Looking back at my one goal for 2010: slow down, I have to laugh a little. While I had good intentions, 2010 started slow and quickly sped up to a sprint. If 2010 was just one word, it would be stretch.
2010 started with some big challenges. I was taking courses in grad school and trying to figure out what I wanted in life, but by the spring I was trying to manage a lot of negativity in my personal life and was feeling unsure about the path I was on. I finished my university courses and put continuing them on hold in favor of taking online courses from Red Velvet Art and Freckled Nest over the spring. I found more and more inspiring blogs, and made friends with shop owners and creative people, and I fell in love with the idea of living that kind of a life. I daydreamed about opening an etsy shop, doing more design work and fell in love with writing my blog (again!). I decided to at least give it a chance and threw myself into my creative life whenever I could.
At the same time, I made a big personal step forward: I let go of trying to please other people and started really honouring who I am and what I need. I made a conscious decision to be as positive and focused on my dreams as I could possibly be- and when I did that, the good started happening!
I was asked to become a designer with Freckled Nest Design, and quickly I was designing for clients and learning more than I had hoped! My friend Moorea Seal and I launched an illustrated eBook + micro gardening project called Four Little Pots, and Jesse and I went on an amazing road trip across half of North America. I was so thankful that I got to see my friends from near and far over the summer and I was excited to show them my new tattoo, even if I had to give myself a confidence boost as I got used to how people reacted to it. It took a while for me to focus on myself instead of people looking at my new tattoo, but I got the hang of it and over the summer my confidence doubled.
Over the summer and fall I stretched my comfort zone even further by starting to blog my outfits once a month in Six Months + Six Dresses. Soon after, my etsy shop launched and I got a big taste of what it's like to be a small business owner. Jesse and I made sacrifices and agreed to chase down my dream of becoming self employed in the next two years, and all my spare time went to blogging, etsy, and design. I loved what I was doing, but my anxiety was sapping all of my energy, so I saw a doctor and was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I started treatment for it and realized that my life could be so much happier! Jesse and I worked as a team through my anxiety and my long work weeks, and while it was exhausting, this year ended up with my dream coming true. I was invited to join Freckled Nest Design full time, a change that would have me become a full time designer and blogger in 2011.
On the other side of this crazy year, I'm thankful for the gifts it gave me. I'm more calm and patient with my friends and family – and myself – than I have been before. I'm more relaxed and it takes so much more to rattle me than it used to! Negativity and disagreements have finally started to roll off my back like I've always wished they would, and I don't hold onto hurt like I used to. I'm more able to just sit with things, even challenging situations, and work through them in my own time.
This year I don't want to have any one goal, I want to embrace this perspective shift.
Personally, this year I want to become more myself. I want to dig deep into my passions and watch them develop, to root myself in the beautiful prairies and see what I can make happen. I want to keep doing my heart work, and becoming a better friend and kinder person. I want to stay steady and grounded through the good times and bad, and I want to be profoundly joyful and enthusiastic.
Online, I want to be a better blogger and community builder. I want my blog to reflect my lifestyle and inspiration and I want to spend more time reaching out, sharing, and building relationships. I want to comment back, have exciting conversations, explore tumblr and twitter more, and get to know my readers better. I want to make sure I communicate my sense of humor and goofiness better too, and to share more photos! I'm dreaming up features that will let me share what my amazing blog friends are doing, and find new ways to express my passions.
Have you had a perspective shift in the past year?
I've love to hear a way that you're taking it from thought to action this month!
Mine is taking time every morning to find new inspiration online, I want to start every day with a little jolt of wonder. I hear that a sense of wonder is a key ingredient in big life changes. Wonder + cinnamon buns, obv. :)
LAST UPDATED ON: January 3rd, 2011
CATEGORY: All Posts
Kyla,
This is my first comment to your blog, but I’ve been following you for a little while.
I love this post. I’m kind of having a similar experience,and am attempting to become more focused in general and more focused on myself and my individuality. I’m finishing up college this May and will be liberated post-graduation for two years before medical school, and am unsure as to what I’m going to do. I have a job interview lined up, but am not sure if I want it.I want to travel and work, but that’s about as far as I’ve gone in my thoughts about it. I’ve had a pretty emotional year with a lot of self discovery, and I’m looking forward to making this year as “me” as possible. Part of that is by doing a project 365, the link to which is the website I provided. Check it out if you get a chance!
We seem to have many similar interests [photography, thrifting, BAKING and cooking, to name a few], and I overall think that you rulel.
And, I dig your hair big time. Mine is quite similar!
Sara
Thanks so much for commenting, Sara! I love meeting my blog readers, I’m happy to have your link! Good luck on your graduation in May, that’s so exciting! A 365 project sounds like an awesome way to start the post-grad world :)
This is such a lovely post. I lost my oldest/closest friend in an incredibly tragic way in June 2010, and everything shifted for me. I took off for the west coast for 2 weeks to “learn to re-follow my bliss,” and came back with a fresh outlook on my own life. I realized how much I was working at my sustainable fashion business, how much of my life was burdened by constant stress, and how much I missed down time, relaxation, and simply creating art for my own enjoyment. This led to me to embrace some major change, including starting a new side company and blog that allowed me to focus more on the things I loved, and less on numbers/marketing/press/bookkeeping/events, etc. I’m still learning to slow down (it doesn’t come easy for everyone!), but each day I wake up a little happier and more inspired than the last. I hope 2011 is amazing for you!
xo,
melissa
bubby & bean
You really inspire me lady!
Sounds like you had quite a year Kyla :)
This last year I did have another shift in my perspective. One that means trying to be more self loving and to surround myself with people that encourage that as well. I’ve also started a monthly attitude focus to help me do this :)
Best wishes for 2011!
Hahahah obv. you’re my favourite. I’m so glad that you’re taking the time to soak things in!!! I hope that you spend a lot of time on that this year, because you truly deserve it. For me, this year will hopefully be about getting closer to figuring out what I want to start doing with my life. If I want to go back to school or if I don’t.. if I should stay at my job or not.. and finding a new apartment that will be perfect for me.
I love your blog because you’re always able to articulate things so well. Your new year’s resolution is similar to mine in many ways, but I could never explain it as well as you. Love this post!
Huge congratulations on being offered a full-time job (I subscribe to your blog in my reader but must have missed that post). This is wonderful and SO inspiring – owning my own business and supporting myself through creative endeavors is a huge dream of mine. It’s fantastic to see that it really can happen, so thank you so much for sharing!
You are so positive. I always feel happy after reading your blog.
I hope this year is as good for you as last year was!
I think this is a great goal friend. Something we all need to do more. Shifting our perspectives, embracing those changes, become more of ourselves….these are things we can all benefit from. Happy New Year, love!
2010 brought huge change for me, too! I quit a “successful” job, moved to a different state, and began my new life as a small business owner! My goals this year are mostly business oriented, but in an open, creative and exploratory way. I posted a nice abstract list of goals for 2011 on my blog today, actually! I think you’ll like it – come on over :) xo
I just decided that this year is the year that I’m going to be the most positive and the most healthy. :) I’m 30 in 2012 and I want to reach a certain point before I get there, you know!?
Great “goal” for 2011 Kyla! My word for 2010 was self and starting to to try to live the life I wanted within what we had. End of 2008, beginning of 2009 threw us quite the curve ball and I spent most of 2009 basically dwelling on it, so 2010 was shifting my own perspective on what could be possible with the situation we find ourselves. In 2011, I am going to try and fully embracing it and using it to my best advantage. I can already see how it can affect my life and family by just trying to be happier in my daily life.
Can’t wait to see what 2011 brings you Kyla!
i like this.
a lot.
xxo,
rylie.
It’s been great following you along your little adventures during the past year. I wish you all the best as a full-time blogger during the next year and am excited to see what other great things you create in the future!
As for me, my perspective keeps changing. I still haven’t quite figured out where and what I want to be. Hopefully 2011 will bring that clarity.
Sounds like you had quite a turning point year! I like that you’re embracing this new perspective and I look forward to following you!
(just found your blog.. amazing!)
2010 was definitely a hard year for me. I didn’t go to the college I wanted to, and I had to adjust at a Community College. I still have trouble thinking about my past, but I’m starting to look up and realize I’ll make it to my dream college one day! :)
I definitely see that you can make this your year!
Happy New Year, Steven <3
I definitely had a perspective shift in 2010. Not only did we move all the way across the country (talk about a new perspective!), I also came to admit things to myself about myself that are so insignificant it’s almost funny. I hate doing dishes. I’m never going to make a quilt. Stuff like that. So this year is all about embracing my mid-30’s self exactly where and how I am.
Happy New Year, Kyla!
2010 rocked my confidence in a weird way (that I haven’t blogged about). Also my cat died. So I’m looking forward to becoming more *me* in 2011, at least going back to the strong, funny person I was prior to March last year. Creative endeavors wise it was a year of experimenting, learning, failing and success, so hopefully this year it will be a year of mainly success =)
Happy New Year to all!
So very true, Kyla
In the past couple of years I’ve graduated from law school, worked 5 different jobs, travelled overseas, lived in a van, purchased a sewing machine, been out of work for 5 months, rediscovered writing, and finally decided to go with my dream of becoming an author. I had to let go of putting other people’s expectations before mine, and embrace the person I have always been too scared to be. It’s hard right? But damn it feels good, doesn’t it?!
Much love and best wishes for 2011, Kyla
Let’s just say there is one direction for 2011: up. :)
I think 2010 was the year I finally overcame the last bits of a horrible relationship that had been haunting me. I also finally made my dream trip to Australia and got to spend my 25th birthday there like I’ve always wanted.
This year, I’m going to try not to care so much about people’s opinions of the weird things I do. I must remember that What People My Age Do is usually not something I like to do and that’s ok.
Great post :)
i just love this post kyla. i love how you write and how you share yourself in this special online space. i appreciate the thought of having a shift in perspective. that is what i hope 2011 will bring me as well. i’ve “jumped on the bandwagon” so to speak, and have selected One Little Word for my year. i have chosen: BEGIN. i hope that this will lead me to new challenges and adventures, but also help me to finish things i start.
i wish you all the best this year and can’t wait to be a little part of it if i can…even as just a blog reader. :)
<3
Hey love, this blog post is AWESOMENESS! I think slowing down it good, but getting a grasp on reality & who you are at your core is so much more important. 2010 was also a year of pondering for me…just last week after 12 full months of letting it stew & trying out the etsy thing & blogging & the full fledged SHABANG I’ve decided that I’m going back to school to finish what I started for my own sake. I have discovered a great love for Philosophy which literally means “love of wisdom” & I’m focusing on getting back in school & finishing with a degree in that subject & hopefully a graduate degree as well. Future Philosophy professor, yes, I think so. =) I hope 2011 is perfect + some! Happy January!!!
-CaL
I feel like this is going to be another fantastic year! I loved 2010, and grew so much as a person in that year. It felt so good. This year I’m kicking it off with a cleanse, to prepare my body and soul for what is to come! There are going to be a lot of changes for me this year, all good ones! And I’m looking forward to it. I’m so inspired by you and your transition to a creative life. This is my dream too, and I believe it can happen. I really do! Happy New Year, Kyla. :)
I have had a LOT of perspective shifts in 2010, starting with my dad and finally putting a name to my anxiety. I hope 2011 comes with a lot more confidence in myself and my abilities. :)
I have to say, I am not sure what my perspective is right now, or how it has shifted. This year has been such a blur, I am having a hard time even figuring out where it went. I think of who I was when I rang in 2010, and I know I am a much different person, but I can’t really put my finger on it or sum it up in 1 word. I think I am still learning how to let go… 2010 sort of beat the crap out of me, to be blunt… I think my goal for 2011 is to let it go – to stop looking back and re-hashing what happened. I can’t control what happened – but I can control my response to it. So maybe that is my perspective shift for 2011? Managing my response to situations, and accepting that life will always be largely out of my control to some extent?
Love this post, Kyla. So you! You had a crazy year and I think 2011 is going to be amazing for you!
I have a few small “goals” in 2011 but I love the idea of just settling into yourself. Settling into your life. Can’t wait to follow you through all your adventures in 2011 :)
I love this! Your 2010 was very inspiring, and I think you’ve just begun! Looking forward to see what 2011 has in store for you :)
I had a huge perspective shift this year- moved, started working at home, started a business with my husband, all the while building new dreams and rediscovering old ones that had been pushed aside. My #1 change/goal for 2011 is to be more fruitful with my time.. scheduling, planning, etc. It’s the only way I’ll be able to accomplish everything I want this year!
Happy 2011!
I love this outlook, Kyla. I can feel that 2011 is going to be huge for you. I can’t wait to follow along for the ride!
Oh, 2010. :) It was quite the year indeed. I think my biggest perspective shift was that last year at the time I was married and living in NC, and this year I’m living in RI, no longer married and living with my girls on my own. I think sometimes I’m a little hard on myself for what I wished I had accomplished last year, and I should just be grateful that I got through all of it in one piece and still with a smile on my face. This year I have high hopes, like you, on working on myself and my passions. I want to focus on my photography, design work and open an etsy shop selling my prints and my knits (and a super secret project that I’m working on at the moment, cough, cough, you know what it is ;) ) For what it’s worth, this girl over here in New England is super proud of all of your accomplishments, and for your ability to overcome your adversities and still make your dreams come true. You’re truly an inspiration, Kyla. I hope on this day next year, I have a post drafted up with a lot of my accomplishments under my belt as well. Happy 2011 to you, Jessie and your pups. I’m rooting for you! <3
I’m not doing the resolution thing; a lot has shifted and changed for me in the last year, especially in the last half of 2010 and I’m so glad for all of it. My only goal is similar to yours I suppose: let go, let flow. With that comes embracing me, my life, my friends, opportunities, not sweating small stuff, etc. It’s really a mantra I guess, a guide on how I want to live my life. But I won’t let it overwhelm me. I’ll take it slow. Baby steps. Just get through it. And I think I can.
I’m so excited for you and all that you have going on in your life and I know that it will totally rock for you :) <3.
This was a very inspiring post for a Monday morning and for the new year! Perspective is such a good thing to have. I did a lot of soul searching myself over the last year and now Im trying to take the first steps to do what I need to make my life the way I envision it. Its awesome that you could make so many incredibly changes over the last year. Cheers!
Ahhh I think we’re kindred spirits! I’ve been struggling, killing myself to finish this graduate degree that I don’t even want anymore. And as I’ve discovered more & more amazing women online who are doing the things I want to do – cooking, designing, etsy-ing, blogging full-time – I have spent every free moment pining for that lifestyle. And on the tattoo front. Oh. My. Gosh. I recently posted on my blog about how I’m getting a tattoo this year (one of my goal) & I had someone I have never spoken to before e-mail me to say that it would “ruin your natural beauty.” Really???
Sorry. I totally just gushed all over you, but I just feel like you wrote my life down for me in this post.<3
I had a shift in EVERYTHING this year – jobs, locations, happiness, love. With those certainly came a perspective shift as well, though I’m still figuring out exactly what that means for me & what my new perspective IS. Looking forward to whatever 2011 has in store – for both of us!
2010 must have been the year of the perspective shift because I too felt like I came into my own. Maybe it was finally hitting my late twenties, but I’m more confident than ever in who I am, and more aware that I really don’t have to give a crap what people think of me as long as I’m true to myself and my loved ones. I’ve made myself be okay with not knowing things, and while waiting in limbo is not a place I enjoy, it is a place I’ve learned to tolerate which is something I never expected possible. Here’s to 2011!
I think this is going to be YOUR year. I’ve definitely had a perspective change over the past year – something wonderful happens when you learn to stop focusing so much on things you can’t control and just shift gears into being the best person you can be. And you’ve shown that when you do that, the universe delivers :) Here’s to a great 2011!
Ah…truly fabulous Kyla.