Well, hello July! We are already halfway through 2011 and you know what that means? It’s time to check in on my 2011 goals. Right before the holiday weekend I had a chance to reflect on the list of goals I created at the beginning of this year and I can happily say that I have accomplished much of what I set out to do this year. I can also say that, after reviewing my list, I need to dream bigger.  

You can see my original post here along with another important list which I have kept close at hand while working on my goals for the second half of this year.

As before, I have tried to focus on goals that will nurture mind, body and spirit and on activities that inspire me. For this go-round, I’m setting my sights higher because the first six months of this year have proved that goals are made possible when you set your mind to it, write them down and submit them to the Universe. Manifestation is a beautiful thang! 

Here goes the list part deux….

- Finish my short story and submit it.

- Enter this contest and this essay contest.

- Pay off my debt.

- Put my new blog schedule into action. 

- 130 lbs via healthy eating and exercise. 

- Take photos for my new Etsy shop concept and launch it.

- Organize my home and Purge!!!

- Host a garage sale.

- Repurpose a piece of furniture.

- Learn how to can my own produce.

- Continue my R&B record collection.

- Find a stand for my turntable and records.

- Develop promotional materials for The Sunnysideup.

- Complete the NoFizzCLT challenge and eliminate all soda. 

- Meditate 3x a week for at least 15 minutes.

- Learn Spanish.

- Marathon training.

- Complete my first marathon.

- Research literacy project and make a contribution toward improving literacy in my community.

-Unplug at least once a week and leave one day free of commitments.

-Visit my brother in Louisiana.

-Do at least one brand new thing each month and blog about it. 

-Renew my passport.

-Publish something locally. 

Ultimately, the goal is a meaningful and happy journey. I try to remain open to the lessons that I'm meant to learn, the opportunities that come my way and I stay willing to pursue new experiences in all areas of my life. This blog has been a vital part of that journey and I’m happy to continue the journey with those of you who read along. 

Please feel free to share your goals with me. What have you already accomplished this year? What do you want to accomplish in the second half of this year? Holler at me- I'm listening! 

I recently wrote a post leading up to my recent trip to Philadelphia reflecting on where I was a year ago and the intentions I set at the beginning of this year to add more joy  to my life. What I found was that I had already manifested a good chunk of those goals and a new list of intentions/goals were in order.  I found this feelgood piece of art and thought that this might be a good place to start. 

The more I travel down the road to happy living, the more I realize that my goals are based less on the material and more on my personal interactions with the world and how I react to it. That being said, my new list will, of course,  have tangible goals, but I wanted to share with you the umbrella under which they will sit. The above image is a starting point, a handy guide to making a list with the right motives. The goal of the list before the list is to distance myself from ego, a task much easier said than done but most certainly worth striving toward. 

Take a look at the list- Which one could benefit you? Where can you make improvements? What do you stand to gain by living the above statements? 

I'm looking forward to sharing my new list for the remainder of  this year with you and welcome you all to share yours  with me.  Send me an email at keia[at] the-sunnysideup.com or leave a comment here. Happy Tuesday! 

There’s something to be said about writing things down, a sort of magic in setting your goals on paper. Every year, I make a list of the things I want to do/accomplish/experience for the following reasons…

1.   I love to make lists. All kinds. Numbered lists, grocery lists, to-do lists, top ten lists, goal lists, etc... I’m sure you get the neuroses by now.

2.  Lists help me to envision what it is I want to accomplish and keeps my eye on the prize. 

3. Happiness is an action word.

4. There’s no better feeling than crossing things off my list. If I did something that wasn’t on my list, I write in on there just so  I can cross it off. 


Before we get to my 2011 list, here’s a quick recap of 2010 or, as I like to call it, “20-When’s it going to end!” Last year, I moved to Charlotte, launched a business, moved again, became seriously broke, seriously broke down, juggled three jobs, left my business, got dumped, got back together and gained ten pounds. (deep breath) Moving on…

So it’s March now and2011 is off to a wicked good start. Check me out…

Apply to grad school- DONE!
Launch The SunnysideUp-DUNZO!
Get engaged-SCORE!
Run a Marathon- marathon date is picked- Rock and Roll Savannah, November 5!
Meditate More- Needs work
Visit friends (particularly in Philly and the ATL)-Had an amazing trip in Philly and in the ATL!! 
Kick my smoking habit for good-haven't had one since January 2. Go me! (scratch that, Saturday happened. Sad face.)
Get inspired- In progress
Learn Spanish-Ayudame por favor!
Start my R&B/Soul record collection- I've got Aretha, Stevie and James Brown so far
Soul joy, Soul peace
Do something brand new every month-In progress
Be kind. 
Visit my brother in Louisiana
Pay off my debt-In progress
Go to concerts-The Roots Picnic was off the chain! 
Dance! - Done and Done! 
Peace. Comfort. Joy. 
Candles. Plants. Order
Repurpose a piece of furniture
Make something pretty-  I made this for the Mister on his birthday. 
  
So there ya go- my 2011 goals thus far.  This post is all about the accountability.  (READ: I need you guys.)  That way, I’ll have my eyes (and yours) on the goal post.  Of course, I’ll  add to the list when new goals pop up and post updates as they come. The idea is to stay conscious of my goals and focus my energy on the action, not the outcome.

I chose goals that would nurture mind, body and spirit. You won't find any real push for monetary gain or fancy, new titles, although I don't reject those things if they come my way.  I just wanna be happy and have fun. There’s endless ways to reach your happy place and I get the feeling 2011 is gonna be kind of a big deal.

I’d like to hear what’s come true for you so far in 2011? How will you carve out your happy place in life this year?  What are your goals and what's the ultimate prize? 

The Illustration above is by Chris Buzzelli and was found at Ellelovesart