I’ve always anticipated the start of the new year as if it’s like a re-set button. All the bad habits picked up or held onto from the past year would soon cease and before me is a blank canvas upon which I can design the year ahead. At least, that’s always my plan. Each new year always starts with the best of intentions; I am, after all, a big believer in new year’s resolutions. Once February hits though I must admit, I’ve usually already lost sight of those goals and aspirations.
Last year, I switched things up a bit as I realized that trying to hold all my plans for 2017 in my already overloaded mom brain was simply an exercise in frustration. I’d never taken the chance to write these things down in order to have a list to reflect on throughout the year. I even decided to take my list one step further by creating a vision board for 2017.
It was a creative project that was a lot of fun and it allowed me to start my new year feeling eager, renewed and excited. The best part was that when I felt my motivation starting to slip, or I realized I wasn’t keeping my goals top of mind, I could pull up my vision board and re-focus on what I set out to accomplish. The results were actually pretty powerful and as I look back on 2017. I see that for the first time, I really did accomplish the majority of what I set out to do.
2018 has now arrived and while I still plan to do my own vision board again, I recently stumbled upon an article about creating a family vision board and have decided to incorporate this into our family’s holiday plans as well. I love the idea of having our intentions for 2018 together all laid out in one place. Almost a bucket list of sorts and a visual reminder to make time for what we value. Some things we plan to add include:

1) More family day trips- Exploring places beyond our city-limits is important to us and I always find a quick getaway is a wonderful way to connect and recharge. By incorporating more quick trips into the 2018 calendar, we’ll get to spend time as a family while experiencing unfamiliar places. We won’t even have to go to far to find some great spots, especially here in NB!

2) Trying new foods- This one is just as much for my husband as it is for my toddler. I’ve always been a somewhat adventurous eater and I want my daughter to be the same way. Experiencing new flavours is fun and I don’t want picky-eating to hold her back from experiencing something she may love. By introducing a few new foods a month, I’m confident my family will get to enjoy new and exciting taste sensations together.

3) Become more active as a family- There are countless ways to incorporate fun and exercise and I want my family to seek out the chance to mix physical activity with fun and adventure more often. We’ll check out local nature parks and hit the beach to jump waves in the summer. In the chaos of the run of a week, it’s a challenge to make time for physical activity but it’s so important. By involving the whole family, it keeps things fun and benefits everyone.

So if you’re looking for a creative way to engage the entire family in making plans for 2018 that are sure to build memories and encourage new opportunities, why not spend some time creating your own family’s vision board? You’ll no doubt make 2018 a year to remember!

https://www.parentmap.com/article/family-vision-board-craft-diy

Wee College wishes everyone a safe and happy New Year. May 2018 be filled with memories, joy and happiness!