Phew, where has the time gone? I blinked and it’s 2024! And boy, have things really changed for my family and I within the last few years! We have a daughter who is the light of our life, and let’s just say the blog and social media influencing has taken a bit of a backseat.
I went back and looked, and it’s been a bit since I last wrote a little intentions letter for the new year. Two years ago, to be exact, was the last time I shared some personal tidbits and goals for 2021, in which I had a little list of intentions to fulfill in that new year. Well from the looks of it, we fulfilled the final goal – growing our family! It’s certainly been a lifestyle change, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’ve said it before, but I’m not a resolutions type of gal. I will fail miserably when it comes to setting New Year’s resolutions for myself. So instead I like to come up with some loose goals or things that I might look forward to with the new year ahead.
What I’m Looking Forward to in 2024
finding myself again & Getting back into routine
Little did I actually realize, I lost myself in 2023. Being a mom, a wife and a very part-time business woman, essentially left no time for taking care of myself. It took me time to realize it, but while I was generally happy in 2023, I was unhappy with myself (I’m just now able to admit it). We are always are worst critics, right? Well I am truly my worst critic, and the self-doubt and negative talk was at a premium last year. In the midst of mothering Olivia and honestly, surviving day-to-day, I forgot to take care of myself.
I’m a firm believer that no one really adequately prepares you for becoming a parent. The transition from zero to one child is WILD. You’re so used to making decisions for yourself or with your spouse, for you or the two of you, ONLY! With the addition of a child, you now have to make decisions that hinge off this little person that cannot take care of themselves at all. Parenthood is the biggest blessing, but our world was literally rocked after having Olivia. No longer just not being able to sleep in, but instead you cannot sleep in and need to get out of bed now because this little human is crying and needs you.
I don’t say that to be negative or scare future parents, but I like to speak the truth. Becoming a parent rocks your world. And with that, I’ve forgotten one of the most important things… to take care of myself. Working out and taking care of myself has always been important to me. But since becoming a mom, it’s fallen by the wayside. Quite frankly, sleep has been more important. And as we know, there’s no problem with adequate sleep, but I’m seeing a difference in my moods, my attitude, etc. with the lack of physical activity. So my hope for 2024 is that I can find myself again. Whether it’s making more time for me by waking up an hour earlier than everyone else to workout or have quiet time. Or maybe take an evening drive just for myself every once in a while… 2024 will be the year I find myself again!
Growing a new business venture
This little corner of the Internet has been a very special place for me. I grew it from a small hobby I started in college to a bustling site that’s become a resource for a variety of topics and more! I’ll admit I have struggled with keeping it up as I’ve leaned into motherhood. But in thinking about it, I’m just not ready to let this space go just yet. It may not be the same as it was, with regular weekly blog posts and loads of new content, but it’ll still be here, and serve as a resource when it can.
I’ve really found my groove with the needlepoint content. It’s wild how many people come up to me or message me and say I found your blog because I searched “beginner needlepoint” on Google or Pinterest. First, this means the world to hear, and second, WOW! I’m awed every single time. It’s so cool!
So I’ve got some preliminary plans up my sleeve that involve a new business venture AND needlepoint, but I’m still fine-tuning it and trying to figure out the best plan of action. Hopefully this is something I can look forward to in 2024!
SEeing the world through my daughter’s Eyes
Oh my goodness, seeing the milestones Olivia hits, what feels like each week, is just so much fun! Our little girl is so curious, so sweet and has such a fun personality. But taking a step back and seeing the world through her eyes is something that I’ve cherished, and will continue to look forward to throughout the new year.
As she gets older and easier to communicate with, I know it’ll be even more fun to have a little bestie by my side to experience new things together or new things for her. Perhaps we can travel a bit more later this year or do something new like swim lessons.
Tackling a needlepoint stocking (?!?!)
Late last year I proclaimed that I hoped this year would be my year of the stocking. Do I still feel this way three weeks into January? I’m not sure… but I hope I can tackle a needlepoint stocking this year or in the future! I think I have my choices narrowed down to Strictly Christmas stockings… but truthfully, I’m not sure if it’s prudent to do a stocking right now given the tremendous costs. Considering the canvas, the threads, the finishing, and not to mention the time it will take me to stitch it… it’s a lot!
So while, I haven’t completely given up on this as something I can look forward to this year, let’s just say I’m keeping an open mind about tackling a needlepoint stocking. Perhaps it’ll be just the thing to do in the latter part of the year. But in the meantime, I do have some belts to stitch and a clutch canvas for myself in the coming months!
