My Word for 2019

I heard on a podcast last week that the way you spend New Year’s Eve sets the tone for the new year. I loved that idea, and am applying it to my entire day — which started with my alarm going off at 5:30 am.

Before 2018 ends, I wanted to spend some time reflecting on the last 365 days as well as setting some intentions for the new year. I’ve been doing that in depth with my business partner, and we recorded a podcast all about our mantra for 2019 (listen here), but I like to do that for myself, too.

My word for 2018 was JOY. I wanted to “find renewed joy in my work, in the time I spend with my children and family, in my hobbies and self-care practices, and in my friendships” as I wrote in last year’s blog post, and I feel like I actually did all of those things!

The past year has been one of the least stressful, fun, and ease-filled in my adult life. I’m happier in my work than ever before, I’ve gotten better about devoting time to myself, and I’ve made my friendships a priority.

2017 was all about making more space in my life, and 2018 was all about filling that space with joy. In 2019, I want to do more with that space I’ve cleared.

And that is why my word for this year is CREATE. I’m excited to take my creativity to the next level not only in the things I’m already doing (songwriting, blogging, podcasting, and all of my work in general) but also in new areas.

The goals I’ve set are all based around the word “create”, and as scary as it is, I’m just going to lay them all out right here for you. Having that accountability will help me to stay on track as I work towards achieving them.

So without further ado, my 2019 goals:

1.Create a consistent meal plan for my family.

This is something that has always eluded me, mostly because I’ve never really put forth the effort to do so. But in 2019, I don’t want to feel overwhelmed when it comes to feeding my kids (who are extremely picky eaters) along with my husband and myself.

I want to expand my repertoire in the kitchen and have a sizeable list of go-to options for lunches, snacks and especially dinners. Ideally, I’d love to have a consistent rotation of meals each week so that I don’t have to put much thought into what we’re eating.

2. Create a consistent workout schedule.

Over the years, my exercise habits have ebbed and flowed. 2018 was NOT my best year in terms of working out regularly, and I want to change that in 2019.

My biggest mistake was failing to actually schedule my workouts — as in, make them a non-negotiable part of the day, written on my calendar. This year, I’m going to start doing just that. I know that if I can establish a routine as I have in the past, it will become a habit.

3. Create an ebook for music therapists.

This is the only goal with a concrete finish line, and it’s also the one I’m most excited about! The idea for my ebook came to me shortly after choosing my word for the year, and I immediately sat down to braindump my ideas and contact potential contributors.

The title of my ebook is Innovative Income for Music Therapists: Beyond Direct Service & Private Practice, and I feel like it is the book I am meant to write after 10 years of generating income doing non-clinical work within the music therapy realm.

I am so looking forward to documenting my progress along the way, and of course, sharing the final product with you. Stay tuned :)

Now that my goals are out in the world, there’s no turning back! My overarching hope is that 2019 is my most creative year yet, and the fact that I’ll be ringing it in with a fun game night surrounded by great friends (following a fancy adults-only dinner out!) bodes well for the year to come.

Do you have a word for 2019? I would love to hear it, along with your goals or resolutions. I hope you have a fun and safe NYE, and the most amazing start to the New Year!