What I Want To Do More Of in 2018
One of my goals this year is to get back to the things that bring me joy. Life and work can often force us to put our hobbies and passions aside for our "adult" responsibilities. I've compiled a list of the things I just want to do more of in 2018.
1. More READING
I touched on this a bit when I announced the January pick for The Mod Woman Book Club. It is really the reason why I started a book club. I used to be a voracious reader. I would read 3-4 books a month. And I want to get back to that. I truly miss that wonderful feeling of escape, discovery, and immersion in a different world with each new book and story. I used to set a yearly goal via Good Reads of how many books I would read - and would hit it or exceed it every time. This year, while I won't be setting a concrete goal - that would only add undue pressure, I will at least commit to reading and finishing one book each month. And if I read more than that? Awesome. I have complied a small list of books that I would like to read and am excited to dig into that. Some of them may even make it into the book club as a monthly pick. Stay tuned!
2. More TRAVEL
This one is always on my list. Traveling is not only expensive but time consuming you have a full time job getting away can be tough. But - I still want o do it. And this year feels like the perfect time. I would like go on a trip for my birthday - however small - just someplace away and new. And I have always wanted to go on a road trip. I just have to find someone willing to go with me! My dreams destinations are Paris, Santorini and Tuscany!
3. More WALKING
I love walking. I could walk for hours and miles if I had the time and the weather was decent enough. I once walked the entire length of Manhattan with a friend on vacation years ago. Walking is not only amazing exercise but I also find it mentally therapeutic. I can turn on some music and just walk, look at the sites and think. I haven't done this nearly as much as I used to and I want to get back to that - and do even more.
4. More COOKING and BAKING
I used to love to cook. Especially baking. But when I'm home now usually I'm just too tired and unmotivated to do either. But I want that to change. I purchased a ton of baking ingredients and have been mining the internet for recipes that look amazing but aren't too ambitious so I can slowly dip my toes back into the cooking game.
5. More ADVENTURES
I used to give myself days where I would go out and let the day take me wherever it wanted. Those are some of my best memories. And I want more of that in 2018. Just taking a Saturday or Sunday and spending it doing whatever.
6. More TRYING NEW RESTAURANTS
Chicago has an amazing restaurant scene and I have been woefully neglectful of it. One of my goals is to try new restaurant every month or so. I am already compiling a list of places I want to try!
7. More TIME WITH FRIENDS
In your thirties friendships can take a weird turn. Especially when you are single with no kids. Friends get married, start families and you can often feel like the odd man out. For me that has meant spending a lot of time on my own. Which I don't mind. I'm a loner by nature. But everyone needs to spend time with others. My circle of friends is small - and I prefer it that way. I like having a handful of people who I feel connected to and who know me and who even when we haven't spoken in ages the conversation picks up right where it left off. One of my goals this year is to spend more time with my friends.
8. More TAKING BETTER CARE OF MYSELF
This, As I am getting older (sob!), I am realizing that the things I used let slide in my twenties I can no longer let slide in my thirties. That's a bummer. In 2018 I want to spend more time paying attention to my health. I don't have any specific goals in mind (though losing 10 lbs. would be nice) other than to feel stronger, have more energy and stamina. I'm taking baby steps on this as I go. Drinking more water, getting more sleep, walking more and taking vitamins.
9. More BEING LESS HARD ON MYSELF
We are often our toughest critics. That is definitely the case with me. I overthink, over analyze and often talk myself out of things I want to do because I can't make them perfect. I did that with this very site. I had an idea and I wanted everything to be perfect and so I put it off. It wasn't until I finally said "screw it. I'm doing it now and things don't have to be perfect for to be good" that I took the plunge. And that is my mantra for 2018. "Things Don't Have To Be Perfect To Be Good.
10. More RE-CONNECTING WITH MY SPIRITUALITY
I am a Muslim and have always been a rather spiritual person. I have always felt connected to a higher meaning and purpose. But life can make you forget that sometimes. Especially when you suffer from depression. It's one of the things I love most about Ramadan. It's a time where everyone is taking time to reflect, reconnect and ask themselves tough questions about what they can improve in their daily lives. But I don't want to wait for 30 days every year to ask myself those questions. It is an on-going conversation we should have within ourselves everyday.
What are some of the things you want to do more of this year? Let me know in the comments!
