We are well into the new year, and for most of us, this is the ideal time for making plans and setting goals. I’m not big on resolutions, although some would argue they are one and the same. I’ve had my fill of failed resolutions, which, in my opinion, are just acknowledging one’s bad habits and doing nothing about them.

Goals involve intention setting, preparing, and taking real action. I’m ready to clean house, tidy those items in life, and start the new year with a fresh, clean slate. So yes, I will be cleaning my house, literally and figuratively. With more time on my hands due to the pandemic, there’s a never-ending list of things to accomplish; it’s difficult knowing where to start.

Pandemic aside, life must go on. I can’t help but be an optimist; I need to believe that this year will be different, bringing change and hopefully ending our non-existent social lives soon. Having something to look forward to is essential, at least for me.

At the moment, I’m a planner without plans. We missed out on a lot last year. Now, just going out for coffee these days is pretty exciting. Unfortunately, travel is still in the distant future, fingers-crossed, not for long. But nothing is stopping us from making plans, right?

I have a long list of to-dos (goals). However, I would love to make reading a priority, something I struggle to fit into my daily schedule. Typically, I save reading for bedtime, only to find myself asleep shortly after. Can you relate? So, I’m not a voracious reader, but I find myself with an ambitious collection of books to read.

Seriously, where do I start? Projects around the home? Where do I begin? Testing new recipes from the NYTimes cooking is enough to keep me in the kitchen for months. While we’re at it, how about giving gratitude, I know, technically, it’s not a goal, but it should be, appreciate all you have and enjoy those little things. They add up, enriching our lives when we need them the most.

The one project that I am very passionate about is creating great content for my blog. This project is ongoing, and my goal is to make my stories relatable, fun and informative. I’ve had an incredible journey, and I love being able to share all my tidbits with you. ICOVET started four years ago; I cannot believe it!

Originally this was to be a journal of my sojourn trip to Paris, which it became. Life happened afterwards, and well, it became much more. I didn’t spend much time thinking about how ICOVET would grow. It’s taken time, and I’ve learned a lot about myself in the process. I have fifty-six years of life experience, so I know a little about many things. That said, I know myself very well, but I’m no expert.

Over the years, I have developed invaluable relationships with various multitalented professionals, my go-to team of experts, as you will. They have supported me over the years in some way, helping me realize my dreams through a challenge or with good old-fashioned advice. Everyone needs a little help.

In the meantime, what plans are you making, and what goals are you setting?