Welcome to the new decade. Today, I’m sharing my 2020 New Year’s Resolutions, as well as a look back on 2019.
2019 Recap: Career, Travel & Life
The past year was full of ups and downs. I started off the year at a new job at a boutique firm in North York, and while challenging, I think growing and learning at this new position has been one of the most rewarding parts of last year. I absolutely love my job, area of law and my firm, and I’m excited for another year of learning and hard work.
There was lots of travel, and Daniel and I kicked off the new year with some time together in Montreal, and a fun weekend getaway to Québec City in January. Before I started my new job, we also escaped the frigid winter weather with a magical trip to a beautiful resort in the Mayan Riviera and a fun day trip to Tulum.
One of the most magical trips ever was our magical week-long trip to the French Riviera and Provence. I’ve shared a recap of our time in Cannes, France but will be sharing more itineraries and travel tips for the South of France soon.
Barely a month later, I met up with Chloë Gordon in New York City for an incredible girls’ getaway over the Thanksgiving Long Weekend. We had the best time going to the New York City Ballet, shopping in SoHo and exploring Brooklyn.
To round out 2019, I planned a last minute trip to London to visit my best friend Sabina Sohail and meet her new kitten Mabel. Then, Nicole Clark (who I went to Iceland with and became best friends while on exchange in the Netherlands) and I stayed a few nights in Kensington and had the best time exploring Notting Hill, Belgravia and Windsor.
I also moved into my new condo, and shared a sneak peek of my holiday condo decor. It was a big transition at first, but I’m feeling more settled and excited about my future, as well as all the new restaurants popping up in my neighbourhood.
Beyond the highlights there were some lower points. I won’t get into it, but I’m happy my family and relationship with my sister is stronger as an outcome. We also lost our sweet angel Rosie, who was 19 and a half and every bit a part of our family. She is missed every day.
Overall 2019 was challenging in each aspect, and all about planting new roots. I’m ready for a new decade and a new era of work, fun and inspiration!
2020 New Year’s Career & Life Resolutions
1. Carve out time for self-care
Working in the legal field is demanding, and maintaining my blog, condo and personal relationships also take up a majority of my free time. Going forward, I want to prioritize my own self care, whatever that definition may be. Whether that’s picking up a new hobby, closing my laptop early or taking a yoga class, I want to find a bit more balance in the new year for my mind and body.
2. Challenge myself more
While my work responsibilities are always growing, I want to keep taking on these challenges and develop professionally.
3. Find a mentor
While I stay in touch with many law school classmates, I’m hoping to find a mentor in my field, or an inspiring woman I can connect with.
4. Travel somewhere new
2019 was full of amazing travel adventures. This year, I’m hoping to explore a few new places including Vancouver, California and perhaps Croatia or even Singapore. No travel plans have been set in stone, but I want to keep exploring and spending time with friends and family.
5. Take a course in something exciting & creative
In the new year, I’m hoping to enroll in either a personal styling or millinery class at George Brown College – to exercise my right brain and hopefully make new friends and connections while learning a new skill.
6. Prioritize my friendships
While work can take up a majority of my schedule, I want to prioritize my friendships by checking in with friends, catching up over a meal and supporting them in any way I can. In the past ten years, I’ve said goodbye to many toxic friendships that weren’t reciprocal, and I never want to be that person that doesn’t stick their neck out and make an effort to connect.
As for my romantic relationship, long distance can be tough, but I see this period as a time of independent career growth and always cherish our time together.
2020 New Year’s Blogging Resolutions
Outfit details: SHEIN Frilled neck bellsleeve tulle mesh star print dress, Sam Edelman Leah Cap Toe pumps, and a Saint Laurent Medium Envelope bag from SSENSE.
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1. Stick to an editorial calendar
As much as I want to create content regularly, it can be tough. I’m hoping to implement a manageable editorial calendar and stick to it, so that I can continue to grow this blog with the same momentum I used to have. I want nataliastyle to be a resource for professional women, and be able to answer all your questions about travel, beauty, career and style.
2. Publish a monthly newsletter
I kicked off this resolution with the December 2019 newsletter, which you can sign up for here. I want to continue to find new ways to engage with my audience and grow my email list, which is a priority for any site owner!
3. Kick off my podcast
In the latter half of 2019, I started thinking of a concept for a podcast that would compliment the mission of nataliastyle while also stand on its own as a content piece. I’m hoping to get started on recording in the new year, so stay tuned!
4. Continue to make YouTube videos
I love video medium – in fact, I went to school for broadcast and worked as a videographer. Now that I have a home office set up, I’d love to be able to publish a weekly YouTube video chatting about girly things like handbags and makeup, as well as a monthly career-focused video series to help connect with a wider audience of female professionals!
5. Collaborate with other bloggers
One of the most fun blogging projects last year was collaborating with Olya from Shiny Little Pearl and Anna from Working Chix. We worked so well together, and were able to execute a vision by contributing our creative and business efforts. I’ve done lots of photo swaps with Anna last year, and hope to continue to value community over competition in 2020.
I plan on doing a check-in post halfway through 2020 to see how I’ve been working towards these goals and share some tips on managing time as a full-time lawyer by day (and night) and lifestyle blogger. Let me know in the comments below what new year’s resolution you have for 2020! Let’s make this decade count.
