thank you!
Oh my gosh, THANK YOU for reminding me about the 52 Journal project. I’ve had it bookmarked since August (I really wanted to start this year!), but it had completely slipped my mind. HOORAY!
https://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
Wonderful post! Looked at journal52. Thought prompts, thought maybe…saw they wanted you to make an actual journal not just write. Scared the hell out of me…maybe next year! Happy New Year to you as well!
Happy New Year Joy!! thanks for yet another fantastic post! <3
Glad that there are a number of us who can relate to the “two drinks max” idea. I try not to make resolutions, but they kind of just pop up. Generally my rule is to be more of who I am each new year.
Happy New Year!
This picture of you gazing at the breads is adorable! I enjoy following your comments. BUT I want some of that bread…what is it and where is the recipe? We make Ciabata and artisan bread and this one is calling our name! Thanks, Ellen
I sent the last message but it said I was going too fast. Who me? I like the way you said intention sounds so much better than resolution. I am older than probably everyone with this blog. I have found out through the years that I never make resolutions, I never keep them and then I obsess about it all year feeling like a failure. I personality am like a whirlwind throwing ideas, wishes and any talents I have blowing in every direction, hence no resolutions no nervous thoughts of OH MY GOD I FAILED AGAIN. I have found out I must and I say must forget and forgive the past (still working on that one) live for the day enjoy it, love it and thank god I am still here. The future will take care of itself if you have love for self and take care of self you can give to others. Think I have heard that phrase before. You are so talented, smart and you give of yourself. Don’t be nervous enjoy your life believe me it goes fast and then the regrets start to flow through the mind creating drifts of doubt. Never regret!!!! On stepping into the New Year do it with love of what you are now doing, You can’t get much better in my opinion your already there. We can always educate ourselves more but I find if I take on too much I overload. Go slow enjoy life that was what an old Uncle who passed told me and now I try to live by it. Of course it took me twenty years to learn. I am a slow learner and I go on like a whirlwind see what I mean. Hey Joy have a wonderful, blessed, healthy and prosperous New Year. Paulette
you’ve got so much wisdom!
I want to stay focused on eating healthy all year long. That includes shopping for weekly meal plans and preparing freezer friendly food during the weekend, for the following week. I’ve recently realized Facebook just makes me cranky, so while I’m not deleting or deactivating my account, I’m making a choice not to log on. I’m going to read more, and write more. I’m also going to get more sleep, and in turn, wake up on time so I have enough time to play with makeup every morning. I’ve slacked on that recently.
What a great post, Joy! My phone died while I was out of the country this week, and have been forced into a few days without it… it’s actually been nice to be free of it. I too have resolved to cut back on my constant checking… seems such an excellent goal. Oh, and I’ll be adding your two-drink limit to my resolutions as well. Wise indeed. Your blog has been a source of inspiration this year… looking forward to following your adventures in 2015
Happy new year to you!! I have so many projects for the new year, let’s see if I can do all of them ;)
https://justsem.wordpress.com/
I completely understand where you’re coming from. I feel apprehensive when I think about how time is passing so quickly and what I’m doing (or not doing, for that matter) with it. I often feel lost and more than a little confused, but as you said, just keep moving. One foot in front of the other- only way to do it!
I like your goals for 2015 too- they sound similar to what I want to work on as well!
I began sponsoring a child through Compassion after reading a post you did last February. What a blessing it has been! I have been on the Be the Match list for years, hoping to get a call one day. And I too, would like to be a chocolate master! I bought a tempering machine, but my first few attempts have been less than stellar. Progress, not perfection!
thank you so so much for sponsoring a child through compassion! that really is incredible!
I love what you said about putting 1 foot in front of the other, that’s how things work for me too! Good luck with your goals & Happy New Year!
It’s natural to feel so pensive at the end of the old year and beginning of the new…and sharing your thoughts with readers can have good results. Thank you for sharing.
I’m just curious about those enormous delicious-looking buns in your picture – did you bake them? Is a recipe available?
You had me laughing at the 2 drink max, walking said self home,and turning phone off…
May you have a great New Year!
I feel as though I need to get my house in order. Too much crap everwhere.. ha ha. This is the Year.
i’ve been feeling the same these past new years days. the thought of a whole new year full of expectations / goals to live up to kinda freaks me out!
xo, cheyenne
“New rule: Two drink max then walk your butt home and turn off your phone”
{Insert laugh-crying emojis}
Oh, how many times do I exceed a two drink max then desperately check my phone first thing in the morning to ensure nothing inappropriate occurred. I may have to adopt this one too.
Happy New Year!
I am so happy to read something like this! Don’t get me wrong, all of the classic ‘new year, new me’ posts and memos are inspirational, but I don’t even know what I want to do tomorrow, let alone set goals for the year. I am an all or nothing kind of girl, and I guess I just want to do everything at once, and then nothing at all.
Hmppph.
Good luck with your wishes,
I’ll be following along side you.
Love Isabella x
http://www.isabellamozzarella.co.uk
We love you too! xx
Girl, ditch your phone and you’re most of the way there!
Happy New Year xx
Happy new year Joy!! :)
I know this phone thing :) I like your intention for a new kitchen skill, especially as I know there is many room for me … Happy New Year!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com