For my first blog post of 2020, I want to share some highlights from 2019. I also want to write down my goals and intentions for 2020. I think it’s important to write down your goals to help manifest and hold yourself accountable.
I started 2019 off in Nashville, Tennessee with Ryan and Kona. We didn’t do anything special to celebrate the new year besides eat Macaroni Grille and go to bed by 9:00pm. After getting back to Raleigh, Kona had to have surgery for a torn ACL. Recovery took 6 weeks and she actually went to stay with my sister for a couple of weeks which stunk. A year later, Kona shows no signs of ever having a problem!
For Ryan’s birthday in February, we went on a short Carnival cruise to the Bahamas. Ryan had never been on a cruise before and we spent a lot of time in the onboard casino. Safe to say, I think he liked it! 2019 was definitely the year of travel for us. We also took trips to Atlanta, New Orleans, and Ireland! I think we’ll be slowing down a little in 2020 to save up money.
As for family trips (with the whole gang), we went on a Royal cruise and to Lake Lure this past Fall. I’m so thankful for all the memories I’ve gotten to make with them this year. After losing two important people in my life in 2019, I’ve learned just how special time is and who I give it to. Even the little things like going to an escape room together, trying all the samples at Costco, and making new recipes means so much to me. I will never forget my loved ones that don’t get to see 2020.
I also got to celebrate lots of love in 2019. My best friends, Nicki and Kenley, got engaged in March and I get to stand next to them as her Maid of Honor in October! I’m so excited for the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and wedding! Speaking of weddings, I got to watch Whitney and Art get married in a beautiful ceremony. Whitney has really been there for Ryan and I during the grieving process. I could never thank her enough.
2019 brought me tons of new relationships! I met Ryan’s family for the first time and have become much closer to them. They live about an hour away yet we visit when we can. Aalyiah, Ryan’s niece, came with us to Carolina Beach back in the summer and fell in love with my parent’s puppy. I’m trying to be a good role model for her.
Other fun things we got to do this year is see Iration live (one of my favorite bands), zipline at TreeRunner Adventure Park, and go to the NC State Fair for the second year. I say “we” because Ryan and I do most everything together. Including… move into a new cute townhome together! We’re finally unpacked and starting to get into smaller details. Like getting a TV stand! But I love living with my best friend. I can’t wait to see where 2020 takes us.
Top 10 Blog Posts of 2019
- A Cruisers Guide to Allure of The Seas
- How To Stay Healthy During Your Travels
- Ladies, It’s Time To Take Control of Your Sexual Health
- My Self-Care Sunday
- Raleigh’s Secondhand Shopping Scene
- A Short Travel Guide to Dublin City
- Help! What Do I Do If I’m Having a Panic Attack?
- How To Find Money and Time to Travel
- How To Help a Grieving Loved One
- Top Things To Do in Downtown Wilmington
Where I Traveled in 2019
- Nashville, TN
- Nassau, Bahamas
- Atlanta, GA
- Dublin, Ireland
- Cozumel, Mexico
- Durham, NC
- New Orleans, LA
- Lake Lure, NC
2020 Goals and Intentions
PROFESSIONAL
Post a YouTube video Every Week- I found success as a teenager making YouTube videos but stopped during college. I’ve been starting to make YouTube videos again and really enjoy it. They may not be perfect or garner up as many views as before but in 2020, I want to try again. I’m not sure what my videos will entail yet. However, I want to hold myself accountable to posting once a week. As of now, I have 3,812 subscribers.
Post on Instagram Three Times a Week- After Summer, I definitely started letting my Instagram game slip. I am aiming to post 3 times a week and be more intentional about what I post.
Create and Share Things I’m Proud Of- Whether that be unique artwork, interviews, poems, etc. I want to be more authentic and share more meaningful things.
Work with Great Brands- I got to work with tons of awesome brands in 2019 such as Adidas, Biore, and TreeRunner Adventure Park. Let’s make more brand deals in 2020!
Stop Saying Sorry So Much- Self-explanatory.
PERSONAL
Design My Dream Apartment- Ryan and I just moved into the cutest townhome apartment. Instead of rushing to get it “finished”, I’d rather take my time to design it how I want. Starting with a TV stand!
Become a Morning Person- I am not a morning person. I’d love to start getting up at 6:30 to take Kona on a walk and wake up peacefully. This one will definitely be difficult.
Dress Up to Feel Good
Prioritize Date Nights
Continue Always Learning- This is SO important! In the new year, I want to pick up new skills and knowledge! I could try out new exercises, hobbies, podcasts, etc. I’ve also checked out Skillshare and might sign up for a class or two.
Be More Authentic in My Style- My style is unique, a little weird, and colorful. I should embrace it.
Do 1 Kind Thing a Day
Live Healthier- The goal isn’t about losing weight but feeling more confident in my body and more energized. I want to eat less processed food (like Taco Bell and Bojangles) and make food at home instead. Also, find a workout I enjoy while getting outside each day!