Greetings Daizies,
Happy New Year! We made it to a new year and a new decade. I’ve spent the past few weeks reflecting on the previous year and writing out my intentions and goals for 2020 on January 1st. It’s exciting to start with a blank sheet and a year ahead for memories to be made. So far I have been feeling very optimistic and hopeful for what the future may hold. With this in mind, l wanted to share my personal checklist of things I’m excited about this year.
Creating Hair Products
If you’re subscribed to my newsletter, you may already know that this year I will be releasing hair products to help you improve your natural hair journey. I’ve always loved learning about the best natural ingredients for healthy hair and the road to creating an amazing product for those with natural hair is super excited. I can’t wait to share when my first product is available for sale but it’s on its way!
Learning Spanish
Whenever I visit a Spanish speaking country I get a budding curiosity of how well I could learn the language if I practiced more frequently. Being able to interact on a basic level always has me thinking ” I could really learn Spanish if I tried”, and at first I was thinking I’d learn in the next 5 years but why not now in 2020? I always feel more comfortable solo traveling in Spanish speaking countries because I have a foundation of conversational Spanish and can understand at least the basics. I think with consistent practice I could learn quicker than I expect. I plan to incorporate my Spanish lessons during my free time and while doing things I’d do anyway.
Current routine:
1 hour: During work – Listen to Spanish podcasts
1 hour: On my commute home from work – 30 minutes of Duolingo, 30 minutes of Spanish music
30 min – 1: hour My chill tv time
30 minutes: Nightime routine (meal-prep, ironing clothes, cleaning, hair routine)
Traveling
Of course, I’m excited to travel and explore more of the world. Based on this chart, I’ve visited 5.9% of the world! I traveled to 20 countries by 2020! So many experiences so far yet the world is still so humongous.
New Job
My 2-year marketing rotation will be coming to an end this fall so I am for sure getting a new permanent position this year. I don’t know what it will be this year but as one thing comes to a close, another begins.
Reading New Books
My favorite book I read last year was The Bluest Eye. I’ve gotten back into reading and it’s been nostalgic and stimulating to dive into literature. I always loved books as a kid and it’s something that helps me unwind before bed and keeps my vocabulary sharp. In high school I took it upon myself to read the top classic books to help prepare me for the ACT and SAT, which is why I read The Great Gatsby, Huckleberry Finn, and How Stella Got Her Groove Back (lol). I read somewhere that reading helps you become a better writer and I agree with this 100%.
Putting Positive Sticky Notes in Visible Places
During college, I had my wall next to my bed covered in sticky notes for encouragement. I really needed it to help me as I took tests and worked hard to pass my tests. Well, I may not be taking academic tests, but the daily tests of life still persist even after graduation. At work, I’ve started keeping a deck of sticky notes with positive words that I flip to at random during each hour. I picked a few to put up on my computer too. So far it’s helped to serve as reminders that bring optimism and a smile to my face.
Saving Money
I’m looking forward to being more disciplined about saving money and reaching my savings goals. I’m also interested in learning ways I can make money because making money and earning money are two different things, which is a key financial revelation I learned from the Courtney Sanders podcast in an episode called The Mindset of a Successful Side Hustler. Earning money is done with your time and labor (ie: having a job). And making money is done more passively (real estate, dropshipping, etc)
Trying New Styles
It’s the roaring 20s they so, so what iconic fashion styles will I wear this year? I want to try out new patterns and looks this year. Make a look that’s my own and buy pieces that make a statement. I want to buy from black-owned brands and small businesses as I develop these looks too.
Having Fun in Every Way Possible
I intend to laugh, be at peace, and create amazing memories. I’m excited about attending new events, quality time with loved ones, dancing, and trying new things.
What are you looking forward to in 2020?
As always,
