Anyone who knows me well knows that I am straightforward and direct when I talk about things. So, if I am being direct, 2015 was a particularly challenging year on so many levels, and that is the polite way of describing the year. Were there good things? Of course. However, most of the year felt like I was in some kind of weird alternative universe. So, though I can't predict what 2016 will bring, I am hoping that it will be a bit gentler and kinder to everyone.
As much as I would like to be spontaneous, I do better with goals and structure. Here is some of the "structure" for 2016...
Bullet Journal:
I first learned about Bullet Journaling from a post by author, Kate Messner in a facebook post here. Additionally, she has a longer blog post that you can read here. As a result, in November I started exploring the best way to keep a bullet journal. After two months, I think I have an idea of some of the ways to best set up mine. I am ready to dive in fully with Bullet Journaling for 2016.
Blogging:
I will continue to blog this year. My goals are simple...
To return to regularly posting to "It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA"
To continue hosting the Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge on Wednesdays and maybe expand what I am doing with nonfiction.
To alternate posts on Early Chapter Books and Graphic Novels on Thursdays.
To regularly participate in Celebrate This Week on Saturdays.
To participate in the March Slice of Life Challenge.
Beyond that, we will have to see.
Reading:
Last year, I didn't set a goal on GoodReads for reading. Though I realize that there were a lot of factors why my reading life was off, and they had nothing to do with setting or not setting a goal on GoodReads. I have decided to set that goal. To borrow an idea from Carrie Gelson, I am setting sub goals (see below).
2016 Reading Goals:
Goodreads Challenge: 500 Titles
2016 Chapter Book/MG Titles: 75 Titles
Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 150 Titles
Graphic Novels in 2016: 50 Titles
One Little Word (OLW):
I am currently exploring a one little word for 2016. Last year was the word mindful, and I was probably as far from mindful as you can possibly be. Maybe there was a message in there for me to learn, but I am still working on it. One thing I do know is that the focus for this year is different. Not sure what yet, but I know that there is a different focus than last year.
As for the rest of the year, I will see what it brings.
Happy New Year everyone and may the year be filled with hope and purpose and the strength to take the risks to grow!