Read, Run, Write: My 2019 Intentions

Even though it’s only the 3rd of January, I feel as though every blogger and influential writer I follow has penned some sort of list of resolutions, goals, thinkpiece or intentions for 2019. In reading many of these lists, I started to think about what I wanted to resolve for the new year. I’ve never been the best at resolutions since the threat of failure is high and that’s not how I like to look at goal setting. So I usually shrug it off and set short-term goals instead.

However, after being inspired by one of my favorite Baltimore-based blogs, OurTimeOfTheMonth, I settled on the word “intentions” to replace resolutions. I like the idea of having big-picture goals in which to focus small achievements rather than very specific, rigid resolutions in which I will feel pressured.

Without further ado…I give you, fine people of the internet, my 2019 intentions:

READ.

I started, and have almost finished, Michelle Obama’s Becoming in one week — thanks to two five-hour train rides and the deeper appreciation and admiration this book has brought me for Michelle Obama. Towards the end of last year, I started paying more attention to reading lists from Reese Witherspoon, NPR and a new favorite, the Girls’ Night In Club. I’ve spent much of my time since grad school trying to find some structure to my reading life — now that the possibilities seem endless. For Christmas, I asked only for books from my parents and they kindly obliged. So far, the stack on my nightstand includes:

· Becoming Michelle Obama (obviously, as I just said)

· Too Fat, Too Slutty, Too Loud: The Rise and Reign of the Unruly Woman by Anne Helen Petersen

· Reset: My Fight for Inclusion and Lasting Change by Ellen Pao

· Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine: A Novel by Gail Honeyman

· How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge: Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authority by Clay Scroggins

I figured this was a good mix to start off the year…and a much-needed departure from non-fiction historiographies that fill most of my bookshelves. I’m not sure how many books I want to finish this year, but I have a reinvigorated sense of purpose when it comes to reading and have reminded myself how much I truly love it.

RUN.

I’ve been somewhat seriously running for five years now — which simultaneously feels like an eternity and no time at all. I started running in grad school when I felt as though I needed an additional challenge alongside my coursework and an escape from the sunup to sundown responsibilities and relationships that filled my days.

Since then, I’ve run further and faster than I ever imagined I would — but I was also plagued with injuries and self-doubt in recovering from various hiccups along the way. In 2018, I somehow fell out of love with running. I’ve read and heard from fellow runners that this happens and it’s normal, but I’ve been trying to find a way to regain the joy I once found in early morning miles. To accomplish this, I’m going to sign up for races only when they truly pique my interest and recommit to running to not only meet those goals but also for my own sanity, emotional stability and the power that comes from exercising control over my physical health and wellbeing. We’ll see what those end up being…but I have a feeling at least one will be the Baltimore Ten Miler in June.

WRITE.

I write all day. I write emails, blog posts, social posts, web copy, text messages, proposals — you name it, I write it. However, the more I compare the list of things that I want to write, with the things I actually write, there’s a noticeable imbalance. Most of this has nothing to do with a lack of time — more so, I am trapped in a never-ending cycle of thinking and over thinking what I should do and where I should focus. So, instead of writing something worthwhile, I add notes to a list of ideas that never actualize. For example, I have visited so many museums and yet haven’t written here in two months. Here’s to changing that and putting figurative pen to figurative paper in 2019 — since I clearly have so many thoughts on what to say.

Additionally, I’ve started taking some freelance opportunities to step outside of my comfort zone. This involves writing strategies and accompanying content on topics I’ve never once thought about previously. I love expanding my horizons and challenging my skills — and intend to do as much of it as possible in 2019.

There you have it (if you made it this far). Mostly I wrote this down for myself, but I’m hoping it may have inspired you as well to look beyond the January frenzy of resolutions to the long-game of intention setting.