A few weeks ago-- the second week of December to be exact-- I polled our audience on Instagram to see if anyone had made resolutions or intentions for the New Year yet. The very first response was aghast at the idea and assured me it was too early but actually dozens and dozens of responses quickly rolled in. The ones I saw on repeat were 'Patience', 'Self-Care', and 'Community'.
I've been thinking about my intentions for this coming year for some time. I've been in a season with a tiny child for the last year and a half. As said child is now getting older and will be going to preschool at some point in this coming year, plus the addition of the most amazing nanny that Ever and I both love, I have so much more space and time during normal daylight hours to think about projects I would like to take on, content I would like to create, and beyond.
I have also been feeling so inspired by this community of readers lately and am determined to work tirelessly to create meaningful content for you that leaves you feeling seen, connected, and confident. We already have so many fun things in the works and on the calendar for this coming year, but first some intentions I'm marinating on at the moment...
"Stop thinking 'I wish I was better at that' or 'That's just not my forté' and instead put in the work."
ONE. 10,000 hours. Malcolm Gladwell wrote in his book, Outliers, (which is amazing, by the way) that mastery of anything could be accomplished with roughly 10,000 hours of practice. It's been argued against, but I think there is something to be said for honing your skill, doing it over and over again on repeat always trying to get better. The intention of focusing on the idea of 10,000 hours is to stop thinking 'I wish I was better at that' or 'That's just not my forté' and instead put in the work it takes to get better at something.
"Family dinner? I'm so here for this. Coffee with a friend? Here for it!"
TWO. I'm here for this. I was in barre class one day in December when I realized that everyone else had moved on to pelvic tilts with both legs rooted in the ground while my legs were still pointing decidedly straight into the air at a 45 degree angle. My body may have been in the room, but my mind was thinking about which work project needed to be tackled directly following class, if I really needed to go to the grocery store that afternoon or if Parker could survive with PB&J in her lunch for one more day, and doing a mental checklist of Christmas presents that had been purchased.
I wish I could say that was an anomalous example, but it happens more often than I would like to admit which is why I have been saying, "I'm here for this" to myself on repeat. Family dinner? I'm so here for this. Coffee with a friend? Here for it! Playing 'family' with Parker and Ever before bath time? You get the idea. I'm here for this. It's about being enthusiastically present wherever I am.
"I feel like the best possible version of my parent-self when I'm on vacation.
THREE. 12 Trips in 12 Months! Yes, you read this correctly! Travel is something I have loved my whole life for as long as I can remember. It is something that Aaron and I have both enjoyed together since we were dating, yet something that gets harder to prioritize with kids.
There are just so many things I love about travel. When we take the kids, I love that it gets us all out of our comfort zones and teaches them adaptability. There's no laundry to fold, no dinner to make and no house to tidy. I feel like the best possible version of my parent-self when I'm on vacation. I'm so present and so enjoy experiencing new things with them.
We won't take them on every trip and we don't even have all of our destinations planned, but our first trip is in just three weeks and I couldn't be more excited! Any favorite destinations we should look into?
What has you excited for this coming year? Have you set any intentions or resolutions for this year?
Wendi says
Jackson, WY or Zion NP
If you do either, text me. JAckson is where my heart lives.
Jen Pinkston says
Oh Wendi I hadn't thought of these two places but Aaron and I have talked about Wyoming multiple times! I'll text you. I'm curious what the airport / drive situation is like.
Katie H. says
So on board with #2! I’m here for this post, at this time. 😉
Jen Pinkston says
Haha! Love it... and thank you for being here 😉
Nikki says
I love this! We’re hoping to travel more tHis year as well and are headed to NY in a few weeKs. But my Goal this year is to be present with whatever i am doing. Kids, frienDs, workouts... and also to look people in the eye when they are speaking ????
Jen Pinkston says
I love New York with kids! Hope you guys have the best time and hope the weather is great. YES to be being present this year!
Jessica says
Wheres the first trip? Cant wait to follow for vacation ideas!
Jen Pinkston says
Mexico City!!
Lisa says
We really loved camping trips with our kids, but didn't start taking them until they were older-- school age I think.
Jen Pinkston says
Yes, I totally get that! Almost everything feels like it will be easier / more enjoyable when they're older, but I'm trying not to let that stop me 🙂
Amber Fillerup says
We have travelled a ton with our kiddos and never regret it. It's not always easy, but always worth it! Check out Banff!
Jen Pinkston says
It's on our list! The photos look so beautiful!
Jennifer says
I really love the first mantra you have! I am going to try to adopt it this year!!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Jen Pinkston says
Yay! Any other ones for this year?
Jonel says
Williamsburg VA was a family favorite vacation spot when my son was young. It has the educational aspect (colonial Williamsburg) and the strictly fun aspect of Busch Gardens.
Jen Pinkston says
I would have never thought of Williamsburg, but that sounds so nice! We are thinking about the cherry blossoms in April and might have to tack this on!