I always like reading other people’s goals on blogs at the beginning of every year. And while I’m always quick to come up with a thousand ways to better myself, I usually take a week or so to refine my goals, balancing the list with some easier short-term ones and some longer ones that require a little extra dedication. Last year was my year of taking chances – which had mixed results, but it ultimately helped me make better/faster decisions I think. I’m not abandoning that mentality, but I’d like to focus more this year on making myself the person I want to be (oh, god, this is getting cheesy). But I really did a lot of reflecting in 2014, and I now feel so, so good about myself and my life. And then this year, when compiling a list of resolutions, I had a tiny epiphany – nothing novel – I realized that there will never be a perfect time to do all the things I want to and all the things I should do, so I just have to get on it now. And that means forcing myself to do some things that aren’t super easy, like staying on top of my work (I’m a pretty major procrastinator), because I know that’ll make my life so much better and easier. Likewise for establishing a sleep schedule. But other things are fun – like finishing Matchbook magazine’s novel and movie lists. It’s something I’m really excited to do, but it still requires a tiny bit of effort, in that I have to save some time during the week to work on it.

Anyway. Last year I had 14 goals for 2014 (haha, isn’t that cute) but now I’m just sticking to 10 – I don’t want too much on my plate and there are only really 10 things I want to do. So, I’m posting them here again, to hold myself accountable.

1. Finish Matchbook‘s novel (10/50) and movie (26/50) lists

2. Finish my gallery wall (here’s the wall now)

3. Finish the studio (hang up art and buy pillows + accessories)

4. Improve my posture

5. Organize my office and keep it clean

6. Establish (and stick to) a sleep schedule

7. Learn Swedish

8. Go somewhere new

9. Become a vegetarian

10. Stay on top of my work

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The end of the holidays always make me feel a little sad, because it’s my favorite time of the year, and I can’t help but think of how much will happen between now and this time next year. 2014 felt like it zoomed by, and between all of the good, bad and otherwise that happened, I think it was my favorite year yet.

I’ve been (inadvertently) reflecting on this year lately. There are the silly little things that are bound to happen – arguments, stress, falling outs with friends (and, like, a really weird stint as a barista) – but overall, the picture is good. I spent two amazing weeks in the UK, had great experiences, met wonderful people, and I’m finally doing what I love. But perhaps best of all, I’ve learned a lot –  a lot – about myself. Not that I’m done figuring everything out, but I’ve gained a much better sense of self and of what I like. For one – I really, really like being alone. I also really love keeping my environment tidy and bright and organized, and I like surrounding myself with plants and pretty things. I like to take time to read and go outside. And I’m learning to cut the things out of my life that cause me stress without feeling guilty, and I feel mentally and physically so much better.

But there are still all the things I said I would do this year, on my goal list – some of which I didn’t quite get done. But I noticed through the year that I had changed and not all the things on my list seemed quite so enticing, and other things came up that I’d have liked to add. But 2014 was my year of taking chances, and reminding myself of that periodically helped me in a lot of situations. So I’m re-adopting it again for 2015, and going into the year with a really good sense of what I need to do to have my best year yet. I know the only constant in life is change, but I’m in a really good place right now, and I’m set on staying in that place.

So, where does the blog fit into all of this? I kind of did a horrible job posting this year, which I think is just a testament to the kind of busy year I’ve had. And I realized a few months ago that I’ve somehow slipped into trying to make this blog something that I think it should be. But I’ve decided that I’m going to make sarah kate style exactly what I want it to be – that is, whatever I want it to be. I’m going to write about whatever it is I truly like, and not limit myself to the kinds of posts I’ve done before. I have so many ideas, and I feel so inspired and excited right now. I’m not too pleased with myself for previously making false promises of coming back and posting religiously, but now more than ever, I really want to make this blog something that I’m proud of.

That being said, I might be taking the rest of the year off to relax, rejuvenate and work on posts for next year. As always, thank you for your continued support. I’ll see you all in 2015. xo

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