Spring 2016 Goals

One of my favorite things about being a woman today is the fact that I have the option to pursue any number of career choices, hobbies, and interests.

I'm so lucky to live in a time and place where I can set my sights on something and go for it with gusto. I know many women around the world aren't so lucky, and while this site is meant to highlight those realities, I believe it is vitally important to take a step back every once in a while and appreciate all that many of us are able to pursue every day. 

In that vein, I've decided to share with you all my goals for Spring, which I hope will contribute to making me a more conscious, thoughtful, strong and well-rounded woman. So here they are: 

1. Be Strong

I've noticed recently that with all the pressures of work, school, and the rigors of daily life, I've let myself put exercising pretty far down on my priority list for way too long. I've lost some of that athlete's mentality I so treasured when I was younger, and want to work my way back into knowing that I am physically strong and can work harder each day than I thought possible. Challenge: Pilates workout 4 times a week, INCLUDING weekends + improving daily activity levels. 

(Sizzling sausages, runny eggs and frothy cappuccinos at my favorite brunch place usually sounds way too appealing first thing Saturday mornings, so weekends get the workout-boot. Must work on this). 

2. Get Creative.

I've been wanting to take a fun, artsy class for a while now, but never find myself actually signing up. A good friend of mine recently finished her first painting course and came out with the most amazing Monet-inspired piece that's now hanging proudly in her apartment. Challenge: Taking inspiration from her, I'm determined to sign up for a creative class that takes me out of my comfort zone, whether that be a knitting course or this photography class I've been eyeing on skillshare.com

3. Stay Connected 

My female friends are an amazing support group, but with so many of us in different places around the world, it can be hard to stay in touch as much as I'd like. Challenge: reach out to a different friend or family member each week via Skype, a phone call, or good old-fashioned snail mail. 

4. Learn More

As a future English teacher, I firmly believe that reading is the gateway to learning and expanding your mind. With all of the reading I have to do for work and class, I find that when it comes to my own down time, I usually spend it bingeing reality TV on Netflix rather than settling in with a good book. Challenge: read one non-work/school related book each month.  On this month's list: Alpha Girls by Dan Kindlon. 

Do you have any goals for Spring? Let me know in the comments, or better yet, show me by tagging me on Instagram @MaddyMays16 with the hashtag #SpringGoals. 

Hope you all have a lovely week! 

xx