2015 // Year in Review-Part Two // 2016 Resolutions

I found this short and sweet Year in Review version over at Camilla Rumph, and thought it would be a great addition to my photography review!

THIS YEAR IN 3 WORDS:
Thankful -- Productive -- Growth

Thankful: As I mentioned in yesterdays blog post/earlier this week (here). This has been a year of thankfulness. We truly are fortunate to have a strong, safe roof over our heads, a fridge (and cupboard) full of food, and good health. There have been so many moments this last year where I am just struck with gratitude as we really are blessed.

Productive: 2015 was a big year for us. We checked off some pretty big milestones and the achievements we didn't quite get to, are well on there way to be marked off in 2016. I feel like I'm more "adulty" (is that even a word? can it be a word, please?) leaving 2015 than I was entering it.

Growth: Because this year has been so productive I've noticed a lot of growth. Growth in relationships, and finances and even as a person.

TOP 5 HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Moving into our new house! (raise your hand if you knew this would make the list!)
2. My toddler becoming a pre-schooler; both in age and in maturity. I c a n n o t believe (or handle!) how big my baby is getting! He is officially a big boy, and it is oh, so bittersweet.
3. Starting a new job -- in March I started working at a local Baby and Children's boutique and I absolutely love it!
4. Pier received a work promotion! I am soo proud of him! This achievement is highly deserved as he is the most hardworking, conscientious man I know!
5. Visiting Panorama, British Columbia. In the five years Pier and I have been together there haven't been ample travel opportunities. We've always done day trips and a little travelling down to Calgary-area but this year was the furthest we've travelled as a family and we had so much fun! It will definitely be a holiday we always remember.

THINGS TO WORK ON IN 2016:
Keep Saying No: 2015 has taught me that time is limited, life too short to commit to engagements out of obligation. Sometimes you have to say no so that you can say yes to the things that truly matter.

Work On Staying Fully Present: Sometimes I need to put my phone or camera down and actually be engaged and participate in what is going on rather than being on the sidelines (and yes, Pier sweetheart. that means you will have to do some of the camera wielding!)

Decluttering: I am a H O A R D E R by nature. I come by it honestly, though -- I swear it's genetic! (Right, Momma?!) In 2016 I need to stay diligent in decluttering regularly. Especially that junk drawer....and the 2-week mail pile....and that linen closet.....


//Resolutions for year 2016//

Until last year I was never really a New Year's resolution person. I never had an interest in the whole "new year, new me" deal but last year I was really eager and excited to make a list. I like to make itemize these goals in point form as it's been fun to monitor through out the year and check-off when it has been completed.

Personal
- Travel (at least twice!)
- Continue building an emergency savings account and retirement reserve
- I would like to learn more about investing. I primarily see 2016 as a great year to learn and do some research and set the foundation for this to be a major goal for 2017, once our emergency savings has been adequately built up to a satisfactory amount.
- Connect: with old friends, other bloggers, colleagues, etc.
- Read more
- Go outside for at least 30 min a day in the winter -- within reason, I live in Alberta, Canada......I am NOT going to be spending ANY time outside, on days when we have -50+ degree Celsius!
- Turn the TV off for at least an hour during the day and an hour in the evenings (at least 2 hours/day)
- Continue to coupon and build up a stockpile (see previous post, here)
- Aim for a date night at least once a month
- Continue making our house into a home! (This in itself, has its own goal and to-do list!)

Blog
- write at least twice a week
- continue to learn about and implement different blogging and website tools
- Connect: with readers, other bloggers and colleagues, old friends, etc.
- Sigh. Figure out how I can make my photos nicer so that I can.....
- include DIY posts and share our family meals with you!

So although this list seems long, I have G R E A T plans for 2016 and cannot wait to see what the next 12 months will bring! Cheers and Happy 2016!

What are some of your New Year's Resolutions? Is there any thing you would like to see added to my blogging goals?