The Christmas festivities have come to an end, and we’ve officially said goodbye to 2012. Oh, what a wonderful, joy-filled season it was! The twinkling lights, the warm gatherings, the laughter, the traditions—it was all so special. But as the decorations are packed away and the calendar turns, it’s time to shift gears and look ahead.
A brand-new year stretches out before us, filled with promise, possibility, and the excitement of fresh starts. There’s something so invigorating about flipping the page to January, knowing that the entire year is a blank canvas waiting to be filled with new experiences, accomplishments, and memories.
I’ve always believed that setting goals isn’t just about making resolutions—it’s about intentionally shaping the life I want to live. So, here I am, laying down my plans for 2013, filled with anticipation and hope.
Now, bear with me—this list is all over the place! There are so many things I want to challenge myself to accomplish this year. Some will be easy, while others will require more effort and discipline. But they all matter, and they all represent the things I want to focus on in the coming months.
Without further ado, here are my 2013 goals:
Personal Growth & Family Life
- Be more tenderhearted. I want to lead with kindness, patience, and grace—especially in the moments when it’s hardest to do so. Life gets messy, tempers can flare, and stress creeps in, but I want to respond with a heart full of love rather than frustration.
- Don’t let adolescent angst bring me down. My kids are growing, changing, and navigating their own challenges. Instead of letting the inevitable mood swings and attitude shifts frustrate me, I want to meet them with understanding and support.
- Laugh more with my kids. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff. Messy bedrooms? Spilled juice? Chaos? I want to focus less on what’s “wrong” and more on the joy of simply being together.
- Write more handwritten notes. In a digital world, there’s something so special about a handwritten letter. I want to take the time to send little notes of encouragement, love, and appreciation to the people who mean the most to me.
- Schedule regular dates with my girlfriends. Friendship is a gift, and it deserves to be nurtured. No more “we should get together soon” without actually making it happen.
- Take more pictures of my kids and fewer of the house. As much as I love capturing my home projects, I know that years from now, it’s the photos of my kids that I’ll treasure the most.
- Go sledding with my kids. I want to embrace the joy of winter instead of just enduring it. Snow days should be for making memories!
- Cherish each day, love my people well, and choose happiness—even when life is messy.
Health & Wellness
- Go for a walk every single day. No matter how busy life gets, I want to prioritize movement, fresh air, and time to clear my mind.
- Drink more water and less coffee. I love my coffee, but hydration matters. Time to swap out some of those caffeine refills for a glass of water instead.
- Get to bed earlier. Sleep affects everything—mood, energy, health. This year, I want to make it a true priority rather than an afterthought.
Home Projects & DIY Goals
- Re-learn how to use a sewing machine. It’s been way too long since I’ve threaded a bobbin! I have so many creative projects in mind, and I’m determined to dust off those skills.
- Sew new curtains for the living room and cozy pillows for the bedroom. Because nothing makes a space feel more “homey” than handmade details.
- Board and batten. Board and batten. BOARD AND BATTEN. I’ve been talking about it for ages—this is the year it finally happens!
- Build floor-to-ceiling bookcases in the living room. A dream project that I know will completely transform the space.
- Finally, finish refinishing those three pieces of furniture in the garage. I can’t keep avoiding them! It’s time to tackle those projects and give those pieces new life.
- Make our basement awesome. Right now, it’s just a forgotten space. This year, I want to turn it into something useful, cozy, and inviting.
- Master some new carpentry skills. Angles, cuts, fine details—I want to get comfortable with them all.
- Attempt crown molding installation. It’s the finishing touch that makes a space feel polished, and I want to learn how to do it properly.
- Sledgehammer the foyer tile. The outdated flooring has been bothering me for ages. Time to take action!
- Install a runner on the stairs. It’s functional, stylish, and will add warmth to the space.
- Paint the inside of my front door black. Bold contrast = instant style upgrade.
- Paint my bedroom a dramatic color. Something deep, moody, and stunning.
Creative & Blogging Goals
- Update my projects page and before-and-after posts. Organization matters, and I want my readers to easily find inspiration.
- Share more DIY projects on the blog. Including my roman shades, mounted and framed map, thrift store lamp makeovers, and dreamy kitchen plans!
- Continue sharing my love of DIY, home improvements, recipes, and life. This space brings me so much joy, and I hope it inspires others, too.
Embracing Who I Am
- Stop trying to tone down my sappy, sentimental side. I am who I am why fight it? This year, I’m embracing the full, corny, emotional me.
- Choose joy and gratitude, no matter what challenges come my way.
- Be present. Be intentional. Be open to what this year has in store.
Looking Ahead
As I step into 2013, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this space, for the amazing community here, and for the encouragement and inspiration you all bring. This blog has become such a special part of my life, and I am so thankful for each and every one of you who stop by to read, comment, and share.
THANK YOU for making 2012 such a fun, fulfilling year. I hope that 2013 brings you and your loved ones good health, peace, and countless moments of joy.
Let’s make this a year of creativity, growth, and love. Let’s challenge ourselves, step outside our comfort zones, and make beautiful things whether that’s through DIY projects, new experiences, or meaningful relationships.
Here’s to new beginnings, fresh inspiration, and making 2013 the best year yet!
I can’t wait to see what’s ahead! 🚀✨
