Blogging & Personal Goals for 2015 {hint: changes ahead…}
I’ve been pondering a post from my heart to you all for some time, though I just didn’t know how to start it or where to fit it in to the calendar. And then, bam, it’s a new year and we’re all reflecting and setting goals and suchĀ – a perfect time for an out-of-the-norm post, right? So while I am going to write some goals here like I do every year (see past goals here), I am also going to lay a bunch of other stuff out there that has been on my heart for awhile to share with you. I am a real-life person just like you who struggles and certainly doesn’t have it all together and I want to make sure that I am not putting across something else – that imperfect thing I champion? It’s not just for DIY projects!
First of all, am I ever glad to wave goodbye to 2014! In all honesty, I never want to have another year like that again, though of course we don’t know what the future holds and God never gives us more than we can handle. While we had our share of family illnesses, money problems, tears and misunderstandings, we also had wonderful things to celebrate (two graduations, sweet family times, and amazing friends), many answers to prayers, and the faith-building that happens when you see the Lord provide in tight circumstances.
ButĀ life enjoyment was hard to find for me last year and I’m tired, friends. I feel like I spent the entire year running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off. Seriously. You know those book lists lots of bloggers are putting out this time of year: “I read 48 books in 2014” or “I can’t believe I read 85 books last year!” and such? Guess how many I read? 0 – yep, a big fat zero (okay, if you don’t count the Bible, because I did complete a yearly Bible reading plan, which is a plus!). What is so sad about this is that I used to be a voracious reader, minoring in English in college and reading 2-3 books a month. I LOVE to get lost in a book. Or to learn from a nonfiction book. It’s indicative of how I felt this last year, though – rushed from morning to night, where my only goal was to be able to knit for an hour or two (one relaxing thing that I did make time for – and was able to gift people with my creations) while watching TV with my family before going to bed where I’d read for half an hour. But that was when I read blogs through Feedly to stay up to date, plus have links to share. I simply couldn’t figure out how to fit reading books in my schedule.
The other thing I’m seeing right now a lot are writers talking about saying ‘no’ to things that are not their favorite thing or passion. And I get that – I do, and I plan on saying no to some things, too – like running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off. But it’s a little bit of a luxury, isn’t it, to be able to say no to anything you want? Sometimes it’s just not possible. Brian lost a major client last summer and we’ve had a drastic reduction in our income so I’ve felt like I couldn’t say no to things if they brought in money (or even had the potential to bring in money – which is most of blogging by the way…potential money. sigh). So the things I ended up saying ‘no’ to were things like reading, sewing for fun, or finishing my dumb French chairs.
And yet, how can I complain when I read about moms losing a child, dads fighting cancer, grandmas dealing with memory loss? These are real, heartbreaking issues that make my trivial problems seem utterly selfish.
But you know what? I’m coming to realize we all have seasons in life – some will be hard with the loss of a loved one, some will be so full of joy you’ll feel guilty from blessing, and some will just be hard with ‘normal’ trials of life, like my busy 2014. And God uses all of them to grow us – our hearts, minds, and our ability to relate to others. None of us escapes them totally – we’ll all get to grow through the good, the bad, and the ugly, so it doesn’t do much good to stuff down whatever you’re feeling because someone else has it harder at the moment.
I could go on, but you don’t need to read more of my little sob story to get the idea that when it came time to think about goals for 2015 – which included evaluating my 2014 goals – I was oddly unmotivated (it’s usually something I look forward to – you know, the blank slate and all). I didn’t really want to see all we didn’t accomplish in 2014 – and it’s hard for me to ‘dream big’ when I’m just trying to put one foot in front of the other. So I’m calling it okay to make just a few, simpler goals that I think I can actually accomplish, no matter what this new year brings. Let’s just call them “small dreams,” okay? š
Short recap of 2014 goals (’cause let’s just move along, shall we?):
- I actually didn’t finish any of the home goals, though the chicken coop was officially taken off the goals list. Our time for chickens has passed as we’re looking to downsize in the next few years and I don’t want to have a brood of chickens to deal with.
- The only financial goal we reached was purchasing a used car to replace our 250,000 mile Jeep, which we purchased literally two weeks before the floor dropped out from under us, financially. Oh well, we have reliable transportation anyway. š
- I’m happy to report all the business/blog goals were met, though I’m still working on the best way to organize our gardening posts and I tried a specific editorial calendar for 6 months before abandoning it for a general-theme calendar that works better for me.
2015 goals – aspirations:
- We have a list of ‘things to do before selling’ which includes refreshing paint, gravel, etc. that we will work towards completing this year (and yes, painting the dumb laundry room is on it still!)
- We’re not at a place to make generic financial ‘goals’ other than explore business ideas/jobs to replace our income (and our depleted emergency fund – but thank the Lord we had an emergency fund!)
- Read 1 book a month – while this may not seem like much, after 0 last year it feels like a big goal to me! But I’m already reading two books, a growth self-help book and a biography, and I’ve carved out reading time before bed so I think this will be an attainable goal.
- Blogging Goals: this is the area I feel I can make the most concrete goals, as I want to do better for you guys, but in less time for me – and I want to make room for a bit more of our life and just talking to you regularly. So, here’s what I’m thinking (the changes I mentioned in the title- nothing huge, the AOC you know – simple & imperfect diy, recipes & gardening – will not change fundamentally):
- Weekly posting schedule changes: Mondays – monthly menus, garden chores, and republished classic AOC posts from our 6 years of articles. Tuesdays – gardening posts & Tuesday Garden Party Link-Up. Wednesdays – DIY/Crafting themed post. Thursdays OR Fridays – Recipe. Saturday – New “Three Things” post where I’ll share 3 things that happened the previous week, 3 things I’m loving, the 3 most popular posts on AOC, and any other 3 things I may want to add (the format of this post is inspired by my friend Amy’s fun It’s the 3 Little Things posts).
- Write another eBook (or two), add more videos to our You Tube channel, and develop a course to illustrate for you some easy diy skills.
- Schedule: set up time blocks and stick to them in order to make time for family, relationships, and personal growth.
- Monthly recipe ‘themes:’ I’m looking for ways to streamline and I thought having a monthly theme for new recipes will help guide me in whatĀ to share with you all. Here’s the plan:
So that’s what it looks like this year, friends. You know what? Just writing this out is helping me to become more hopeful and realize that there are some things in my control and I can work towards them. Thank you for hanging in there with me!
You have no idea how much you have inspired me to be a better Mom, Wife and Homemaker. I have followed you for over a year now and I love how you make it so easy for me to manage my family’s meals. I had given up gardening, which is a hobby I have always loved. But once I started following you, it didn’t take long for me to get my garden going again. You inspired me to start canning again as well. I spent an entire day canning 5 dozen ears of corn this summer and every time I open a jar, I am thankful that you inspired me to do this. I often think that if I met you we would become great friends, you seem like a wonderful person. Life is hard, but the rough road is what makes us stronger. I wish you all the best in the new year and thank you for your inspiration.
Oh wow, you can’t know how wonderful this is to read, Carolyn. Your comments and the other’s hear have blessed me so much there are no words (well, almost, since obviously I’m writing away here, but hopefully you get my meaning!). I’m truly touched that I have helped you in such a way. š
Hi Jami,
I totally understand! I LOVE your blog and look forward to every post! That being said, I also blog, but I write for what works for my schedule. I was able to retire in 2013 and I am now one of those annoying people who read 15-20 books a month ( yes, I read really fast). We moved to a smaller house in an area my husband and I LOVE (25 minutes away from an amazing ski resort) and work kinda sorta part time-ish (12 hours a week or so) and volunteer when I have time! My kids are grown, I have the luxury of camping all summer and skiing all winter and I am having a wonderful time! One of my older friends (73) the other day told me that “LIFE CHANGES’ and so do our priorities. I pray that your hopes and dreams come true this year!
And I’m so grateful for your readership and comments, Michele! And wow – what a lovely live you describe, I’m truly happy for you. š
You had a year like meā¦. nothing major but lots of mess with your life eventsā¦ I am a “reader” too and did very little reading (gave up my book club and many other things)ā¦. so thank you for sharingā¦. not happy you had a rough year but comforting to know that we aren’t aloneā¦
I would love a recipe for sandwich rolls, rolls for a hot sausage and pepper sandwich or a meatball sub and a recipe for cold sandwiches like kaiser rolls, would you consider these in your bread month? we LOVE your artisan bread ( make it all the time) and french baguettes (aka can’t stop eating) ā¦ also make all the timeā¦ I had a questionā¦ why do you make one in a food processor and one in a kitchen aid mixer? just curious.. ā¦ One of the things I did accomplish was paper floors for the entire upstairs of our home, master bed room, 2 kids rooms and the hall wayā¦ so much better with out the 25+ year old disgusting carpetā¦ wanted to do the stairs but never didā¦ 2015?
thank you so much for your time and sharing
Three cheers for ripping out old carpet!! Just love that. And thanks for the bread suggestions, Angie – I’m writing them down, though I can’t promise anything. š
Jami –
We thought we were downsizing, too – the last of our 6 kids moved out 2 years ago and got married. THEN this year he and his wife asked if they could move in with us and rent from us with the possibility of buying our house and adding on a small apt. for us! Well, that sure changed things and thinking a bit. So we are downsizing, but with a different goal in mind. š
I have learned so much from An Oregon Cottage – many thanks for sharing your thoughts, life, and encouragement. And, as weird as it sounds, thanks for saying 2014 was such a difficult year for you – for us, too. And by the look of the comments here, for others as well. Even after the fact, how nice to know we were not alone in that.
God’s blessing on you and your family AND for being willing to be that Titus 2 mentor even for those of us who have a few years on you!! š – Esther
Such sweet words, Esther! And how wonderful to have your home and living situation work like that – it sure seems like a win-win. š
Oh, Jami!
I could SOOO relate to many of the things you said from last year! Everything from 2 graduations (1 college and 1 high school) to husbands income going down and my needing to help fill in to meet our bills, to the general busy-ness and having difficulty enjoying life the way I used to and not making time to read.
God is teaching me, I think, a different way of life and TRYING a to teach me how to enjoy it even if it is so different from the way I lived and enjoyed it when my kids were little. It’s hard for me and yet helping me to have more compassion, respect and admiration for others who’ve had to live more like this all along.
Thank you for sharing your heart and helping us know we aren’t alone in our struggles and striving in this life. Thank you for sharing your creativity and inspirations and your home with all of us. It’s an encouragement in more ways than you know.
Philippians 4.19. And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory, in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 6.9. And let us not grow weary in well doing. For in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Oh, Jen, this is straight to my heart – “a different way of life…helping me to have more compassion, respect and admiration for others” and Gal. 6:9 is perfection. Let us now grow weary. Yes, just yes. What words of wisdom – thank you so much, friend!!
Hi Jamie! This might be the first time I’ve commented, but I LOVE your blog! I refer to your recipes at least once a month and some of my favorites (roasted marinara, savory fish stew, artisan bread, and several salads) have made it into a regular rotation at our house. Thank you for all of your hard work and I hope your 2015 goes so much smoother that 2014! Best wishes to you and thank you for a wonderful resource!
Oh, I’m so happy to know the recipes that you like, Rosey – that’s always interesting to me to know what resonates with my readers. Thanks for your encouragement!
I just want to say how impressed I am by all you have accomplished and all you do. Amazing. I love your monthly menus — they’re wonderful inspiration. I’m thankful for all you offer. All my best to you in 2015!
Thank you, Maureen! I’m touched and happy to know the menus are useful to you. š
I along with many others love hanging out with you Jamie.
You assist and and inspire me with your gifts and talents, and I feel blessed that you share them so generously with me and with others.
For this year I will work on some personal things. I have a desire to cultivate more joy and thanksgiving into my life. (in the tough times as well as the good times, and how can we grow to be like Christ if we don’t endure the hard times graciously? Life throws some difficult things at us sometimes but God always gives grace to endure.
With this goal in mind I recently began the first part of an 11 week study in Phillipians. So, will ‘camp’ there for a time.
I admire you for reading through the bible in a year. I read, study, cross reference and am all over the place, but whatever works – right?
A friend is going to help me, along with you, in my garden this year. I am thankful for this. The weather is lovely here, it’s like a spring day today, and makes me want to start planting seeds, but the weather will change I’m sure. Winter is not finished with us yet.
Blessing you my dear Jamie and know that you are in my prayers daily.
Serious misty eyes here, Yvonne! Your words mean the world to me – what an encouraging way to start the new year, thank you. š Oh, and I’m reading through John with the SheReadsTruth.com plan – wonderful devotions and great interaction in the comments, so I’m looking forward to a fun year looking at the Bible a bit differently than trying to get so much read at once, if you know what I mean.
Oh my. I also had that awful momentary thought that you were going to stop blogging. Whew! So glad you aren’t! Thank you for sharing how hard 2014 was — wasn’t my best year either š — and how you understand the Lord grows us through all sorts of circumstances. I pray 2015 becomes the year of wonder and delight for you.
Goodness, I really didn’t think about everyone thinking I was quitting! Thanks for your sweet thoughts, Kari – I hope your 2015 is blessed, too.
I too am glad 2014 is over! Here’s to a better year ahead! Loved reading your goals especially your monthly recipe themes! So glad you’re not giving up the blog which was what I feared when I read that changes were coming! Don’t be too hard on yourself, reading the Bible during the year is a wonderful accomplishment! – Nancy
On The Home Front
Yes, Nancy, you’re right – on to better things!
I have just discovered your Blog & love it. Thank you. I am from Australia & our seasons are different but our thoughts are the same. May 2015 be wonderful for you & yours & that you find some special “me” time.
Thank you for reading, Min – so glad you are finding AOC useful! One of our dreams is to get to Australia – I’ll picture you there and live through you in our opposite seasons. š
Hi Jamie!
Even though I don’t say much, I really look forward to your ideas….for recipes and garden, mostly. I like the fact that you are genuine and honest……and not a study in “perfection”. š And I like reading what your friends on this blog have to say as well!
I will echo Anna’s thoughts that I was worried you were going to stop blogging. I’m glad you’re not. But I am sorry to hear you’re not going to be keeping any chickens….especially nowadays when store-bought chicken and eggs are tasteless.
We each do what we must. Carry on with your always interesting life and times and your chronicles!
Bless you!
Kate
Thank you, Kate! I know about the chickens… š It’s just not smart for us now, but maybe in the future.
Here’s to a better year for you in 2015….hugs.
You, too, Barb – hugs right back!
I am also glad 2014 is over. What a year. Here’s to better a better 2015 for all of us. <3
Ha! Here’s to A BETTER 2015. š
Yes, I heard that in your writing, too, Michelle – 2014 was too busy for you, too – good times ahead, friend! Though travel was a bit more fun way to be too busy, right? š
Like Anna…for a few moments I had the same feeling as Anna and would not let myself go to the bottom of your comments and see if you were in deed taking time off with your blog.
Being very selfish, I was thinking “OH NO” because I really look forward to keeping in touch with you. You have touched the lives of so many with your “deliberate way of living”. Not everyone finds encouragement to try new things…find humor in daily living experiences and merely try to live a good life. My love to you and Brian…Happy 2015!
Thank you Cecile – I didn’t mean to mislead anyone, but I’m glad to know everyone’s thoughts about the blog, that’s for sure. š xo, sweet lady!
I too for one horrible moment thought you were giving it all up. You have inspired me from afar, two seasons of canning (bottling) I was so scared to do this but watching you put away those french beans did it for me. I have a canning cupboard and at the end of the autumn it was full of wonderful things most of which came from your recipes. If I want to try something new, I look to see if you did it first. I had a go at covering my husbands late mothers bedroom chair, I ‘refurbed’ my now beautiful oak flooring and my husband is in love with your rhubarb chutney! Take time to smell the roses, we have all been there, too much time spent doing things we have to do. Read those books, I go for 1 a month sometimes it’s less sometimes it’s more. As my mum always says, these bad times will pass and she’s right, they do. I too am not sad to see the back of 2014 it was good and bad and very sad for us. As for 2015 bring it on!
Hi Jami,
life can kick you in the teeth sometimes but the silver lining is it does force you to reevaluate your life and your goals. I do believe things happen for a reason though it might not be clear yet. So many of us love your blog and admire all the things you do so listen to the advice of your ‘on-line’ friends and take time for yourself and your family. Hopefully 2015 will be full of positive activities and memories.
Elaine
I will, Elaine – thank you for your encouraging, sweet words. š
You have no idea, Julie, what your sweet words (and the others here…) mean to me – serious tears in my eyes! I always knew my readers were special, and now I have a bunch of comments to prove it. š I’m going to think about your canning cupboard now when I’m planning preserving posts – that’s a wonderful visual for me to know I influenced that!
I loved reading today’s blog. I only began following a few months ago, but what I love about your blog is that I can relate more realistically to your message than some of the other blogs out there. I was so thankful for your message the day you wrote about your hesitancy with doing a Christmas Home Tour blog. You decided to go ahead because simplicity in decorating was a good message to put out there. Agreed. You are real, and that comes through again in today’s blog. Thank you for being real and keeping your focus on the right priorities.
Oh, Kate, thank you for writing and letting me know how much you’re enjoying the blog – it means a lot to me! Emma mentioned that you read it – and of course Emily is one of our favorite Trinity girls since she graced our table, what a sweetie. š
Hi Jami, for one awful minute I thought you were going to say you were no longer going to blog and (as you can see from previous comments) we LOVE your blog! But of course I understand that things just sometimes get too much. So take time out for you and your family. You are so resourceful and talented I’m sure things will work out for you. I wish you all the best for 2015 and hope it holds all that you could wish for. Take care and “bon courage”. Anna in France
Oh dear, that actually didn’t occur to me that you (and everyone else, I see now…) would think the changes meant I’d stop blogging! Sorry, but I’m so thankful for your comments and encouragement, Anna. š
Jami, I am positively impressed! Your goals are amazing. I can’t wait for all the monthly recipes that will appear because of your themes. You’ve put lots of thought and energy into this, and, I suspect much love, too. I look forward to reading your blog. God bless you in this endeavor! (Really, then, because I, amongst your other readers, am the happy recipient!) Have a blessed and beautiful weekend, My Dear!
Thank you so much for these encouraging words – I’m glad you’re looking forward to 2015 like I am (now, let’s see how we stick to those recipe themes…)!
I love your blog and especially because you are local and in my own state. Life can be hard and we just have to do the best we can, you are gifted in many things. Be encouraged. You do make a difference.
Bless you, Sharon! I appreciate you as a local (and faithful!) reader. š