It’s time once again to sit and review the past year that didn’t pan out the way I had hoped. Last year, I had high hopes for 2017. I still remember writing my post and being so excited. My theme was MORE. MORE knitting- I was going to start knitting again and try to pick up crocheting. MORE reading- I had planned to finish the books on my shelf, one that has been sitting there for almost 6 years. MORE running- My running went well for the first half of the year but went downhill in July during our American vacation.

However, there are somethings that did improve and I kept my goal. MORE food- Cooking and Baking continued and I spent quite a bit of time with my friend and fellow Turin blogger, TurinMamma. We managed to create a our own little world in which we collaborate, recipe test, food style, and photograph.

MORE photography- Speaking of photography, I have kicked things up a notch. Not only has my photography improved but I ventured into videography and created a YouTube channel for this blog. While it’s now where near what I would like, it’s a beginning and I hope to watch it grow.

2018 is fast approaching and I have a big year ahead of ME. I’ve known exactly what my word was going to be for months now. It’s going to be all about ME. Looking back at the last few years, I noticed that all of my goals/resolutions are all the same. Making time for myself usually sneaks in there at the end of each post. This time however, that is going to be priority NUMBER ONE. If I’m going to be honest, it’s my only goal. To spend the entire year working on myself and focusing on ME. I got a taste of it and it felt great. It felt amazing really. Scheduling time in my week to doing things that I wanted and deserved to do. As I mentioned above, I began spending more time in the kitchen with TurinMamma and that is something I look forward to. Not only do I enjoy her company, but I learn so much about cooking techniques and recipes.

This past month, I have purposely taken a bit of a break from social media to reflect on what my next move will be. How will I continue to blog about family life in Turin and what kind of city content can I finally add. How do I want to manage my YouTube channel? Do I want to make home movies or do I want to create a name and become a “YouTuber”? These are thing I want to do and will make time in my day to do them instead of relying on time after midnight to get them done.

As I begin to shift the focus more on myself, I feel a bit selfish but as I told my husband, it’s about time. I have to do it, otherwise I neglect my health, both mentally and physically. I have a milestone birthday this year and I am not even close to where I thought I’d be. (as far as running  goals)

So here’s to ME and my BIG year ahead!