The latter half of 2018 just sucked. The year ended so poorly that I’m incredibly desperate for a fresh start. While I’ve been taking steps toward bettering my life for about a month now, I really want to ensure I’m setting myself up for success in this new year. In fall 2018 I experienced trauma, heartbreak, sadness, depression and loneliness – all feelings that will cause anyone to drift into a potential downward spiral. But I’m done. I’m ready for happiness. I’m ready to thrive again.
With all that being said, I was thinking about ONE word that I want to focus on for 2019. While “happiness” would make sense for me, I decided to choose “adventure.” Since turning 30 years old last year, I’ve been craving adventure. I want to travel more. I want to try new things. Take risks. Meet people. Grow as a person. I desire a sense of adventure, in every sense of the word. And I believe that with adventure will come happiness. That brings me to my 2019 goals and plans:
Dog Mom Days 2019 Goals & Plans
Travel. A lot.
I want to hit the road with my son more. I want to go places I’ve never been before. On my list so far are:
- Seattle, WA (blogging friends and amazing hikes)
- Colorado (blogging friends and more amazing hikes)
- Indianapolis, IN (where I grew up)
- Jamestown, VA (because history)
- California (because it’s close…and the beach)
While those are my top five, there are other places I’d like to visit also – New York (to see my sister), Minnesota (to see family), Nevada (for SuperZoo) and Texas (because I love Texas). The possibilities are endless. All I know is I wanna hit the road and drive. I want to see friends and family. I want to discover parts of the country that I’ve never seen. I want to kayak in new lakes. I want to start enjoying everything the world has to offer me. I admit that I can’t afford to go ANYWHERE as of today. But that’s going to change. Believe that.
Related post: Tips for Traveling on an Airplane With a Dog
Grow my business.
I did not have a productive year business-wise. I didn’t grow Dog Mom Days like I wanted to. I was so focused on other things, that I didn’t make my business a priority, which was a huge mistake. I have several upcoming business goals and I want this blog to be at the forefront of it all. I WILL make it happen. I know what I need to do to get there, now it’s about taking action. The only thing that is stopping me is me. And I won’t let anything or anyone stand in my way.
Forget societal expectations.
I’ve always been a non-conformist. I enjoy doing things that people don’t expect of me. I enjoy going against the norm. I enjoy taking risks to live a life that makes me happy. And I will continue to do that.
At certain times in 2018 I felt myself falling into the trap of conformity because it seemed like people were judging me. But I simply don’t care what people think. I want to do more of ME. I will surround myself with people and situations that create joy rather than toxicity. People may not be okay with the fact that I’m 30 and single with no human kids, but that’s their problem. And although I’m the black sheep of the family, at least I’m being true to myself.
Learn to love my body.
I have body image issues. There, I said it. I have a serious lack of physical confidence. It’s time that I felt as good about my body as I do as my career and future business goals. I will be a force to be reckoned with if I can look in the mirror and love the woman I am. I would like to be healthier – drink more water, eat better. But I’m not going to do anything crazy or go on an insane diet. That’s just not realistic for me. I will learn to love my body in 2019.
Prove people wrong.
*rubs hands together* One of my favorite hobbies is proving people wrong. And boy, I sure have a lot of it to do in 2019. Watch out world. Here. I. Come. Even people close to me in my life have turned their backs on me. And that’s okay. When they see me achieving the impossible, I’ll be laughing all the way to the bank 😉
In 2019 I’m coming back. Get ready for big adventures from me and Wynston. Are you all ready to join us?! What are your big 2019 goals and plans?
Eliza says
I love these goals! May 2019 rock!
Amanda says
Thanks for your support, babe!
Kinley Westie says
Hope you have an awesome 2019!
Amanda says
Thank you! We hope you do, also!