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new year, new list: 16 in 2016

You may recall that I set 15 intentions for myself earlier this year. I’ll be sharing my successes and shortcomings in an upcoming post, but a new year has begun and there’s no time like the present to set new goals! So here are some of the points I’ll be endeavoring in 2016.

Be kinder- to myself. Joanna Goddard posted this Emily McDowell/ Jen Pastiloff collaboration (above) for Girl Power: You Are Enough on Instagram and it totally spoke to me. I’m incredibly supportive and emphathetic towards my beloveds, but rarely as compassionate towards myself. I need to tell my judgemental inner voice, the one that preaches gospels of insufficiency and self doubt, to shut up and sit down.
Konmari cleanse. Like most everyone else in the blogosphere, I’ve been motivated by Marie Kondo. We’ll be downsizing our dwelling later in the year, and the less to move, the better. So I’m planning on Kondoing all of the things- I’ve already pulled three baskets of clothes for ThredUp from the closet, and that is only the beginning.
Upkeep the efforts. I tend to clean once things have gotten messy or I’m stressed. I want to try and tidy a bit more regularly, so clutter doesn’t build up as easily. I’m thinking about 20 min a day, 3 days a week, but we’ll see.
Organize differently. I’m trying a new Maybook agenda layout for the year, but I’m not loving it yet. I may trade it in for a more elaborate paper planner, but I’m also totally intrigued by bullet journaling. Regardless of what I try, I need a more streamlined method of keeping on top of my ever-crazier agenda.
Read and record. I don’t need to endeavor to read more- I devour books, to the point that I have no idea how many I read. So this year I’m keeping count with a running list.
Heavy hydration. I’m pretty lax about drinking enough water, but notice such a positive difference when I do, especially in my skin. So I’ve added hot lemon water to my morning routine, and am infusing just a bit of fruit into my ice water to help me drink more throughout the day as well.
Send more mail. I’m a huge fan of the the handwritten thank you note, and send those regularly. But I’ve also been sending spontaneous letters and postcards, just little love notes. And inspired by the little marshmallow mailers I sent over the holidays, I want to send little care package/sussies more frequently as well.
Craft more. I have a long list of projects to do, both to share on the blog and for personal use, and even supplies for some already on hand. I’ve just gotta make the time to do them!
Photograph fixed florals. I’m a perpetual sucker for the flower stand, especially on my frequent Trader Joes runs. I always fuss and arrange my bunches into a vase for my dresser, so this year I want to snap a shot of each bouquet before it wilts.
Step up my sewing. My mom spoiled me with a new sewing machine for Chanukah, and has promised me a serger as well. I’ve made wearable items, but want to make more and learn more so I can ditch the reckless gambling vibe that currently occurs when I tailor my own clothes.
Continue calligraphy. I’m head over heels for my new hobby. I want to carve out time to practice regularly, and specialize my skills. I’m leaning towards really focusing on copperplate- I just love its traditionally beautiful style. But brush calligraphy or hand lettering would be more convenient, so we’ll see about that.
Kitchen capers. I love to cook, and am damn good at it. This year, I want to push my comfort level and make lots of new recipes, including some really ambitious things- charcuterie, laminated pastry, butchery.
Grow our faith. We don’t regularly go to temple, but we’re planning on getting more involved at our local synagogue. I’m really looking forward to it, to Torah study, and an eventual pilgrimage to Israel.
Freshen my look. My appearance has been fairly static for the last few years, and I’m bored with it. I’m thinking about bangs, a big chop, or something more creative… I just know I need an upgrade from basic brunette.
Bite no more. Damage from gel manicures and stress contributed to the ressurection of my grossest childhood habit. I’m going to care for my hands meticulously and quit biting my nails for sure.
Pick up the phone. I don’t love talking on the phone, and that’s exacerbated by time changes, crazy schedules, ease of texting, and more. I need call my long distance friends and family more frequently. Absence may make the heart grow fonder, but I want to hear voices and share laughter.