The overall theme of this year's new years resolution is "self-love". 2015 was a rough one. It started strong with my first book coming out and getting to watch my first baby grow into a toddler. Then in the summer my world was shaken up. Despite the quakes I have managed to keep plowing ahead – signing a second book deal, starting my own business, and snagging a few really fun freelance gigs. My son continues to inject even the darkest days with boundless joy and for that I am grateful. Here's hoping that 2016 will be a good one. The folks in my little corner of the universe could use a solid win.
What are you hoping and planning for in the new year? I'm setting the following goals for the twelve months ahead.
Forgive My Body
I have not been particularly kind or careful with my body over the past six months. I know, deep down, that in order to be healthy my body must be cared for. It must be nourished, exercised, and yes, loved. I am not only her passenger but also her steward and I need to find the strength to take back the reins. I must forgive this body for losing something irreplaceable, for being fallible, fragile, and human. That means eating better, moving more, and becoming an advocate for my own health. Most of all it means granting this imperfect body the same grace I would give someone I love. That's easier said than done, but I'm working on it.
Dress for Success
If I'm going to get any better at this whole "self love" thing than that also means treating myself to clothes that make me feel stylish and confident. As far as I know, I'm not one of those people that is notoriously bad at dressing myself, but as I become more and more wrapped up in motherhood and career I find myself with very little time or energy for fashion. I feel like I barely have time to get dressed – let alone maintain a decent wardrobe. At the same time I need to look "smart" when I am out and about promoting my book or working on my business.
Rather than adding another task to my ever-growing plate I decided to let an expert help me out with this one. I just signed up for my first Stitch Fix. If you aren't familiar with this service let me sum it up for you. Stitch Fix sends outfits right to your door that have been hand-picked by your own personal stylist. When your outfit arrives you can try everything on and decide which items to buy and which to send back. Pretty nifty!
I'm going to be part of their influencer program which will give me the chance to share my little fashion journey with all of you over the next year. Stay tuned for outfit photos and major shopping decisions to come. Exciting stuff, I know. If you have been curious about using Stitch Fix now is a great time to try it out. New year. New clothes. Let's do it together. Tag your IG photos with #stitchfix and we'll compare hauls.
Finish my Second Book
I'm scheduled to hand in my second manuscript in Fall 2016. It's going to be a busy year! Not only do I have to write an entire book about creating natural and handmade goodies for mama and baby, I have to name the thing. We started out thinking it would be called The Natural Baby Solution (a nod to my first book) but are there really any solutions when it comes to babies? I just can't decide if I like that title or not. We'll see!
In the meantime I have lots and lots of work to do. I'll be sewing up a storm thanks to the book's fabric sponsors, Spoonflower and Honey Be Good, whipping up skin care treats, and cooking like crazy while I perfect the many food and drink recipes the book will contain. Phew! Oh wait. I mean, WOO, right?
Get Knocked Up
With all of this book and business stuff going on it probably seems crazy to try and have another baby, but you know what they say. Time waits for no man, and for no mama either. Everything that happened this Summer set me back emotionally and physically, but I'd like to spend 2016 getting back on track. I'll never forget what I lost, but if I want more children, and I do, I've got to try and move on. The idea leaves me both hopeful and terrified. I'm hoping that setting this goal and speaking my wishes out loud will help quell my anxiety and build some optimism.
Make Make it Good Apothecary Sustainable
I mean that not only in the environmental sense but also in the economic department. By the end of 2017 I would like to be living off of my business. No more hourly job. No more working for somebody else. I'd like to finally achieve that career independence I've been dreaming about for the past decade or so. I think this idea might just be IT. I'm busting my butt to build a brand that I'm proud to share with the world, and I'm excited to create a business model that has philanthropy built in to its very core. I am looking forward to loving what I do.
Let's do this, 2016! Bring it on.