Last year was tough, so I was glad to finally get out of it. It hasn’t been without lows, but I feel equipped to deal with them more now. My book came out not quite a year ago and has been doing well. I visited a number of cities to promote it. I got to write stories for new outlets like October, The Dyrt, and The Points Guy, among many others. I feel like I’ve turned a corner since turning 30 when it comes to knowing what I want from my life and career.
I’ve started seeing a therapist regularly (#1) and it has helped a lot. I didn’t buy a house but instead, my dad is building a house that I will soon purchase. I meet up with friends every week that I’m home (#6), especially my group of fellow remote working ladies. I started a podcast (#12). I finished a scrapbook and started another (#15). I explored more of Georgia (#25), including finally visiting Cumberland Island! I didn’t visit any new states but went to a few new destinations. I’ve also been drinking less and spending more time near the water (#2).
Instead of coming up with dozens of things I’ll never actually do, I’ve limited myself to 13 this year.
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23 • 24 • 25 • 26 • 27 • 28 • 29 • 30 • 31
Get Lasik. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time but never wanted to commit to spending the money. But I love the idea of not immediately reaching for my glasses or worrying about my contacts.
Increase my rates. I tend to go with whatever the offered amount is, but I should at least ask for more. It can’t hurt to ask. I’ve started with negotiating my first raise!
Put together a book proposal. I’m still working on my memoir (over 25,000 words!), but I’d like to take steps to see if it’s something that can be published. Anyone know an agent?!
Take a vacation with friends. After visiting the Florida Keys recently, all I could think was how much I wanted all my friends and family from around the country to be there.
Pay off my credit card. I put this on last year’s list, but as I get ready to pay a mortgage it’s more important than ever. I want to pay a certain amount every month.
Stop buying new clothes or fast fashion items. It’s easy to think based on Instagram that I should be dressing up for everything but that’s just not me, I wear the same items constantly and most are funky or vintage. So no more buying cheap stuff from Target and Old Navy. Instead, it’s time for quality from Alternative Apparel, pre-owned items from Depop, or nice rentals from Rent the Runway.
Find a mentor and become a mentor. I’ve benefited greatly from meeting fellow writers that I admire and learning from them. But I think I should do the same for aspiring writers. If you’re interested in being mentored, get in touch.
Develop a meditation routine. My mind is never not “on,” even when I’m trying to go to sleep. Setting aside time to meditate every day would help manage my invasive thoughts.
Set screen time limits. I’ve become aware of the negative aspects that social media has brought into my life. I feel like some friendships only exist in Instagram messages and not in “real life.”
Read two books per month. I always feel like I should be doing something else and rarely give myself time to read for pleasure. I’d like to set aside work at a specific time every day to read. Follow me on Goodreads to see what I’m reading!
Visit three new states. I plan one big trip per year, but I’d also like to cross some states off my to-see list. There are many out west and a few in the north left to see.
Get back on DuoLingo. I would love to actually speak Spanish at a basic level instead of broken sentences.
Combat my imposter syndrome. At what point will I feel like a “real” writer? I’ve already published a book and written for some big publications. But when I hear from colleagues about the deep, investigative pieces they’re working on, I suddenly feel silly about my travel listicles. I need to feel strong in my work and what I’m doing.
Happy birthday, Caroline! And definitely get Lasik. I did it 12 years ago, and it’s still one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!
Definitely pay off your credit card…
I never apply for credit cards, although I have many debit cards…
You shouldn’t be in debt, at all.
You may want to start meditating, the benefits are enormous!!
So wonderful and thoughtful that you’re looking to mentor! What about Big Brothers/Big Sisters or a similar nonprofit? (for example, mine offers mentorship through our Youth Leadership program but not everyone knows about it — could be worth reaching out to local nonprofits, high school guidance counselors, or English teachers?)