[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:
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• New rule: Two drink max then walk your butt home and turn off your phone.
• Charitable resolutions like Be The Match or Compassion International are always in my year.
• 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.
• When in doubt, when excited, when curious, when hungry for all the things: GUT CHECK. Our guts know.
• Have some fun. Have some dang fun! GEEZ.
Happy New Year. I love you.
xo Joy
Jessica
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!
Susan
Not to miss the point of your lovely post (and it was…), but what is that gorgeous bread you are gazing at?
EnviousLashes
What are those delicious looking baked goods in your photo?! (Sorry if I missed it somewhere)
Emma Potter
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
Shantel
For 2015, I think you should add to/update your NOLA recommendations. :)
Carly
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 schedules—seems 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 :)
In Natalie's Shoes
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!
Sandy
Joy, thank you for your honesty and transparency! It’s quite refreshing.
Makenzie
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.
Rikki
What are those delicious looking buns you are standing next to?
Kari
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!
Hannah
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!
holly
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!
kalieta
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
Michele
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!