Do you have big plans for 2019? Was 2018 a tough year? For us, as a business it was one of our better years. Can't complain much there. We honestly only had 1 "bad" day at the Rail Yards this season. And one Craft Fair that didn't really work out. But it was a pretty good year.
But let's talk about personal stuff. It was such a tough year! We lost so many people in our lives. It's hard, when you realize an entire generation is slowly dying. The toughest, was my Nanie (AKA Grandma). She is the one that taught me how to crochet. That sparked so many things, in my life. Gave me so much creativity. Saying those goodbyes were so tough. Losing our dear friend, Landis was also difficult. In fact, they passed just days apart. Lastly, my brother's unexpected death...well we're still trying to make sense of it all.
My Mom and I both struggled with our health this year. In ways I cannot even begin to explain, I struggled. At my lowest point, I could barely walk. We both endured months of physical therapy. I moved on to aquatic therapy. Which, by the way, was a lifesaver! There have been countless doctors' appointments. And well, things still feel really uncertain. My Mom is stable in her cancer. Right now. She is doing so much better.
Me? Well, there are so many questions. I have a ton of tests and appointments in the new year. And fingers crossed, some answers. I was released from PT and AT earlier this month. And physically, didn't seem ready. But insurance only pays for so much. I shouldn't complain, I think I had 5 months of therapy. So I was sent home. And told to return if something else goes wrong...in a few months. I still have days, when it is difficult to walk. Most nights, I don't sleep. And my weight is all over the board. But I'm trying to physically do better.
But 2019, is just a few hours away. And all I can say is, I know it will be better. This year is going to be better. We'll be stronger. Two Crafty Hearts will continue to grow. And we'll continue to raise money for our foundation.
So what are my goals for 2019? I have a ton! For all parts of my life. Mostly, to stay positive, grow our business, and be more open to life experiences. But here are a few of my goals...
Two Crafty Hearts/Love For Blue Goals:
1. Continue to grow as a business. We are entering our 19th year! Do you know it all began, when I ran for Queen at my church? I won. And we continued to sell our crafts. It wasn't until 2015, that we really started to expand our business. And put a ton of effort into it.
Applications are put in. And we're hoping that we get into the Downtown Growers' Market and Rail Yards Market. Hopefully weekly at the DGM. And semi weekly at the RYM. We are also hopeful about Craft Fairs and other markets in the coming year. Unfortunately, most people will tell you about things...after the applications are due. So it's up to me, to investigate and get things in.
And I'm still debating the entire Etsy thing. About 10 years ago, I sold a TON on there! It was a ton of work. But I enjoyed it. Maybe I'll get our shop going again. Another avenue to raise money.
2. As far as our foundation, I'd like to have 4 fundraisers this year. I've set the dates. And we're looking at a 5K and Car Show in April, a Tea Party in July, a Dinner and Dance in October, and a Holiday Kids' Party in December. And of course, our weekly Market sales.
Part of this, is also looking for donations. You know, artisans, business people, and others to donate. Either a product, giftcard, or money. I was hit earlier this year, with a CRAZY expense to use a local park. So we definitely need some sponsors. I also use donated items for prizes, raffles, and silent auctions.
3. Market ourselves. By this I mean, T-Shirts, bags, and hats. It's tough out there. I've been selling T-Shirts since 2015. And included bracelets. But I'd like to expand. I just need to find a reasonable source. Some places, make it unrealistic to turn a small profit.
4. Be more connected in our community. And expand our presence. It's hard. Especially when you are trying to grow your business/foundation. I want to get our message out. I want to help more kids. And I know, this only happens by getting out and about in our community.
5. Lastly, I want to be more steady on our online stuff. Like posting on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, our blog, and with our groups. I want to be consistent with our CALs, I want to start a Sip and Stitch group, and perhaps get another Crochet Class going.
So much to do! So little time. Lots of reaching out to our community. And asking for the help of others. That's the most difficult part. I wish I had another person...or army, to help me out.
Personal Goals:
These are the hardest! When I really have to look into my soul. And ask myself, what I want.
1. Be healthy. I want to not hurt as much. To be able to walk. And eventually sleep. I want answers from my doctors. To continue with some sort of Aquatic Therapy. Maybe get back into yoga. Eventually, being able to walk my dog.
Nothing too crazy. I've lost and gained so much weight this year. And all I want to do, is be healthy. I've started to give away my "big" clothes. I don't want to be there again. At the same time, I don't want to be the woman I was in my early 20s. 97lbs, and always weighing my food...and working out. There has to be a happy medium.
More than anything, I want to feel good. I know I can't run anymore. And Zumba is out the window. But there are other things. And ways. Who knows, I might learn how to swim this year.
2. Self Care. I did pretty good this year. Every Sunday, I had some "Me Time." With the exception, of the week my Nanie passed away. And by that, I mean just some time for myself. Sometimes reading, other times writing, maybe just listening to my favorite music.
I ALWAYS pamper myself a bit. With a face mask, some nail polish, and sometimes a bubble bath. But mostly, just time to focus on me. Pampering doesn't hurt. But it's about taking care of oneself. Your inner self. The part that needs the most care.
In 2019, I want to do all of this. And do the self care, that will make me stronger. Making time for my doctors' appointments, going to the dentist, or getting my hair cut. Those things don't hurt either.
3. Reading. I LOVE to read. Like no body's business. And this year, I've really slacked. I've tried to pick up a book many times. But with everything physically going on with me...I just can't get it together. It's horrible. My goal is to at least read one book a month.
4. Faith. I LOVE my faith. I hang onto it, like no body's business. It's the ONLY thing that has gotten me this far. I want to continue to read the bible daily, to study it, and keep my daily prayer journal going.
I would like to find a good bible study group. Or a group of ladies, who have the same love of God. Earlier this month, I went to a Girls' Night Out with my Mom. To my cousin's church. It was so fulfilling. Not our religion. But the faith was strong. And I enjoyed it.
This is what I miss most, about the community I used to live in. That sense of community. When we'd meet to study the bible, craft, or just hang out. I need to find a group like this.
5. Speaking of...I want to have a "Local Circle." When I used to live by myself, in another city, I had that. A group of friends, that became my family. We'd worship together, play together, and perform together. We did life together. In every aspect! I miss that so much!
I want that here. Unfortunately, I didn't really keep up with my friends from school. And these days, most of my friends are of retirement age. I'm looking for a bit of a younger circle.
And when those people ask me why I'm not married...or don't have kids. Well, I have a new response for all of you. Do YOU know a good man? Honestly, this part of my life is...well let's not talk. Unless you know someone.
6. Fun Mail Fridays. I'm really good about this, with our foundation. But I want to do this with my family and friends. About halfway through the year, it all fell apart. And I want to get it going again.
7. Getting ready. As easy as it sounds, it gets lost. Especially when you are home. 90% of the time. I live in oversized sweats. Rarely wear makeup...or do much with my hair. I want to change that. Again, probably not were things were 10 years ago. But to get it together. Use some of that crazy makeup stash. Feel good about my hair...my cousin did an amazing job. So get it together girl.
8. Stop being a "Yes Girl." Say what's on my mind. Don't be afraid. Stop avoiding people. They will still be around, if they were meant to be. But were does it get me, to always say yes? Be stressed out!
9. Start those new businesses. That one, that includes my passion (baking). Continue to grow my blogs. And grow my YouTube channel. All things I once did. And LOVED. It's time to pick up that passion.
10. Hit those goals. By that, I mean a trip for my Mom and I, a new pup, working on the house, maybe a car, and hopefully a job. All those things, that require me to be doing better physically.
There you go. My goals for the year. How about you? Anything special planned? Big goals for yourself, business, or craft? I can't wait to see 2019! 💕
