Last year, I put together a blog post where I listed my New Year’s resolutions. Now looking back, some of them I was able to achieve and others sadly ended up on the back burner. A lot has changed in the last year, and I’m making another list for 2018 and sharing a few of the resolutions that some of my followers shared with me on social media.

What are you looking forward to accomplish in 2018? What are the lessons that you’ve learned in 2017? Share your thoughts with us.

 

1. Stop being such a people-pleaser

Throughout my whole life, I’ve always focused a lot of attention on making other people happy, putting other people’s needs before mine. Even to the point where I would definitely compromise my own happiness. I realized maybe a little too late in life that it’s virtually impossible to please everyone and from now on, I’m going to focus on my needs as much as I’ve focused on everyone else’s. There’s a great quote by Paulo Coelho, “When you say Yes to others, make sure you aren’t saying no to yourself.”

2. Stand up for myself more

In the past couple of months, I’ve been feeling incredibly empowered and strong, and have been voicing and expressing myself and my needs to others when I feel like something isn’t right. The old me would avoid confrontation, arguments, and important discussions simply because I didn’t want to rock the boat. But I realize this behavior does not serve me because when you bottle up your feelings and don’t stand up for yourself and what matters to you, you end up losing. You end up losing yourself, your self-esteem, and your self-worth. Ever since I started standing up for myself, I feel myself getting stronger and stronger and it’s the most empowering feeling ever.

3. Start meditating more

I realized that I need to be better at living in the moment and working on my ability to relax myself without using anything exterior – foods, drinks, shopping, anything usually used to ease myself. A really good friend of mine put me on to some YouTube videos, which anyone can find, and it’s helped me relax adn make decisions with a clear mind. I really do believe meditating can change your life. I’ve only done it a handful of times and I can honestly say I’ve seen benefits from it. I would like to incorporate meditation into my daily life even though it’s really hard because I get distracted with time and all the things I need to do, but I feel like I’d be more efficient if I take 10 minutes a day to center myself.

4. Give ChicpeaJC a facelift

It’s been a while since we upgraded the site, and on my to-do list for the last two years is to change it. I feel like 2018 is going to be a great year with a lot of new opportunities and beginnings, and I would love it if the site could reflect that.

5. Write a children’s book

Ever since I adoptedHarvey, a pup that was rescued by the Liberty Humane Society from Hurricane Harvey, and seeing her connection with my daughter Mia, I thought it’d be really fun to develop a children’s book called The Adventures of Mia and Harvey in Jersey City. The story would be centered around a little girl who lives in Jersey City and is exploring being a kid with her dog in JC. I want to also incorporate girl empowerment messages. On that note, if you have any experience writing a children’s book, are an illustrator, writer, graphic designer, please email me. I would love to talk to you.

See, I’m already getting started on my resolutions!

6. Focus more time and energy into my relationships

It’s no secret that people who spend energy on important relationships are happier. Family, friends, etc. I’ve been so busy the last couple of years and put my business on the forefront that I failed to stay in touch with people that I really care about, people who love me for Lynn and not for ChicpeaJC, particularly my family who currently lives in Israel.

7. Empower more Women

If you follow my blog and my social media, you know that I am a huge advocate for women empowerment. I feel like 2018 is going to be a big year for women, as we are standing up for ourselves more, speaking out about the issues we face as women and taking action. I want to be more involved in being part of this “revolution” as I really believe that Empowered Women must Empower women.

Now finally, I’d like to share some of our New Year’s Resolutions from some of our followers.

@cjweaver – “My resolution: more glitter, less bitter.”

@jazminjois – “Decide to do more happy things for myself, not just for others.”

@mamaselena – “I’m hoping to expand my photography and Instagram as an influencer, and eventually going to start my mom blog.”

@wesmak – “Health and fitness wise, I’m going to actually track my weight and performance so that I can focus on my growth.”

@simply_marveilleux – “My goal is to continue moving upward in my career any way possible. I’m trying to be #girlboss in 2018.”