Ted.aily: A letter to me, from me.
Dear Ted,
Most years you never make New Years’ Resolutions… and the years that you do, they are lame. So this year, I thought I would do you the favor of coming up with 6 simple goals:
Do less.
As a “yes” person, you constantly take on projects and tasks that make you extremely busy - and for your own sanity and mental health, this year you should do less. Hopefully by doing less, you can focus on some of the other goals I have set for you. BUT, while you are doing less to stretch yourself thin, continue to grow in the areas that bring you joy - true joy.
Write weekly.
This past year, you remembered and rediscovered how much you love to write. So continue to do that weekly - even if it is just a short post or journal entry. And… to add on to that, share it.
Take more pictures.
2018 was a year of growth as a photographer. You found your own style, and worked with brands that you love. Take more pictures and continue to grow - keep reaching out to companies that you love, even if you think you aren’t good enough. The worst they can say is no… which isn’t all that bad!
Mental health.
Mental health is KEY this year. Less stress, more happiness. And even though it seems like taking a break is unproductive, it is productive for your mind to sometimes take a day off. This is the year that you ask for more help from those around you and also the year that you sometimes take care of yourself before others.
Learn more. Read more.
As an educator, sometimes you are so caught up in teaching, that you forget how to be a student. Continue to learn, whether it is about biology, photography, or even coffee, do all that you can to continue to study, because learning should never stop. Teach better by being better.
Build community.
As someone who loves people, surrounding yourself with people who make you feel good is extremely important. Sometimes, it takes being uncomfortable to really grow relationships, so go outside your comfort zone and meet people. And most of all, cherish those closest to you and continue to foster those relationships that you place value in. Ditch the negativity.
2019 has a lot of promise - so keep it simple. And as always, do you boo boo.
Sincerely,
Ted