2018 - Practicing Lagom

As we embark on our journey into 2018, I thought it would be the most opportune moment to sit down, write and reflect on where I’d like to be, how I’d like to feel, and what I’d like to be doing more of this year.

I have to admit, I am jumping into 2018 with 2 feet; excited, energized and inspired. I love this time of year, everyone is feeling fresh, rejuvenated, optimistic and for the most part motivated! It is truly contagious.

This holiday season, I received Lagom (Not too little, not too much) - The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life. Now, I am not saying that I am about to write a blog post on how I plan to change my entire lifestyle because, well…. That’s just not my style. And, to be honest, New Year's Resolutions aren't really my style either.

I have always believed that New Year’s Resolutions were always a little tacky and that everyone basically forgets about them come March / April… Actually, a U.S News blog published in 2015 states that by “the second week of February, some 80 percent of those resolution-ers are back home with a new kind of remorse staring back at them in the mirror – the remorse of disappointment.” It’s not that I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions, rather I believe that you can set goals and intentions at any time. This natural break in time by starting a new year is a great, but it also just becomes a fad and a lot less genuine. So, let’s try and turn the page into 2018 with real and attainable goals and intentions that matter.

Like I was saying… After reading this fun, illustrates and appealing to the eye guide of about 270 pages, I found so many little lifestyle modifications that really spoke to me: Lagom in my personal life, Lagom in my relationships and Lagom in my community. I could re-utter the entire guide, but instead I will mention the habits that I will be bringing into 2018 with me; along with other non related Lagom goals that I have set for myself. Some habits that promote a more simple and minimalist lifestyle, embracing the little things like the rays of sun, a good cup of coffee and so much more!

Goal setting is never an easy thing. This year, I wanted to think small and SMART ​

• Specific/Simple.
• Measurable.
• Achievable.
• Realistic.
• Timely

Also, I wanted to set some intentions starting with affirmative statements starting with “I am”. Some of these goals and intentions are things that I already do and want to put more emphasis on, others are aspects in my life that are lacking and some completely absent. I am understanding and accepting about where I am now and look forward to these new things I want to focus on this year…
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​I am going to be more connected to those around me. As much as with the people as I want to connect with my inner self. ​

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By connecting with my inner self, I am going to take more time for yoga and mediation. I am going to try connecting mouvement with breathe.

I am going to keep following my passions and dream BIG. ​

I will start to embrace chaos, let go of the reigns and embrace less structure and control on certain aspects of my life.  ​

As Bob Dylan says: "Chaos is a friend of mine." Well, that is not the case for this organized, structured and methodical gal... As I enter into the unpredictable classrooms with unpredictable students, I want to focus on embracing the chaos that may occur, embracing the uncertainty and finding the calm in that chaos. I will allow it to be an enriching moment instead of an anxious moment. 

I will love my body more. I will feed my body and mind with more nourishing foods and thoughts.

In order to practice more self-care I plan to do things such as: read leisurely, sleep in on the weekend, write down a list of things I love and as Lagom suggests, I will embrace the effortless hair, the top knot and the thrown together look. 

I will visit DISNEY after finishing my B.Ed.
I cannot wait to land at MCO with my boyfriend to celebrate my graduation. ​

I am going to LEARN every day &
​become rich in knowledge. 

​In order to learn new things, I will do my best to step out of my comfort zone, ask more questions, take more risks, go on new adventures and try new things. This page from Lagom talks about The Art of Listening. They say to - slow down the discours. Really listen to others and reflect on what they have to say and give a meaningful response.

As schools starts back up and placement begins, I am going be embrace being an early riser.

I currently have a love / hate relationship with being an early riser. As someone who will be getting up early for the rest of my life, I want to have a better relationship with my alarm clock.  
I love the feeling of an early morning once I am up and at it, but in the moment, have a difficult time to get my two feet out of bed and onto the cold floor. I want to change my attitude towards waking up before the sun. I look forward to trying the suggestions offered in the book! Stay tuned...

Well, here’s to jumping into 2018 with a good ‘ol cup of coffee and some special intentions. What do you have planned for 2018? I’d love to know! Share your intentions / goals / resolutions with me in the comments :) ​