24 in 12 for 2011

I did this last year and I really enjoyed it.

It's different then new years resolutions, which I also do.

These are just simple, everyday goals that I would like to accomplish by the end of 2011.  I like putting these goals together because I like looking back half way through in July, and again in December to see how much I accomplished.

Some of these are the same or similar to last year's.  I think last year I had some good goals I'd like to continue.  Some are totally new and fit my current lifestyle.

1) Buy more handmade and vintage
I have so many things in my Etsy cart that have been sitting there forever because It's easier to order a necklace online from Anthropologie then from Etsy.  This year, I want to order more handmade things.

2)  Go to two concerts
This was my goal last year, and I accomplished it.  This year I also want to go to two concerts before I leave in the fall.  

3) Finish my travel journal.... so far
My travel journal is a place where I put pictures of places I want to go to in my life.  

4) Learn self defense
I went to a gun range in December.  I'd like to get some martial arts training in before I go to college.  I think it's a good idea to have some background in it, especially since you never know what situations you may end up in.

5) Learn to print my pictures on notecards/stationary
I've always wanted to do this!  That way, I can give cards that have MY photography on it, not others.

6) Travel!
Last year I traveled so much.  I know traveling is a huge blessing, but one of my goals is to travel, whether it simply be an hour away for a road trip or across the world.  So far, I have two huge trip proposals that I hope turn into definites!

7) Bake at least 2 times a month
I love baking, but it's not exactly easy to bake when juggling school, swimming, and friends.  But I want to make time at least 2 times a month to bake new recipes.  That is, until I go off to college in August and completely loose all access to a kitchen.

8) paint more outside of AP art class
I would love to create some unique paintings to hang in my dorm room.

9) go to at least 3 yoga classes a month
This a a huge priority of mine.  I want to go to at least three hot yoga class every month.

10) have a successful first season of college swimming
this is a big one.

11) develop my film camera pictures
I love film cameras, but for some reason I'm terrified of developing mine!  I want to spend a weekend figuring it out once and for all.

12)  focus more on what i'm putting into my body
More protein, less carbs please!

13) make someone smile AND laugh everyday
I like seeing people smile.

14) Drink more water and less coffee
Healthier mind and body.

15) Take more pictures outside of vacations
I seem to resort to my Iphone camera for pictures when I'm not on vacation.  I'd like to start taking my camera everywhere to prevent those "I wish I had a camera" moments.

16) Do something i'm scared of at least once a week

17) Drink tea every day
I like the way tea relaxes me and makes me feel.

18) run another half marathon and do a distance triathlon 

19)  spend more time with my family before i leave

20) meditate 
For me, this is so much harder then yoga.  I always feel great afterwards though.
21) call my grandmother every week
22) remember to say "i love you" to my family and friends
23) Add to my art collection
I want to develop a nice collection of prints before I head to college.
24) Put fear aside, and just live

While my new year has taken a bit of a speed bump, i'm determined to still believe that this year is going to bring hope!
xo

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2011

Early this morning, as the clock struck 12:00, I couldn't help but feel this overwhelming sense of change come around me.

Never before have I experienced such a dramatic sense of power come through my body.

It was like I was filled with this rush of excitement over all the new possibilities this year has to offer.

I love New Year's for this reason.  During the year, sometimes I fall into a rut.  I think we all do, but this rut becomes a constant stream of emotions.  And while I try, sometimes it's hard to break a pattern that I grow accustomed to throughout a year.

But a new year means a whole new ballpark.  Everything is different.  It's the perfect time to say goodbye to anything that's bothering you, and just focus on everything that life has to offer.  A new year means a world of possibilities.

For me, 2009 was a year of trouble and hardship and darkness.  

And for all of that, 2010 was a year of light and growing up and believing in good.

2011 is the year of change for me.  It's the year of experience and hope.

2011 is the year I graduate.

It's my last 5 months of high school.

My last year with my friends.

My last year in my home.

This is the year I'm moving away for the first time ever.

I'm starting a new life this year.

And while it's a little scary, the new year has me embracing it 100%.

I don't want to do resolutions this year.  I feel that sometimes they hold me back.  They become a checklist of things I have to complete, and when I don't complete them it can bring me to a negative place.

Instead, I found a mantra that I think relates to 2011 for me.  Anytime I'm doing something, I can recite, repeat, and believe that this mantra is unique to what I'm doing.  It will never hold me back, bring me down, or bring negative energy, but instead will encourage me to focus on my goals.

Just for Today

That's it.  That's what I am focusing on this year.  To just focus on today.  With all the change I have coming, I need to focus on today.  right now.  living in the moment because it's all going to be different soon.

Happy New Year everyone!

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