2017 Intentions✨

My entire life, I’ve been a really big fan of throwing pennies in wishing wells.

Even though it’s just a coin and no actual, physical wish has been engraved onto its surface, there’s something incredibly satisfying about putting a simple wish out into the universe by projecting it onto a piece of copper and throwing that piece of copper into water.

For someone so dedicated to throwing wishes into fountains, one would think I’d be better at setting intentions and goals for the new year. Which is why this year, I made sure to take some time over the past few days to slow down, breathe, reflect, and properly plan for 2017.

Here are just a few of the intentions + goals I’ve set for myself.

Take better care of me.

I didn’t share this publicly last year, but only two weeks into January, I came down with shingles. Yes, shingles. The virus anyone can get if they’ve had the chicken pox ,but one society and the media typically paint as something only seniors get. And yet here I was, about to turn 32 years old, relatively healthy but with a viral infection that made it painful to move, sleep, function. 

Hearing a doctor say it was likely brought on by stress and overdoing it was the wake-up call I needed. I realized that it was OK to want to do it all – Director of PR by day, Blogger, Maker + Shop Owner and dreamer by night – but I needed to slow the hell down from time to time too.

In 2017, I’m determined to take more time for myself and to remember to breathe, with the goal of accomplishing this through meditation. They say it works wonders for creativity and personal happiness – I say yes to all of the above.

I’m also going to put time back into taking better care of my body. When I turned 30, I kicked it into high gear, took up running, and lost 25 pounds. I remember that I’d never felt better both physically and mentally in my life. I want more of that in 2017.

Expand my universe.

In the last half of 2016, I spent more time learning about the root of good vibes. I replaced a lot of my jewelry from Tiffany’s with mala beads and crystals. And you know what? I noticed a huge difference in my overall zen.

In 2017, I’m going to learn more about the powers of the universe. I’ve always trusted in the universe above all else, I know it’s got my back even when it doesn’t feel like it. Through more reading, meditation, and possibly even a retreat, I’m ready to start truly recognizing its power and harnessing those good vibes every single day.

Wander often.

Travelling is my favorite thing to do and I did a lot of it in 2016. For 2017, I want to do as much if not more. Add a new American state to my growing list. Better yet – add a new country to my places travelled map.

This also includes local adventures. With Canada celebrating its 150th birthday and free admission to National Parks across the country – there’s no excuse not to explore a few new ones.

Explore new waters + stranger tides.

What many people don’t realize about East Coast Mermaid is that it really came to life in a very short amount of time. I had the idea, then I had a logo made, then I had the idea for the shop and next thing I knew, I was designing apparel, figuring out inventory, delivering and shipping orders and looking at the girl in the mirror every day in awe. Where did I learn how to run a business? If but only a small one? 

Now that I’ve grown – somewhat – into a mini-girl boss, I’m still figuring out how to navigate the waters of being a maker and a small biz owner. But you know what? I’m SO excited for what’s to come in 2017.

New products. New partnerships. New risks. New adventures.

On to 2017…

2016 was rough. Even if it was your best year yet, I don’t think any of us escaped the universal heartache, tragedy, and fear that accompanied it. From losing our childhood heroes to seeing war torn countries and acts of terror on the news every day.

2016 wasn’t easy and there’s no guarantee 2017 will make up for it.

But I’m ready to explore stranger tides, discover new lands, learn to surf the rogue waves, and show 2017 what this mermaid can do when she puts her tail into it.

Cheers to an amazing 2017🌊