Happy New Year!
It is hard to believe that the holiday season has already ended. We are suddenly in that grey and brown part of the winter, where a sunny day is an instant serotonin boost. I have already felt the effects — being wide awake into the small hours of the morning, and on the verge of collapse through the rest of the day. This time of year is hard. The only thing that seems to help, is returning to the office and finding the rhythm of old and trusted routines. Perhaps this is why I am not an advocate of “new year, new me.” Right now, it’s so easy to hate on ourselves! “I should eat less, workout more, read more, start this project, start that project, clean the basement,” etc. There is something about a low mood that makes it easy to get stuck in a rut of pointing out flaws. The fact is, any good thing can start any time - any day - any way. Maybe it is easier for some to choose January 1st as a starting point, but if your mental health is already suffering, then perhaps we should adapt some new and kind language to help work towards goals.
We shouldn’t scoff at any transition that allows for true progress.
For me, I am committing to the journey I am already on.
I am continuing to work towards my goals and create new ideas. Nothing is new! I am the same ol’ me, continuing this journey called life and trying to fill it with things that make me feel positive. The start of a new year, for sure, but rather than telling the world that I need to create a whole new me, I choose to think of it as leveling up, and really - just in regard to my business! This year, for my business, I hope to attend more markets to expand my reach. I want to focus on my online presence, knowing it is a weakness of mine - and wanting to take full advantage of this snazzy, new website. I plan to create a catalog for wholesale items, which means I will need new relationships with new printers. Most of all, I want to ensure that I still enjoy this business any time I sit down after my day job to work. I want to ensure that it adds to my life in a positive way, and does not cause additional stress that is a detriment to my (and my family’s) mental health. It takes many extra hours!
One thing that I do enjoy at the start of a new year, is reflecting on all that happened over the last twelve months. It is easy to forget about goals that have already been achieved. Looking back to remind yourself of what has been accomplished, and how you have progressed, is incredibly rewarding. I got married last year! I still created art last year! I learned how to bead, and started playing with clay. There is so much positive to focus on, even in the challenges of life.
Here is a quick selection of some of my 2022 illustrations!
These were so popular, and I am so grateful for your support!!
Most were created in the time before our wedding, when I needed a break from planning. The rest came more recently, as my day-job slowed down and I had some spare time in the evenings. I am so pleased with my progress this year! Many illustrations came out like a dream, even better than when they were still fantasies in my mind. It fills me with joy and motivation to keep drawing.
I hope you have had a wonderful holiday season!
Happy New Year - here’s to 2023!
xxx, Kristin
