Believe it or not, January is actually one of my favorite months. I say this every year, but I love the feeling of a fresh start. A new beginning, full of possibilities and new hope. The craziness of the holidays is past us, and now it’s time to clear away the clutter, get ourselves back to a routine, and maybe set some new goals along the way. This week I finally got a chance to slow down enough to think about my goals for the year, dream a little, and plan for 2023. I always find it interesting to hear what goals people have, so I thought I’d share a few of mine with you today!
MY TOP FIVE GOALS:
- Learn How to Invest: I know this isn’t the most glamorous goal, but in 2023 I really want to learn how to invest our money. We are big savers, but I’d love to figure out how to actually use our money in a smarter way than just letting it sit in a back account. I know absolutely nothing about stocks, mutual funds, bonds, etc but I’m excited to learn. We already had a call with a financial planner yesterday, so I’m hoping we can get moving in the right direction soon!
- Meal Plan/Be a Better Cook: One of my least favorite things in life is the daily task of cooking. Thinking of what to cook, figuring out healthy meals, etc is the bane of my existence. My problem isn’t necessarily the cooking itself, but it’s the thinking of what to cook. It’s going to the kitchen at 5pm, after a full day, and coming up with a healthy meal everyone will want to eat. That’s tough stuff, man. Anyway, I want to get better at meal planning in 2023 so I can avoid the daily 5pm “what the heck am I going to cook” dilemma.
- Meditation/Journaling: This past year I dabbled in meditation. It wasn’t something I did regularly, but I did it during times I felt stressed, worried, or just overwhelmed with life. I actually really enjoyed it and got a lot out of it, so it’s something I’d like to do at least several times a week in 2023. I feel like I’m constantly hearing about the power of mindfulness and all the amazing benefits, so I’m going to give it a go and see what happens! Right now I’m enjoying this meditation podcast. I also want to journal several times a week too.
- Blog More: I’ve realized recently how much I miss blogging. I miss sharing here like I used to (this all started in 2015!), chatting with you, and just opening up more of my heart. It’s something I haven’t done as much in recent years because I started to feel like people don’t have time for blogs anymore. Everyone is so busy and video content seems to be what most people want these days. I also think my podcast replaced blogging in a lot of ways for me personally. Anyway, I want to share more here in 2023. I also have a big blog makeover in the works, so stay tuned for that!
- Live Without Fear: Over the last couple of years, I have worked so hard on growing deeper in my relationship with the Lord. He’s walked with me through a pretty gnarly battle with anxiety and in that process I learned so much about trusting Him–even when I’m scared, worried, or overwhelmed. I’ve made so much progress, but it’s still a daily battle at times. And I still find myself with feelings of fear, doubt, and hesitation. Why do we do that? God tells us over 365 times in the Bible “do not fear” yet for many of us, fear holds us back from all kinds of things in life. That’s right where the enemy wants us, but I don’t want to live like that. In 2023, my goal is to dive even deeper into my identity in Christ and who He says I am. (I just started this 8-week course and I’m excited to see what God teaches me.) I want to remember that I already know how to live without fear, I just have to do it. I want to chase big dreams and trust that God will catch me if I fall. That’s my goal for the year.
1 EXTRA BIG GOAL:
I’m calling this one my “extra big goal” because it doesn’t feel like a normal-sized goal. But in 2023, it would be a dream come true to buy either a small house or condo in Florida (or possibly Texas). I would love love love a second home to run away to, especially during the long winter months! Plus it would be so amazing to use the place as an Airbnb. I’m always looking at property, so I’m praying this one falls into place one day.
Well I hope you enjoyed reading a little about my goals for the year. I have many more I could list off, but these are the most important to me. As always thank you for spending part of your day here with me on the blog. I pray you are richly blessed in 2023!
I always LOVE reading your blog Sarah! ❤️ I’ve been reading for several years; I think I stumbled upon it before I even was on Instagram.
I love reading your blog.💛 I too have been following for many years. You got me started on so many different products that I have loved. It has been a joy to see you grow and blossom. I love your zest for life and your willingness to be open. Most of all, your love for the Lord and wanting to stay close with him is a joy to watch. Thank you for sharing your heart. Prayers for you and your family!❤️
Thank you SO much Cindy! I truly appreciate you being here for so many years and sticking with me as I continue to grow and evolve as a person. Sending you a big hug!! xoxo
Your blog made me cry. The part about growing your faith really got me. Thank you. You are amazing! ❤️
Sending you a big hug Leigh!! Thank you for being here–it means so much.
I love your blog. I’m a fan of the DIYs. I also enjoyed the posts sharing what you were listening to and what you were reading. It’s an encouragment to see someone share how they continue to grow and change. Looking forward to all the new posts in 2023!
Thank you for that Amy Beth! So grateful to have you here. xoxo
Sarah, I so love your blog! I too stumbled onto it a few years back and have been hooked ever since! I love what you share! Because of you I’ve bought candles from Antique Candles and yours in particular, the warm Carmel crumble .. books that you have shared, decor, etc! Clothes!! So, yes I am a “fan” it means the world to me as you share. I check your blog daily to see if you have posted something. You actually do inspire me to keep on keeping on … I have a booth at one of our local shops and I’m always looking for inspiration for this from what to sell, how to set up etc and you are one of my sources! So please know , you are very much appreciated and I’m thankful you share your life with us! 💕
Tracy, I wish I could give you a big hug! Thank you SO much for your support and encouragement. It truly means the world to me!! And yay for Warm Caramel Crumble. Whoot whoot!
It’s always fun to see new year’s goals–thanks for sharing yours!
I also wanted to say, A BIG YAY for my blog posts from you!
I almost never listen to podcasts, because I’m a visual learner. I also really like the stillness and calm of blog posts–they’re like an oasis in the middle of a hectic day.
Happy New Year!
I agree Corrie, there is definitely something to be said for reading a blog vs listening to a podcast or watching a quick video. I’m excited to get back into this year!
LOVE this blog post. i really enjoy reading/hearing what other people’s goals are. i’m VERY EXCITED for more podcasts. more blog posts! all the things.
Ah thank you Jamie!! Appreciate you listening to the podcast!!
I love reading blog post! Especially yours!
Your extra big goal is also one of our goals! Except we would love a vacation home/Airbnb somewhere in Tennessee or Colorado! We love the mountains!
Thank you so much Ashley! And good lucky finding a vacation home, I heard interest rates are going to come back down this spring. Fingers crossed!
I love your blog and your style. I prefer to read a blog any day over a podcast or a quick video. In fact, I really hate that Pinterest is covered by videos now that don’t lead to blog content to get more information. I’m inspired to make some goals now 🙂
I agree Patricia–there is just something so nice about reading a blog post vs watching a quick video. I miss the days of blogging, so I’m excited to get back into it!
So happy to hear that you are not going to stop blogging. I recall it’s something you’ve gone back and forth on. I’m with you on the meal planning! Having the right ingredients on hand without having to go to the grocery store daily is the hardest part for me. 🙂
It truly is the hardest part of cooking–that and coming up with ideas that are easy-ish! I don’t mind the actual cooking, it’ just the *thinking of what to cook*
I love any content you post and in any form you share it. Your podcasts I would save for my drive to work. You are genuine in your content and I can really connect (especially the dread of meal planning)!! I’ll follow your blog or podcasts and IG posts. I love it all 😊
I need to know where the pink thermal fabric top is from!!
Hi Sarah! I just discovered you! I pretty much love all your home decor and your fashion posts, so this could be trouble, lol. I also love the fact that you seem more down to earth and “real” than most bloggers.
Can you describe your haircut to me? All one length? Blunt cut? I usually wear my blown straight.
I look forward to following you. Thanks so much.