5 Things to Do in 2016

As another year goes by, ever so quickly...again, we start making resolutions for the new year, which we all know works so well. With resolutions, it's so broad that it's almost impossible to complete without a plan. What I've learned is to make smaller goals that work up to bigger goals. The best way I've found to do that is to constantly be inspired and reminded of these goals. 

1. Travel More.

Just a note that this is my own photo, so if you want to use it, please ask me first!

This is easier said than done. We all get caught up in work and life, so there's never any time for us to plan a getaway. But if you think of travel on a smaller scale, there's lots of places you can go to for a quick vacation! Think locally first. Have you visited all the attractions in your city? Or maybe the next city over? Probably not, so it could be a really fun idea to drive to these local gems and have a look around.

Take a road trip, go hiking, visit the parks, etc. There's lots you can do in just a weekend! My favorite thing to do is exploring the city, whether it be my own city or one I've never been to. There are always unique shops and cafes everywhere you go.

2. Learn a new skill.

A competition I did a couple of months ago.

You can teach yourself a new skill or take a class! Maybe you'll meet new friends who share similar interests. Here are some new things to try:

• Baking
• Knitting & Crocheting
• Sewing & Fashion Design
• Photography
• Painting
• Calligraphy
• Coding (HTML or Java)

Try to find a skill you will enjoy and be happy doing! You'll never know what other things you can learn from it.

3. Keep track of what you eat & plan out your meals.

Egg muffins for Breakfast!

Being healthy, lose weight, etc. That's a popular resolution that we may keep up in the first couple of months, but as the year goes on, we aren't as motivated anymore. This brings me back to my main point, which is to be inspired. Create a board on Pinterest, dedicating it to healthy recipes and exercise routines you can stick to. Keep it simple and build on top of it. Having a board of recipes makes it easier for you to plan out meals. You can write out your weekly meals on a chalkboard that you can keep on your kitchen counter.

Take pictures of your food and save them on a separate folder on your phone. This can help you keep track of what you're eating and if it's really healthy or not. Are there a lot of greens on your plate or just burgers? It's a fun, aesthetic way to keep you motivated.

Some apps, such as Lose It or My Fitness Pal, allow you to count your calories and track your exercises and food.

4. Create an environment that makes you feel happy.

Being happy is such a simple concept that's much more difficult to achieve. For me, seeing pretty or cozy things makes me smile. When I'm down and need a pick-me-up, I turn up some good music, make a cup of hot chocolate, and cuddle up in bed. So, making my room cozy and nice to look at, it can be my little happy place.

If you can decorate your house/apartment/room to how you like it, then it'll provide you a comfortable place for you to wind down! Everyone has different aesthetics so find items that you like and decorate away!

5. Make a memory jar.

My jar to look into at the end of the year

I did a memory jar this year and it's such a simple thing but it'll be so sentimental by the end of the year. I took an old candle jar, wrapped ribbon around it, stuck decorations on, and ta-da! Every time something happens or I do something that makes me happy, I write it down on a strip of paper and put it in the jar. By the end of this year, I can look back on the year with all the positive things!

Bonus: Make a Goal Board

As a big part of being inspired, making a vision/goal board will keep you motivated. Your goals may change throughout the year, so using a cork board to pin your inspirations will leave room for changes. You can cut out magazine pictures, print out pictures from the internet, use your polaroids, or your own art! Anything that will help you be inspired to reach your goals (ie. healthy foods, room inspirations, travel destinations, calligraphy pieces, etc)!

Pin any and all inspiration on cork and hang it over your desk!

I hope you've found these ideas helpful and are inspired yourself to try new things! I'm excited for 2016 and all the things that it'll bring me and my family. Happy New Year! I wish you all the best! ♡