Happy New Year’s Eve! But… How is 2018 over already?? It still feels like just a couple of weeks ago that I spent 2017’s New Year’s Eve watching Harry Potter movies, followed by the New York City Times Square special on TV, all while working on this extremely fun and nerdy puzzle.
Yet here we are, on the brink of 2019, ready to usher in another year. It’s crazy how time flies!
And with this year almost over, I thought it was the perfect time for a Coffee Break post, where I share a little about what’s been going on behind the scenes, just like if you and I were sitting across from each other at a coffee shop and catching up. So with that in mind… Here we go!
Quite a few years ago, I actually stopped setting resolutions. For me, “resolution” has a negative connotation, where it feels like that word refers to something you know you should do but don’t exactly want to. Even though most of my resolutions revolved around helpful things, like cleaning my house every week or scheduling blog posts almost a month in advance, I still occasionally felt a little sense of dread and obligation when I approached those activities. I really disliked those negative feelings, so eventually I quit setting New Year’s resolutions.
But when I learned about my friend’s tradition, where she picks a single theme for the entire year instead of a resolution, I thought that sounded more positive and doable. Her themes varied from year to year, ranging from “exercise” to “business” to “home,” but she always achieved everything she wanted to, all with a smile and upbeat attitude.
So I decided to adopt her New Year’s theme idea, instead of setting a resolution, and this year I’m focusing on…
Quality.
Quality of work, quality of daily life, and especially quality time with my friends and family.
After running my own successful business for nearly six years, and reflecting on how those six years have looked, I’ve realized that even though I’ve consistently produced high quality work in the recipes, photos, and blog posts I’ve shared with you, I’ve lacked quality in my personal life. I often work 60+ hours a week, I only occasionally took off time to visit family or meet up with friends, and I felt burned out many times.
So over this holiday break, I decided to get a jump start on my “Quality” theme for 2019 in my personal life. In a span of six days, I didn’t share any new recipe blog posts here (perhaps you noticed?), I traveled to both Arizona and Northern California to see family, and I drove around looking at Christmas lights with my parents on three different nights.
I also…
Woke up early to head over to my family’s favorite brunch restaurant almost an hour away, where we saw our favorite waiter and looked through his sweet photos of his adorable grandson.
Met up for coffee with a friend from college and sat in the comfy armchairs in that Starbucks for what felt like just a few minutes, yet actually lasted for over an hour and a half, as we caught up on what had been going on in each other’s lives.
Sat on my grandparents’ walkers in two different assisted living facilities, the room full of family members with not enough chairs, listening as they told stories about growing up and their childhood Christmases.
And I truly loved and cherished every moment.
So that’s what I’m focusing on in 2019, quality (and balance!) in all areas of my life… Not just work. I’ll still spend many afternoons like this, sitting or kneeling on my kitchen floor to get the perfect fudgy brownie or gooey cinnamon roll photo (along with new recipes!) to share with you, but I’ll also spend more time out of the office with my family and friends.
If you want to follow along, I’ll be sharing more about what my life looks like here!
I’m a little nervous yet incredibly excited, just like I always feel before I try something new. And from what I’ve learned over the years, that feeling usually means I’m taking the next right step in this incredible journey called life. ♡
Here’s to quality and balance in 2019 and beyond. Cheers and happy new year, Amy!
Good for you, Amy! It’s hard as a business owner to take time off but you’re right. We have to carve out that time with our friends and family and cherish it. It’s a balance but I know you can do it! I also love the idea of having a theme word for the year. Simple yet effective. Thanks for sharing and I hope 2019 is the best year yet for you! Can’t wait to see what new treats you share. 🙂
You’re so sweet Angela — that means the world to me! Thank you!! 🙂 It’s totally true about carving out time for friends and family, especially as business owners. I imagine you might feel the same way at times; it’s not always easy to keep that balance while working from home when those lines of work life and personal life get blurred. 😉 I’m so excited to see what 2019 holds for you! Happy New Year!
You’re so sweet! Happy New Year Liz!! 🙂
I LOVE this theme Amy!! Mine is going to be “time”. Spending time doing things for ME. Having more alone time with my husband (!!!). Taking time to reflect and not always be rushing around. Not spending too much time ln social media. Enjoying the TIME I know I have right now! 🙂 Such a great reminder!!
Thanks Marina! I absolutely love your theme, and knowing how similar we are… It’s probably something I could keep in mind too! 😉 SO excited for you and everything that happened this past year (LOVED seeing your wedding pictures!! congratulations again!!), and I can’t wait to see what 2019 holds for you! ♡
My is to stay healthy and positive!! Remember I am a stay at home parent who loves it but always wanted to put everyone first including our soon to be 10 year daughter who’s multiply disabled ( development) wise ..
Now that she’s thriving in her new school ..It’s time for ME❤️💙
I absolutely love how you’re going to put yourself first Lydia!! It’s so easy to get caught up in taking care of others, especially our loved ones, and run ourselves into the ground doing it. Your daughter is so lucky to have you as a mom and role model!! ♡ Happy New Year!
Good for you!! Hope you have a Healthy, Happy New Year in 2019.
Thank you so much Charlotte! That means a lot to me! 🙂 Happy New Year!
Amy, Quality is always a good goal to strive for, however, my 2019 goat will be to stay in the “NOW”. We often look at our past (2018) and mostly remember those things we planned/wanted to do but didn’t and that leaves us feeling less accomplished. On the flip side, looking ahead at a new year, we mentally make a list of the things we want to accomplish for ourselves, our family & friends. But, for me, a better goal will be to be in the present (NOW); to enjoy what is happening NOW; to see the good I can enjoy NOW and work on those disappointments/shortcomings NOW.
What a wonderful theme Pat! It sounds like you might be a fan of Eckhart Tolle? 😉 I love his books and have read them countless times; they’re such a refreshing reminder of just how important and precious the present moment is! Happy New Year! 🙂
Gratitude
Such a great theme Barry! Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!
Happy New Year! Your blog was awesome and warm <3 It made my heart smile at all the family and friend time you were able to have. Best of 2019 to you and yours! I look forward to seeing your ideas this year 🙂
You’re so kind Shelley — that truly means a lot to me! Thank you! 🙂 Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! And I can’t wait to see what you think of the things I share in 2019 too! 😉
Yay sweet pea!! I LOVE this and I’m so proud of you for making quality time a priority! It’s SO hard and I can SO relate. I’m also already a HUGE fan of the qualitative leap- gorgeous photography and inspiring words! Can’t wait to see what the rest of this year looks like for you! You’ve worked SO hard and you- and your family/friends- deserve that quality time! Speaking of quality time, I want to come visit this summer and have a beach day with you… Can we do that?? ❤🏖👍
Awww sweet pea!! THANK YOU!!! Your kind words about The Qualitative Leap truly mean the world to me. ❤️ You’re SO inspiring to me too!! How you followed your heart, went back to school, changed careers, and still make lots of time for quality things like travel, hiking, and visiting family. That’s no easy feat, and it looks like you’re absolutely loving it and thriving! So excited to see what 2019 holds for you! 🙂 And YES!! We can totally do that this next summer! Let’s make it happen!! 🏖
Dear lovely lady Amy,
Sally, from the UK calling in, I absolutely love your intention to build quality and balance into your life in the coming year. How did you get so wise so young? Hold all those you love close to you and I personally wish you the very best of success, love and happiness for 2019. You are a very special girl, make sure you look after yourself along the way.
With love from the pretty English countryside, Sally x
You’re so sweet Sally — your kind comment made my entire day! Thank you so much!! ♡ The world truly needs more sweet people like you. I hope you have all of the love, peace, and joy you deserve in the upcoming year! Happy New Year! 🙂
Hello Amy and Happy New Year! I love your recipes and have made a note book of each and every one. I have also made several of them and they are all super delicious. I’m really into the “healthy” thing. I’m in better shape now than I’ve been my whole life and I’m 74. You are an absolute Angel Goddess. Too bad I’m old enough to be your Grandfather!!! Best Wishes.
Robert
Happy New Year Robert! I’m truly honored that you’re enjoying and saving my recipes. That means the world to me! Congratulations on being in the best shape of your life too — that’s absolutely incredible and so inspiring! 🙂 I can’t wait to hear what recipe of mine you decide to try next!