02 Jan New Year- Reassessing and Goal Setting
Hello friends, Happy 2024!
Today I am talking about reassessing and thinking of goals for the New Year.
As it is a new year, there is often reflection, reassessing and goal setting. I don’t set “resolutions” per say, but do set some achievable goals.
Think about what you want and what could add to your life in the coming year. These are just a few things I have been thinking about.
Volunteer Work
I have forever or should I say, (furever) wanted to volunteer at an animal shelter. Last year, I tried to join a local organization, but as they are also animal control, there was a lack of organization, and I was not contacted. So, this year, I am looking into another larger humane society and hopefully, I will be assisting there. Dogs are so important in my life, and my spirit lights up when I see and interact with them. So, this is a goal and I’ll keep you updated!
Work
Getting my guitar teaching business going. This is one that is not as easy in the past. You used to put up flyers in coffee-shops, or I had connections when I taught music. Now, I have to create a website, and advertise. I would like to have about 5-10 students.
Continue growing my Elegantly Dressed and Stylish Instagram page, working with brands for paid collaboration. I heard one influencer say, “Know your worth”. This hit home, as a fashion creator, there are many brands that want you to do all of the work for virtually little payment or gifted items. If you are a strong believer in a brand and you enjoy working with them as an on-going relationship, this is one thing, but otherwise, getting paid needs to be a priority. At least for me this year. For any job, I am making this my mantra, “Know your worth.” Along those lines, I will be attending an Influencers of Midlife Conference this year to learn more about this business.
What makes you happy?
Think about what brings you joy. Is it a new hobby? Do you love to cook? Showing your personality through fashion? We all know there is such a mind-body connection, so it makes sense that happiness would help our health. According to Greater Good Magazine, “Happiness and good health go hand-in-hand. Indeed, scientific studies have been finding that happiness can make our hearts healthier, our immune systems stronger, and our lives longer.”
What could you learn?
We know that keeping the mind active is important in aging. Is there something new you want to learn this year? I have decided to take a “Cardio Funk” class, and I think it is going to be mostly hip hop. Should be fun! Will you see me do any dance moves on Instagram? hmmm.
I want to continue learning a language. I am either going to continue with Italian or begin Ukrainian. ( since I am 50%).
Fashion- Are you Happy with your Closet?
Over the past few years, my style has changed to be more classic, with still a love of florals and dresses. As our style evolves, there comes a time to reassess what is in our closet. Go through your closet, what doesn’t fit your style? What is worn out? What areas do you need more of? ( pants, jeans, dresses). What are things you haven’t worn in a long time? What doesn’t fit well?
I have donated most of my clothes this year to Uncommon Threads, an organization that helps low-income ladies get back on their feet and be able to wear clothes sent to this non-profit, via working on coaching and self-esteem, as well as skills. I weed out my closet every season, and this year seemed to add more black pieces to my closet than ever before. This cashmere set is something I have wanted to add for awhile, and a great lounge set. The cashmere pants are not joggers, so you can dress them up as well as down.
Recently, I also bought several lady jackets for a fraction of a big named retailer.( Under $15!) I wanted to add more stripes to my closet, and these are made quite well.
Sneak peek!
Travel
Last year was wonderful as we went to Martha’s Vineyard, Charleston and Italy. Since my hubby and I both work from home, we have flexible schedules. This can allow us to travel and make plans closer to travel time. The priciest thing about travel usually is the airfare, so we have decided since we have a long list of places we want to go, we can see where the lower airfare is for next Fall, and pick a place. A bit off the cuff, but exciting as well. Since my experience with going to Italy, I have the “travel bug”, and I love seeing other cultures.I am thrilled that I have my illnesses under control, enabling to travel and function better in life.
I wish each one of you a Blessed 2024- with health and happiness!
What have you been thinking about for the New Year? I’d love to hear! Tell me in the comments.
Turning Heads Tuesday Linkup
I have been hosting the Turning Heads Tuesday linkup for 8 years now,, blogging for almost 10. Lots of things have changed in those 10 years, and I am debating about the linkup. Please tell me if linkups are something you still enjoy doing.
Emma Peach
Posted at 15:56h, 08 JanuaryHappy New Year Jess! You have set some great goals for 2024, and it’s brilliant that you can travel again. I do still enjoy link ups, although I’ve found participation in mine to be lower over the last 6-12 months. I think with having several social media apps to keep updated, it’s become more difficult to find the time to visit blogs and join link ups. I hope you’ll continue with THT!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 11:28h, 09 JanuarySame to you Emma! I am looking forward to going to places new this year and traveling has always been something I wanted to do. Yes, I am the same with link ups, blogs have changed so much and now the focus is on IG! Hard to keep up with it all!
Lanae Bond
Posted at 19:24h, 04 JanuaryHappy New Year! You have a lot of good goals and busy times for 2023.
Laura Bambrick
Posted at 17:47h, 03 JanuaryYou have some fantastic goals for 2024! I hope this year brings you nothing but happiness!
Gail
Posted at 06:55h, 03 JanuaryWhat a fantastic set of plans for the new year. The dog shelter will give you a lot of satisfaction, as will the guitar lessons. How exciting to be spontaneous about your holiday. I am the reverse, have 3 booked already (only one involves air travel) xx
Shelbee on the Edge
Posted at 04:35h, 03 JanuaryHappy New Year, Jess! It sounds like 2023 ended on a high note for you and 2024 is already looking fabulous! I am so glad that you have your pain managed enough so you can enjoy traveling! I am planning on taking a few classes this year as well. My son and I are going to take a Tarot Card Reading class and I am also thinking of taking a class on refinishing and painting furniture. I want to refinish and/or paint all of the wood furniture in my house rather than buying new, but I have no idea what I’m doing! LOL Wishing you much success with your guitar lessons. I am sure anyone would be lucky to have you as their instructor!
Shelbee
Rena
Posted at 19:53h, 02 JanuaryYou’ve planned quite a year for yourself. It’s good to see you getting back to full strength. As for link-ups, I really like them and find them to be a good way to discover new-to-me bloggers and as well as getting the word out about my blog. But then again, I may be a bit partial since I host a weekly link-up myself.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Di
Posted at 12:04h, 02 JanuaryWishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year, Jess! Thank you for all of the wonderful content in 2023, I am looking forward to reading your blog in 2024. It sounds like you have a well thought out plan for the year!
jodie
Posted at 11:59h, 02 JanuaryI love how you evaluated the year and are changing things up. The best part is how you’re feeling better and can do all the fun things. Like travel. And volunteer. We joined a group to volunteer called St. Vincent De Paul, but haven’t gotten started yet,
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Wendy
Posted at 10:25h, 02 JanuaryJess!
How cool that you play the guitar!! I think with Taylor Swift’s amazing success, lots of young people will want to learn. I’d take my son, but you’re a little too far.
A suggestion: locate your local homeschoo.lers and if you start them at a good price point you’ll be full in no time.
I love your Link Parties, but I don’t know how much work is involved. Would you recommend it?
Beautiful clothes as always!
Wendy.
http://www.theInspireddEater.com