2018 Goals and why they’re important

Happy new year, darlings!

I know, everyone is talking about goals and resolutions right now. Which some people roll their eyes at. But why? Goals are important. Resolutions are important. The reason we set them with each new year is because we’ve more than likely learned something throughout the year that changes the way we approach things.

For me, it’s been a busy year. I’ve learned a lot and experienced a lot. Two very big things happened this year.

One, I married my husband. He is so wonderful and challenges me every day. He makes me look at things differently and I love him for that. See THIS post to read all about our wedding!

Two, on August 10th, my dad passed away. I’ve never dealt with death before. And my dad has been my best friend ever since I can remember. He gave me my creative bone and inspired me to do what I love, always. He said that no matter what, I should do what makes me happy. He went to the ends of the earth to provide everything I needed and wanted and supported me more than I ever could have imagined. I certainly was and always will be a daddy’s girl. We were connected at the hip.

I’m not sharing all of this for sympathy. Honestly, it doesn’t do anything. Sympathy might be nice and polite but it certainly doesn’t help the healing process. That’s something you must do on your own. Now, why am I discussing a painful death that I experienced this year while talking about goals for the new year? Don’t worry, it’s all connected.

My dad had one of the most positive, free spirits I’ve ever met. He always said that things will work out exactly how they’re meant to. In a conversation I had with him when I was maybe 12 years old, he said to me, “Tessa, no matter what, you are going to do something that positively impacts people. You’ve impacted me more than you’ll ever know and more than I could ever express to you.” He was the best.

So this year, I’m going to try to hold on to his spirit and remember those words. I’m only 25. I have many more years (hopefully!) left on this earth. And since the topic of what happens after death is highly debatable, I’m choosing to make the most of the time I have here. That doesn’t mean I have to win a Nobel Peace Prize or be a world renowned speaker. But I hope to have positive impacts on people. This year more than ever. And while career and fitness goals are always welcome, I’m making personal goals this year. I think we all need to focus a little more on the energy we put out into the world. It’s so important. Here are some promises I’m making to myself.

2018 Goals

Always be open. Open mind, open heart, giving without expecting.
Always carry hope. Hope that our country pulls it together politically, hope that humans connect more, hope that there is less judgement and hope that there is more love and acceptance.
To spread as much love and acceptance as possible. After all, hate is what separates us.
To dance, often. Dancing is very therapeutic for me. If I’m having a bad day, I blast some music and dance. It honestly helps.
To feel everything. And not just momentarily. I don’t want to suffocate or limit any feeling because they are all feelings and we are lucky to have them. It means we’re breathing and alive and still have so many opportunities.
I want to be as cheesy as I want to be. My husband made a comment the other day about me wanting life to be like the famous lobster scene in Annie Hall. And yes, I do. I want life, as unpredictable and short as it is, to be as happy and as positive as humanly possible. Laughing at things, rather than stressing over them. I want to focus even more than I already do on the happy and positive moments and less on the complaints.

Now, if you know me, you know I’m a pretty goofy, positive person. I’ve always been that way. I guess losing my dad made me really realize the importance of holding on to that goofy, happy go lucky energy. It’s vital. So, I’m implementing all the wonderful things that dad taught me, either by experience or example, into my goals for 2018.

Today also happens to be my dad’s birthday. He would’ve been 57. Happy birthday, dad!

I hope this wasn’t too much of a downer. I just wanted to be real and inspirational at the same time…did it work?!