04 Jan 2018 Thoughts and Reflections – Goals for the New Year

This post is just a bit later than I intended, but its only the 4th of January and why not take a look back at 2018 and think about what goals I have for the upcoming year. The first week of the New Year brings promise and hope for better things in the upcoming year. A kind of Renaissance, or rebirth.  I don’t really make “resolutions” but rather reflect on the past year and see what I might want to change or reflect on the past year and what went well.

First thing.. I don’t want to take my Christmas Tree down! Boo-hoo! I love having it in the Great Room with the fireplace going and being able to enjoy it in the morning, working on my blog. I am usually in this furry,  creamy white glam robe, mom bought me for Christmas and my boy, Gibson is so funny, as he lays between my chest and the laptop! But, back to the tree- can’t I just say, it is now a part of our new decor?

I finally was able to see my PT for dry needling, which I desperately needed after our trip and hours of sitting in the car. I also think I walked up and down the stairs 30 times getting packed to go home. So now my PT appt goes something like this-

Todd- Hi Jess, how are you? What is bothering you today?

Me: Um. Everything. Everything hurts.

Todd- Well, we will see what we can do… ( an hour of dry needling insues.. )

2018

2018 was a pretty good year. Here are some of the memories from the past year that I was proud of.  It has been 10 years since I was diagnosed with Elhers Danlos Syndrome, and I reflect on what poor shape I was in, only able to move from the couch to take the dogs out to do their business. I had PT several times a week, and spent a lot time in bed. So, after this amount of time, I am amazed at what I am now able to do.  I still do have bad days and difficult days that are a challenge with my health, with high pain, but I never thought I could do some of the things I did this year.

2018 was a year with wonderful blog collaborations with companies such as Soft Surroundings, Chicos, designer Joseiph Ribcoff and Jambu, Karina Dresses, Saranghae, among others.  I have worked with Jambu for 3+ years, and recently, a Brand Ambassador. I also love collaborating with smaller family owned companies that fit my aesthetic and I have been very fortunately collaborating with different companies.

Blog Trip

It was so exciting for me to be asked on a blogger trip to go with 4 other bloggers to NYC, stay at the Viceroy, and have time sponsored by Jambu Footwear. I walked throughout the day and had to rest later in the day, mostly keeping up with our Jambu crew. It was an amazing trip getting to visit The Good Housekeeping Institute, bond with the group, and have a professional photographer take pictures.  It was a memorable trip!

Fierce 50 Campaign

In Feb, I joined the Fierce 50  group on Facebook. This is a group that values midlife women, and share in their triumphs and purpose. It believes that Midlife women are thriving and ready for the new phase in life! I am happy to be a part of this special group that celebrates women.

Being Proactive with Your Health

I have always been this way, and feel it is of utmost importance to take control and be proactive with your health. I wrote about this topic on the blog, HERE. This was a year I had made some strides, and was able to get off of 3 medications! I have more of a core base now of medications I need to take for my condition, but made the choice to go off certain ones, as they were not benefiting me.

Rock Concert

If I ever thought I would be able to go to a rock concert and dance, it would have been in a fantasy world I created.   However, that is what happened in June, when hubby and I went to see Def Leppard and Journey. I had a night of my life, singing and dancing to the music. ( I paid for it for the next few days) Such a memorable time, when 10 years ago, my ankles were so stiff I had a hard time getting out of bed.

Media Event at the Vue

Had a good time at a media event for a summer fashion show at Charlotte’s The Vue. 

Celebrating the 50th

I think I crumbled a bit more when I turned 40. Turning 5-0, I was a bit more secure in myself and haven’t felt much different as the years go by. I think confidence increases as you age, as I have learned alot about myself. It was an amazing Birthday!

Invited to a Beauty day at Soft Surroundings and also at Idolize Brow. 

Trip to SF, Sonoma and Napa

Even though trips take me a week or more to recuperate, it is something I enjoy doing. The travel day, not so much, as it is very hard on my muscles, but the exploring and learning about a new place. We had a blast in Wine Country and San Fran. Read Here. and HERE

Some Goals for the New Year- 2019

Health

Because it is important for my health, and I need to strengthen my body and  muscles to lessen the trigger points and pain I have, I hope to increase the workout schedule. I lift weights at home, but also need more cardio workouts and I am researching treadmills for the house. I like to walk, but not when the weather is freezing! I also hope to check out more workout videos on Amazon Prime. Variety is the spice of life!…

I am hoping to get off one more medication this year, and try melotonin for sleep. Sleep is so important! Getting off meds is quite difficult, it seems the drug companies don’t think of that part when they are making the meds.

I also hope to work on my anxiety and figure out ways to relax more.

Travel

Several times a year, my hubby and I like to travel. We may go with the family to Martha’s Vineyard this year. I would love it, as this is a place I have wanted to visit. Not to mention, I have never been to Boston! We also hope to go on a short trip to Nashville, doesn’t that sound fun?

Blog

I would love to work on cleaning up my Collaborations page, as it needs organization. I may also sign up for Like to Know it. I have friends that use the platform and do well. So, it is on my to do list.

I continue to work on SEO and getting better at it. I also would love to increase my audience. Social media, there is a love – hate relationship there, and I need to figure out increasing Instagram followers. It has been a bane of mine for a year!

On the photography front, I enjoy processing photos and would love to experiment with different filters this year.  I enjoy working on processing photos, and want to get more creative. ( for Lightroom/Photoshop)

I would love to meet other bloggers near me, and have a lunch out and chit chat!  I am also attending Influencers of Midlife Conference in Atlanta hosted by Robin and Nina, and look forward to that. If only I could feel a bit better! I hope to learn some valuable blogging tools while I am there.

I am hoping to also collaborate with other bloggers this year- giving you various ideas on how to style an item.

Pinerest is something I want to get more into. I have been getting more “action” on Pinterest and want to learn how to drive more traffic to my blog via this medium.

I want to post a survey on the blog, asking my readers what topics they would be interested in reading. Hoping to do that soon.

I want to thank my readers for being a great support to me and my blog, Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. I hope you continue to read this next year, when I hope to bring you more midlife and fashion content.

Personal

I hope to enjoy more outings this winter, as winter is a time it is easy to get the “winter blues” or fall into a funk. My hubby and I love musicals and shows, and there are great venues here in Charlotte to see cultural events.

Have a wonderful weekend best to you in 2019!

Jess xx

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