That New Year’s Day energy

Sure, we’re more than half-way through January, but I’m feeling more optimistic, more hopeful, more energized than I have since… say, 2016. Wednesday’s inauguration was spectacular. And the days since have mostly been just regular days… but I’m feeling that New Year’s Day energy nevertheless.

I feel more ready to look forward, more ready to make plans (albeit limited, and masked, and mostly… in our own house for at least the first half of the year), more ready to dwell in possibility. Plus a brochure for outdoor summer camp arrived today– and while I still think it’s too soon to bank on that sort of activity (and, let’s be real, alone time…), a girl can dream.

Here’s what I’m looking forward to this year:

• Learning + professional development — After an especially busy 4th quarter in 2020 (for which I am very grateful) I’m really doubling down on professional development and productivity early on this year. I joined the NE Coastal Creative and signed up for several conferences to brush up on things like SEO, live video, batch work, etc. I’m also saying “yes” to non-work learning opportunities (and taking advantage of so many great online offerings), most recently a DIY body butter class with Organic Bath Co., and a live-streamed fascia release class with Nove Yoga. I’ve also upgraded my little workspace, thanks to a major tech hand-me-down from Nick (his old laptop), a new laptop stand, the keyboard I forgot I owned, and a giant Appointed wall calendar.
• Spending even more time outside — Carrying this one over from 2020. We’ve loved and appreciated being able to take outdoor adventures whenever possible (walks on the beach, strolling in the woods) during the ongoing pandemic. It’s something we do normally, too, but maybe not with such enthusiasm. Anything to get away from our laptops and worksheets and what have you.
• Tending to our list of house projects — Spending as much time at home as we all are, it has felt so good to work at sprucing up our space, little by little. This month I’m hoping to finish up our sunroom and the laundry area. I recently made a little home for all my skincare (a frivolous thing, but it makes me feel good), and eventually we’ll furnish the remaining 80% of our living room (where it’s very evident we moved from a small-ish city condo to a big-ish suburban house).

Most of all, I’m (cautiously optimistic and) looking forward to time spent with our family and friends, to falling back into the most healthy parts of our old routines, while hopefully holding onto the things that are working well right now.

Also On Tap for Today:

• Getting my to be read pile under control (it’s perilously steep) and rotating in new books on the kids’ shelves
• Hockey, hockey, and more hockey
• Watching what I’m guessing are the stragglers of the Canadian geese migrating south from the pond nearby

Are you feeling that New Year’s Day energy too? What are you looking forward to this year?