I don’t know when it happened, but something changed in me this year. Over the winter, in the thick of school and worry (and probably mid-cup of tea) it hit me: if not now, when? It sounds corny, but after a year of plans falling through, it was like being hit by lightening- I have to stop planning and start doing. I have to find the energy inside myself to stay positive and charged up, all the time, and I have to do it like my whole life is at stake.
It sounds dramatic, right? But this is my reasoning: if all we have is what’s happening right now? Then in every decision, my whole life is at stake. And in that case, I want to be paying attention and going to bed tired because I’ve given everything I can. I want to make this life joyful and creative, and I want it to count. I have to start now - if not now, when?
So after a lot of thinking this is my birthday list. It’s big, it’s beautiful, and it’s all mine.
This year I will…
Start a real, official business and open up shop on etsy. I’ve filed all the government paperwork for this, but it won’t feel real to me until I see the cheques with my company name on them (which I’m so excited for!). I’ve been dreaming of different product lines all spring, I’m in the final stages of logo design with an amazing illustrator and this summer I’ll have lots to show you!
Be passionate, determined and single-minded. Working on Four Little Pots and doing more freelance work in the spring taught me an incredible amount about how much I can get done when I focus in and refuse to let anything shake me. Working on projects that I love energizes me. I’m aching for long work days and glue on my fingers, and I’m excited to dive in.
Get involved in the local scene. There are wonderful meet up groups, knitting clubs, yoga studios, and craft mafias where I live… and I need to get out there. The idea of making more friends who share my interests makes me really happy- I want to build a fantastic circle of local friends to complement my girls who are far and wide.
Remember my passions & invest in them. I have so many interests that have fallen by the wayside since university: city planning, religion, history, cheesy sci-fi, film noir, theatre, real literature – these all make up part of who I am and they surface in wonderful ways. I need to keep exploring, no matter what my main focus is.
Make lots of time to play with Mister. Because he’s amazing. I never imagined that another person could be so fundamental to my whole life, I never even imagined that marriage could change me, and yet here I am. Loved & fed & kept up to date on movies, American holidays, and state of the art puppy wrangling techniques. I want us to have more good food, belly laughs, field trips and adventures together, just to be gratuitous about the whole love thing.
Love this little blog! Connecting with you in this place makes me so happy, it’s one my most rewarding projects. I am so proud of what it has become! Making friends and learning the ropes of blogging has been an amazing journey so far. I want to keep making this space more and more me, and I can’t wait to see where that will take it.
Stay present. A lot of the time I get caught up in spinning narratives for myself – about anything from work to friends – and more often than not it ends up causing me to get stressed out and vacate what’s actually going on in this very moment. I’m working on living more intentionally and being slightly less day dreamy. Just slightly.
Stretch. I want to grow my comfort zone by challenging myself- this can be anything from starting to volunteer to getting a table at a craft show, or going to a professional development workshop. I want to stamp out the little voice that suggests I count my self out and tune into the one that wants to deliver above and beyond expectations.
Stay focused, work hard, and pay attention to the positive thoughts. Because the alternative really isn’t an alternative.
{Like the idea of a birthday list? Check out Sandy’s & consider making your own!}
{ 73 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the idea of a birthday list!! I turn 27 in June, so I’m going to start putting my list together. :)
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..The Craft Room =-.
Happy birthday love, it was my 25th last month. My thing is, get out of the computer world, and re-join the real world! (i get sucked in to everything way too easily) xx
.-= naomi rose´s last blog ..apple cider donuts with cinnamon sugar (and my thrilling life) =-.
Happy birthday Kyla! I’m 26 tomorrow… eep! 25 goes quickly so enjoy it!
This is an amazing list.
I am feeling inspired. Look at what you’ve done!
.-= Cassie Boorn´s last blog ..Sex and the City: Product Placements and Seth Godin =-.
I love this list Kyla. Not only for you, but for me as well. I need to tackle and conquer so many of the items listed in this post. Let’s make a pact to keep pushing each other to grow, risk, learn, and do.
Love this! I did a 30 before 30 list which I plan to “check in” with every year on my birthday.
I love that you mentioned going to bed tired because you gave the day your all – what a great thing!
And ooh!!! An Etsy shop!! Can’t wait!
.-= Becky´s last blog ..A little rest and a whole lot of hair =-.
This is great. I’m having a similar experience of being more positive and living in the now. It’s been amazing for me ! Good luck!
.-= Windsor Grace´s last blog ..OMG, I danced, you guys =-.
happy belated birthday kyla!
i love your birthday list idea. we can get so caught up in our daily routines and forget to take time for simple pleasures.
have a great year.
.-= shannon´s last blog ..this is something to think about. =-.
This is an amazing list. Just thinking all of that out is going to help you tremendously!! Goals HAPPEN when you write them out! You’re at the same point I am in my life and I too have made the choice to start making things happen. Things lingering in the future aren’t really real, you know? Let’s make them real!! :D And happy 25th. 25 is a good year – I love it!
.-= megan v´s last blog ..Louisville =-.
Kyla, I love this. The living of life intentionally and consciously—with good food, close friends…that’s what I want.
And happy birthday! :)
happy happy birthday kyla!
i like your list, specifically the become passionate in the local scene part, i think you’ll love it.
.-= alexa – cleveland’s a plum´s last blog ..TBAFATSOO, cinco de verdova and getting plummed =-.
happy bday! i’m seriously inspired by your list – i think i may just print it out since it’s pretty much similar to a list i would make!! i’ve been feeling that same thing (if not now, when!!)…which is why i’m determined this year to setup my online store. like you i did all the legal paperwork, etc…now i just have to take the leap and get the store open…but it’s so darn scary! this post reminded me though…if not now, when??!! you are so inspiring and creative & talented…i think you’ll be able to plow through this list with no problem :)!!
.-= Piper´s last blog ..{shake it up – week 21 scoop} =-.
I wish we lived closer together so we could get together for a night of knitting! :)
I think this is a fabulous birthday list! You have a great year carved out ahead of you. I loved making my 30 before 30 list! It was fun to think about what I wanted to accomplish over the last year of my 30s.
Happy Belated Birthday, my dear! I hope you are having a blast on your road trip!!
.-= Lisa from Lisa’s Yarns´s last blog ..Weekend Recap =-.
Go Kyla! I love your attitude and views on life. Grab them now and run. I’m re-inventing myself at the age of 41. My kids are older and I love my hubby more than ever. It’s time for me to do what I love. You’re an inspiration.
.-= Melissa Herrera´s last blog ..Thanks, Boho Mom, for the awesome quote! =-.
I love the term “craft mafias.”
It’s a beautiful birthday list and I know you’ll stick to it =)
25 was my favorite year yet; I hope it’s yours as well!
.-= Nora´s last blog ..A Family of Fries =-.
ahh this is wonderful! so many of these same things are on my list and i feel energized & can’t wait to forge ahead. i feel excited for you :)
.-= kay*´s last blog ..what font are you? =-.
Happy Birthday, my dear!!! Enjoy your beautiful road trip! :)
.-= Stefanie´s last blog ..See you later. =-.
I made a birthday list on my 26th birthday last month, and I’m so glad I did it. In a way, I thought it’d be a list I forgot about within a month, but posting it on my blog and talking about my progress has actually kept me strong and focused on living my life with intention. I really love all your goals, but the “Stretch” goal hits home with me. In fact, I have a similiar goal on my list aimed at “stretching” out and away from my comfort zone. :)
I wish you the best of luck this coming year! It certainly sounds like we’ll be seeing some amazing things from you!
.-= Samantha´s last blog ..The Story of Us: The Night We Met =-.
Another reason why you’re numero uno on my list of favorite bloggers: your ability to (figuratively) kick my butt to get me going through your words! “IF NOT NOW, WHEN?” I love it.
Also really love the term “craft mafias.” The Godfather soundtrack, knitting needles and all. :]
Hi K!
So, you want so many things that I want too!
I think, if we stay really focus we can have it and more!
I hope you don’t stop dreaming at all. It’s something magical and we need this to survive the negative pressure around us…
Have a wonderful week!
.-= Bruna´s last blog ..So, is friday, hun? =-.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLA! And thank you again for sharing your List. I hope that everyone feels inspired to write their own.. that’s my goal! You’ve clearly help set the wheels in motion and I’m grateful.
Bloggers, write your Lists! (I’m compiling and posting more inspiring Lists on my blog this month! Would love to share yours..)
.-= sandyb´s last blog ..I’m back. Birthday Lists. And I left my heart in New York City. =-.
Ooohh good idea. Maybe I’ll make a list for my birthday. (coming soon!)
.-= Ashley´s last blog ..Random Photo – My Boyfriend Has Problems =-.
Wonderful post Mrs! This is a great idea and I think I would like to something like this, rather than a life list. I can’t grasp a life list like I can grasp a birthday list…. a birthday list doesn’t seem so long-term.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Sunday Confessions =-.
I don’t need a birthday to know you have great things ahead of you. But, if a birthday gives you the opportunity to recognize it, then awesome! Happy birthday, Kyla!
Love this idea and will definitely be keeping it in mind for my 25th in 6 months! :)
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..lovin’ a person just they way they are – that’s no small thing… =-.
*sidenote* How appropriate that when I cam to leave you a comment there were already exactly 25 :)
I love this list. I love your blog. I love that we are friends<3 Cheers to a successful year for you, and me too! xo
.-= Liz´s last blog ..Music Monday: {Videotape} =-.
Here’s to the best year ever, my love.
Happy Birthday lovely!
.-= Lauren From Texas´s last blog ..Progress! =-.
Happy birthday to you–one of my all-time favorite bloggers!
.-= Dani´s last blog ..La Vie Links =-.
happy birthday!!! such a fabulous list!
.-= tillie´s last blog ..it’s story time… =-.
I love the idea of a birthday list. Birthdays seem like such a better time to make a list of what you want to accomplish because it always feels more like a brand-new year than New Years.
My birthday isn’t until November, but I’m definitely going to be thinking of what I want to accomplish in my 23rd year.
Happy birthday!
.-= Stephany´s last blog ..Friday Odds and Ends =-.
It sounds like 25 is going to be an amazing year for you! I want to get more involved in my local scene too – I just need to put myself out there!
You’re amazing. I truly believe that you will be able to accomplish all of these goals this year. Let’s make it a good one!
.-= Awmb´s last blog ..I always vlog when there’s something wrong with me. =-.
Love, love, love this!!! I am so excited to see you with this new company and all these adventures that you will be taking.
Happy 25th!!!
:)
.-= Kristi´s last blog ..Quote and Thoughts. =-.
I love this. What a wonderful, positive list of goals you have for yourself!
I’m turning 30 in October and have been working on a list like this. I could make lists like this until the cows come home, but I sometimes have a hard time with the follow through.
What are some things you do to achieve these goals and keep your list “active”, as it were?
.-= Stevie´s last blog ..The Big Three-One =-.
I may not know you personally, but what I know about you from this blog, this list will easily be accomplished. It’s such a wonderful set of goals here, too. And Happppppy Birthdayyyyy lady!
.-= MinD´s last blog ..Doing it, and doing it, and doing it well. =-.
I’m so down with this idea – new year’s resolution for YOUR new year. And I love yours. Kyla, I say it in every third comment or so, but you are so inspiring, really, & not in an “I say this to everyone way.” I know you have a billion readers, but I hope you know that to this one, you’re changing things. Seriously.
.-= Suburban Sweetheart´s last blog ..P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Things) =-.
You have a beautiful year ahead, and I am excited to watch it unfold. Lovely list!
.-= Elizabeth´s last blog ..The in between =-.
Great list! Sounds like 25 will be a fantastic year for you! I turn 24 this Thursday…
I got my seeds in the mail this weekend!! I love the way you packaged them, absolutely adorable!! I have some empty egg cartons ready and waiting for the seeds to be planted in them! I can’t wait =D
.-= ashley´s last blog .. =-.
Happy birthday Miss Kyla! I absolutely love this list – what a great idea to use your birthday as a jumping-off point for a new set of goals. :]
.-= Cait´s last blog ..and now, a song. =-.
I love your list! I need to make one too. I can’t wait to read about everything on yours this year :)
Ha, LOVE the list hey :) Thats really brilliant. I’m a huge fan of lists (I have a giant one, 100 strong that I’m working through, though I haven’t restricted it to a single year). Happy Birthday! Glad to hear it was brilliant, and I can’t wait to see what the next year brings :)
.-= Elly´s last blog ..Quinns Haircut =-.
Loving all of these goals – definitely inspiring me to do the same and start living more in the present. Have a great birthday!!!
<3 Amanda
what a wonderful list, dear… i love every single thing. i have no doubt this year will be beautiful for you. :) enjoy every moment! <3
.-= kelly ann´s last blog ..the girl in the field. =-.
Happy Birthday! Sounds like it’s going to be a wonderful year!
Totally inspiring list :) I know you’ll accomplish all of it!
Saw your tweet about Seattle and flowers…so jealous that you’re there looking at all those beautiful flowers. There’s no place more gorgeous!
.-= Kara´s last blog ..A weekend in Crown King =-.
Happy Birthday. You’ll get a lot done at 25 I know it.
.-= Susan´s last blog ..a new generation =-.
Happy Birthday Kyla! What a great post – very inspiring.
This is a wonderful list. I just turned 28 and I feel like you have years of wisdom on me. It’s inspiring how able you are to look back at what you’ve learned this year and also project what you hope for the future. Happy Birthday! (a little late…)
.-= Rachel @ MWF Seeking BFF ´s last blog ..The Friendiest Girl in All The World =-.
Looking forward to your etsy page! I turn 23 in a few days and am in the process of putting together a ’25 before 25′ list.
.-= Maddy´s last blog ..23? =-.
Happy Birthday! I hope this year is an inspiring for you as this post was.
.-= Roxanne´s last blog ..trash the dress. =-.
Sounds quite awesome! I hope you’re able to accomplish it all! Twenty Five was a pretty good year… and they keep getting better.
.-= Veronica´s last blog ..Like A Phoenix =-.
Go for it! It’s not corny at all. 25 really is mile stone. And the now or never really begins…Action always speak louder then words.
.-= Purple Deer´s last blog ..Vintage Orangesicle Skirt =-.
your writing has always struck me as being really positive. so i don’t worry about you, and i think this will be an awesome age/year indeed!! 25 was a good age..
congrats on all your exciting new plans!! especially the etsy shop. i’ve been dreaming about that now for at least a year but haven’t done anything about it yet. so true.. if not now, when!?? thanks for that reminder.
.-= floreta´s last blog ..The Road to Emptiness: Zen Travel =-.
What a wonderful list of birthday goals!! I so loved being 25. The whole world seemed so full of opportunity, all within reach, all at my fingertips. You can do anything you set your mind to. And I can’t wait to read all about it. :)
.-= Hannah´s last blog ..Help: I need some direction. =-.
Happy 25th birthday a little late =) Wishing you nothing but the best!
Happy Birthday to you love! Great list, seriously. I am a full supporter of your endeavors, I think you will go quite far with glue on your fingers miss!
Best,
Hannah Katy
.-= Hannah Katy´s last blog ..Dear Priscilla, you can have your story back. Thanks. Love, Hannah. =-.
I love the “if not now, then when?” idea. I’ve been feeling that way lately, too!
It looks like this will be a big year for you. I’m excited to follow your journey! :)
.-= Megan´s last blog ..Wardrobe Love: Help Wanted =-.
Such a wonderful idea! There’s so much I want to achieve before I turn 25 (me too! In December). Will definitely give this a go. :) x
.-= Jen´s last blog ..Monday 24/05 – pleats, patent and prints =-.
This is a lovely birthday list.
Happy birthday, lady!
.-= hillary´s last blog ..And How Eventually Our Hands Will Just Turn To Dust If We Keep Shaking Them Standing Here On This Frozen Lake =-.
So, hello, my lovely friend!
It has been awhile! My constant illnesses have gotten in the way of all sorts of things, including loving on my & others’ blogs!
I love this post, those moments are good to have when we realize we have more clarity than ever!
Lots of exclamation points…
I’m actually working on starting my own little business as well, so I may be attacking you for advice & whatnot…it’s in very fledgling stages but I’m definitely on that path & ready to make it happen. Want to show my blog some more love, as well, give it some attention & get it back to powerhouse status. ;)
I need to see if my town has any meet up groups, it’s a tough scene & it can be hard to find that kind of stuff…but maybe…
You inspire me, truly… ;)
.-= Alexis´s last blog ..Literally, Too Much Information =-.
love this list and hope you had a most fabulous birthday!! :)
.-= katelin´s last blog ..69 Bloggers + Vegas = Ridiculous Awesomeness times a million. =-.
Kyla, I’m de-lurking to wish you a Happy Belated Birthday! You are a wonderfully inspiring soul, and I truly love your list. May this next year be filled with success and love and friendship. And thank you for sharing your journey with us all. Your blog is such a source of wisdom, happiness and inspiration for me.
.-= Caiti´s last blog ..Project : Sketchbook =-.
Happy [belated] birthday, Kyla! You were definitely missed at Vegas this year. :] I hope you had a fantastic day.
.-= Ev`Yan´s last blog ..hiatus. =-.
I wished you happy birthday on Facebook but I just love this post so much.
Happy birthday, lady. You’re the best!
I love your goal of getting involved with the local scene- I’m trying to do the same here in Vancouver. Hit up a great locally owned coffee shop this weekend and a community market….local events and business always have so much character :)
.-= kage´s last blog ..DIY Wedding Invitations Phase 2 =-.
Happy belated, and I’m glad you’re following your passion!
.-= Miss Dallas´s last blog ..Time Off =-.
You’re so lucky you know what you want to do since there are a lot of people our age that still don’t know what they want to do with their lives. I’m anxious to see your etsy shop and what your business is all about. Good luck!
.-= steph anne´s last blog ..Living in a Television Show =-.
Happy (belated) birthday, lovely!
I, for one, will be so excited to visit your shop on Etsy and spend some of my hard-earned money. :)
.-= Stacey Paradise´s last blog ..God help me. =-.
well written. i am the same way. a talker but not a doer. this year i’ve already done a handful of things i said i wanted to do but never had the courage to actually do. it’s actually relieving to do them.
happy birthday dear!
What a perfect list for a wonderful year! I’m so excited for everything you have ahead of you, lovely, and I cannot wait to hear about it all!
.-= E.P.´s last blog ..Families of fries, tapas/topless bars and a much-needed girls weekend =-.
What a great list for what will undoubtedly be a great year! Happy belated birthday!
.-= terra´s last blog ..Month in the Rearview // May ’10 =-.
Being a quarter of a century old was a very exciting time for me as well. I’m 29, but I love this list.
.-= Diana´s last blog ..Slow Readers Book {New Book and Giveaway} =-.