Hi everyone!
I know I'm a few days late to the "my goals for 2017" party but for some reason it took me a little extra time this year to figure out how I wanted to approach the new year. I had some mixed feelings on whether I wanted to weigh myself down with resolutions or goals at all this year. On one hand I felt like I really needed some fresh ideas to drive me for the year, but on the other hand I know I don't have much time to actually make those things happen. I've had years where I've shared specific resolutions on the blog and others where I've explained why I was skipping resolutions. This year didn't seem so black and white to me.
Now I'm not saying that resolutions aren't a valuable life tool. I believe there is a time and place for them. I even shared this post about making and keeping them. I just know that ANOTHER big to-do list isn't necessary in my life right now and might actually take away from how I want to live my life in 2017. So instead I did something that seems to be pretty popular these days, set some words that I plan to live by this year.
Just for fun I thought I'd share the words with you and why I chose them. Perhaps they can give you some insight on making your life better in 2017 too.
Intention
Without an office to go to or boss to report to I pretty much decide how I want to spend my days. This may sound wonderful, but I find myself more and more falling into the rabbit hole that running your own business can be. There is an endless list of things that should get done to keep this site running and improve it. I know it's far from perfect but I pour my heart and time into it, working more hours than I did at my old job and sometimes feel drained. Most of the blog stuff I LOVE, it's all the behind the scenes techie stuff I'm referring to here.
I don't necessarily want to spend less time on this site, I just want the time I do spend to have more intention. I want to figure out what is working vs. not working and spend more time on those things. I don't want to fall into the social media darkness daily or be working on stuff that doesn't actually matter or improve your reading experience. I've been so lucky that Running in a Skirt has grown so much and I want to figure out how to keep that going without running myself into the ground.
I feel like if I have more intention about what I am doing in life, and not just with the blog, I will have more time to do the things that actually bring me joy and happiness.
Adventure
I love a good adventure. Whether it's finding a new recipe, a new trail to hike or traveling around the world. I feel like I spent a lot of 2016 playing it safe, but I want to make time to step out of my comfort zone in 2017. Just call me adventurer Julie!
Balance
My journey to finding balance has been a theme here since I left my job at the TV station. I think balance is one of the hardest things to find in life, but I am going to continue my journey in 2017.
This year I want to focus on less screen time and more outdoors time, more stepping outside of my comfort zone (hello adventure!) and more time with family, friends and loved ones.
Energy
I've mentioned a few times that 2016 was a hard year and I am still feeling some negative energy going into 2017. Focusing on things, people and tasks that bring me positive, good energy is something I am going to focus on in 2017.
We have to surround ourselves with positive energy to really change our perspective!
Happiness
Finding true happiness is really what all these other words are about. Time and time again I've had to learn some tough lessons that life doesn't always go the way you want or plan. Some things are just really hard to take. But learning to ride out those waves with some perspective is so much easier than letting them crush you.
In 2017 I want to find myself asking "Does this make me happy?" If not, I want to change it or eliminate it. Life is too short to live any other way.
So basically you can expect more mountain view yoga and more posts like this from the heart in 2017. Just writing this post has given me some good energy to carry forward and get moving on these big, happy adventurous words.
Here's to 2017 being the best yet...
I'm linking up with: Thinking Out Loud Thursday, Wild Workout Wednesday
Your turn!
Did you set goals, resolutions or words for 2017? If you did feel free to share in the comments. I'd love to learn more about your thoughts on the new year.
kimmythevegan says
I stay away from resolutions myself as it used to be a very unhealthy thing for me. I do however enjoy setting monthly and yearly goals. I actually really like your idea of focusing more on just being instead of working towards something specific as that can be stressful. I too, sometimes find blogging stressful - but overall I love it. I'm grateful that we connected last year as I absolutely love your blog. One of the things I like most about it is your genuine heart that shines through in your posts. I like your recipe posts and fitness posts, but my favourites are the ones you share of yourself - from something simple like cute dog pictures to something deep, like loss.
Here's to a wonderful 2017 for you Julie!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Kimmy! That means so much to me. I've really enjoyed connecting with you too!
Farrah says
I love the words you chose! Balance is definitely something I'm always trying to work on, and I love happiness + adventure too! :]!
JulieWunder says
It's so hard to find that!
Kristy from Southern In Law says
Your words are perfect - and I love how they all fit together!
I hope 2017 is a wonderful year for you!
JulieWunder says
Thank you! I hope it's been wonderful for you so far too.
Katie @HungryRunner says
I really like the idea of picking words to live by for the year. This year I decided I'm going to focus on smaller, more sustainable goals that I'll set and review each month. Even though I'm focusing on smaller goals to work on month-to-month, I think I might pick one or two words to center them around 🙂 I like that you chose intention and adventure. Those would definitely be contenders for me too!
JulieWunder says
Hi Katie! That's a really good idea. Big goals really can be overwhelming!
Katie @ Live Half Full says
This is wonderful! In 2017 my word is contentment- I'm loving it so far.
JulieWunder says
Such a good word! Hope it is still going well for you.
Runwright says
Great words. I like the adventure one especially. One of my resolutions is to have a tiny adventure every day - even if it's just going down a street that I've never walked on before.
JulieWunder says
I love that idea so much! Great to see you here!
Edye says
Sounds like you've got a great outlook on the year ahead, Julie! I hope to find balance in 2017 too. Between blogging, school, and life; I want to be present in each and every moment. Wishing you a wonderful year <3
JulieWunder says
Such a good reminder! It's easy to get caught up and miss out on actual living.
Runaway Bridal Planner says
Love the verbiage you chose! Definitely can see how each of those will bring you so much Joy this year!!!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much! I hope they do!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I LOVE your words. Totally stealing them for myself, too 🙂
JulieWunder says
Yay! Steal away!
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
All great words! I think mine would be consistency!
JulieWunder says
That's a really good one!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I"m trying to get some balance in my life, especially after my diagnosis with RA. It was a wake up call that I need to do things differently. Too bad my work doesn't see it that way....
JulieWunder says
So hard!!! That's one of the reasons I had to leave my job. Hopefully you can figure out how to make it work though.
Meagan says
Hey! I wasn't the only one to meander about posting my 2017 goals. I didn't get to do any real serious sort of hiking last year like I'd planned so I'm already in full force planning mode for this year because it will not get away from me again!
JulieWunder says
That sounds like a wonderful goal! Great to see you here today!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition says
I love this Julie. I was feeling the same way. I didn't set goals (or resolutions) this year - I almost felt like they would be too much for me to handle - but works can totally work. I love the ones you picked so I'm going to jump on yours too. I totally need balance and positive energy...and we can all use a little more happiness. 🙂
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition says
That should have said "words can totally work" lol!
JulieWunder says
So true! I'm glad this gave you a little inspiration. Love your words too!
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says
I love the idea of setting words that help focus you. Intention is something I really need to work on. I can get working for hours and realize I didn't really accomplish a lot and it's because I'm not working with intention.
JulieWunder says
I feel the same way! Thanks so much Jen!
Lisa Ballantyne says
Wonderful aspirations Julie! Thank you for always inspiring me!
Lisa Ballantyne says
Great aspirations Julie! You always inspire me!
JulieWunder says
You are too kind! Thanks so much Lisa!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
It's never too late for goals! I love the intention of adventure and balance.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Deborah! Me too!
Lauren says
I love this! I have a perception of how I want 2017 to be for me, yet was having a hard time coming up with quantifiable goals or resolutions. Your post really got the wheels turning for me. I'll be joining in with you on several of these! 🙂
http://www.smilesbetweensets.com/boston-new-year/
Dan Steadman says
good for you...get after it!! Set a goal to run 2 half marathons in 2017....
Mary Beth Jackson says
Great post! I love your sense of adventure- there is a big beautiful world out there full of adventure and new people to meet! Enjoy it!
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
Five perfect words for the year. I am going to join you in this quest.
So much love...
Dan Rathbone says
Julie , the best answer I can give you is to give joy to those you Love.
Blane Sherer says
Those are good words ( smile ).
I hope you have a Wunderful 2017 !