My 2015

It’s December 31st, the end of one year and the beginning of another. 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days have gone by and I always take these last days of the year to reflect. Most may be setting new year’s resolutions that only last about a month, but I on the other hand set goals that make me work towards my aspirations and the person I want to be. A yearly reflection is a great way to practice mindful living, and to take some time to remember your favorite moments, the moments that struck a nerve, and those little and big things that were a part of your life in 2014. An end of the year reflection allows you to draw conclusions about your choices – which made you happy, and which didn’t.

A year goes by in an instant, and we often forget those moments, I mean I even forgot some of these recipes and moments I shared on the blog. Sometimes we find ourselves in a completely new point in our lives than when we began the year, and while dwelling on the past will do no good, it’s important to our own personal growth. Looking back at 2014, allows me to see what I’ve accomplished, and how I’ve changed physically, emotionally and grown spiritually. And as 2014 comes to a closing, I’ve naturally been reflecting, and I highly suggest you take a few moments to do the same as well. Plus it’s fun to write down your memories, whether monumental or insignificant; from having my first surgery to completing my first half marathon to trying sea urchin. For the past few years, I’ve create a list of everything I’ve done for the first time in my life, things that were fun and made me happy or the people I met; they all make their way on a notes page I have on my phone, and it’s been a great way to remind me of all the wonderful things the years bring me.

Whether 2014 brought big changes or small personal milestones, mostly good or bad moments – it’s important to be thankful for the year, learn and look at each event with a smile. Be proud of what you accomplished, the hardships you overcame or are still challenged with and see them as life’s funny way of bringing you opportunities. Remember let go of the notion that your life isn’t quite panning out like you had planned, it is all happening as it should. As one door closes, another one opens, the possibilities are endless, so use this reflection and upcoming 2015 as ammunition to have the best next year of your life!

If you’re having some trouble really figuring out what it is you want to achieve in 2015, and creating goals that are meaningful and purposeful, use  The Happiness Project, The Passion Test or The Secret. They’re really great resources, and ones I personally go back to constantly. When you sit down to write you new year’s goals, write them in the present tense, as if they’re happening already, and mention yourself in the first person. I found these questions very helpful in creating my overall commandments, as I have called them, for 2015:

• What do you want the overarching theme for your 2015 to be? 2015 will continue to be the year to ACHIEVE – 2015 will feel JOYOUS!
• What do you want to see, discover, explore? I want to explore NJ and NY, I want to see more of the United States, I want to rediscover tradition in Portugal 
• Who do you want to spend more time with in 2015? I want to do and see new things with Joe, and get in touch with friends I’ve lost touch with that have moved closer 
• What skills do you want to learn, improve or master? IMPROVE food styling and photography, and my relationship with loved ones and friends – LEARN how to play my ukulele and how to make macaroons –  MASTER balancing work, daily life and exercise 
• Which personal quality do you want to develop or strengthen? I want to stop doubting myself, and be able to commit to myself like I commit to others or a job
• What do you want your everyday life to be like? I want to wake up with a smile and dance every morning. Be mindful of my actions, smile every chance I get, laugh and feel loved. Feel fulfilled!
• Which habits do you want to change, cultivate or get rid of? GET RID OF: doubting myself, getting overworked when frustrated especially with certain people – CULTIVATE: a committed active lifestyle, daily meditation and conscious/mindful mindset – CHANGE: approach everyone with positivity even when frustrated and show my love more 
• What do you want to achieve career-wise?  A job that I can balance with my personal life. A job that will allow me to grow and learn in the direction that will make me achieve my career dreams. As for the Dreamery, I’m going to take action so people can taste more of my sweets, and see more of my styling skills.
• How do you want to remember the year 2015 when you look back on it 10/20/50 years from now? That it was filled with A LOT of love and laugher, with plenty of strong lifelong relationships, and memories with loved ones
• What is your number one goal for 2015? To make a name for myself career-wise, and open myself up to strengthen relationships

I connect with music on a personal level, so it was only natural that when I heard “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars, I immediately knew I wanted my 2015 to reflect the joyful and upbeat attitude of the song. If something speaks to you or fills you with feelings you want to emulate or live, then create a vision board, have the image or song everywhere you are as a constant reminder.

I’ve decided this year to tackle my goals by month, so they’re easier to achieve and I am able to focus better on them. So, for now I’ll share just the ones I plan to start the year off with and tackle in January. I’ve taken a few specific goals from other 2015 commandments, as I felt I wanted to take them on first, as they pertained to my physical and mental goals…

I will be joyful, I will achieve my goals…

2014, it’s been one hell of a year…2015 I’m ready for you!