2019 Goals

Today is our last morning in Koh Lipe, Thialand. It has been such an incredible trip. I normally get very antsy when there is “nothing” to do, but I think I did a good job at taking advantage of “nothing.” I let myself enjoy days of relaxation instead of feeling like I was being lazy. I walked the beach, I snorkeled, I read my book, I let my mind go quiet. If you’re anything like me, letting your mind go quiet is an accomplishment within itself. 

At the end of 2018 I spent a little time thinking about my goals for the next year, like many people do. During this time of having some calm and clear thinking, I’ve dug a little deeper into my goals for 2019 and how I plan to accomplish them. To be completely honest with you all, I used to be a bit of a quitter. I would start with big dreams but never see it through until the end. UNTIL the vineyard. Everything changed with the vineyard, and there are many things that attribute to that, a big one being my support system. But also, the fact that I spent the time to build a business plan, that I was able to use as a guide, every step of the way, even when I hit road block. So, when I look at my goals for this new year, I’m also going to write up a plan on how I plan to accomplish each one. I’ve always been a fan of journaling, especially when I started having anxiety. I’m going to take advantage of what I enjoy and lay out a plan for each goal and keep track of my progress. Just like I did when planting the vineyard. So, what are my goals for 2019?

My number one priority is my mental health. Every year I learn more about it, and I will continue to learn this year. I believe all my other goals for this year will lead back to this – is it going to bring me joy? If I’m doing something that isn’t mentally healthy for me, I want to be able to take a step back and see what I need to change.

I want to keep working towards debt freedom. Some farmers think this is impossible, which of course makes me want to do it more. I started working towards personal debt freedom last year, and I will continue with it this year. Last year I paid off all my credit cards and cut them up. This year I hope to pay off my car and a few student loans. If you have any interest in learning ways to become debt free (which you should, it’s liberating) check out Dave Ramsey! I checked out his book “The Total Money Makeover” from the library and read it in 2 days. He also has an encouraging podcast! 

2018 was a year that I fell in love with homesteading. Why did this take me so long?! (I also went to college for photography and didn’t even think about farming until 2014 – oh well!) This year I look forward to planting a beautiful and abundant garden. We have a raised bed in our back yard that I will be taking full advantage of. I found a really great free garden guide from Homestead and Chill. I’m also very excited to keep improving my chicken coop and expanding my flock. I’m going to start selling eggs in the Spring! I currently have 9 chickens, my goal is between 20-30, maybe a rooster, maybe a duck! We’ll see what happens. 

Another big goal surrounding the chickens, is I want them to free range, which means I need to work on dog training. I lost a few chickens to my dogs in the past, which made me take a huge step back. Now that I have a better coop, I want to work with my dogs, and teach them that the chickens are nothing. I know this is going to take a lot of work, but it’s work that has to be done! (If anyone has any good advice here I would love to hear it.)

I think of all these goals as my personal goals. I still work full time on my family’s farm, and I’m running my own farm. I’m extremely busy, but I’m determined to find a balance. I have many other goals I would love to accomplish, but I often put too much on my plate and have a hard time completing my tasks. So, I will keep a little list of all the things I want to do, but the things I’ve talked about here are going to be my main focus. I’ve already given myself a lot to do, but working in my yard, and with my animals bring me joy. It’s good for my soul and my mental health. 2019 is going to be a great year.