To start this post without a hackneyed phrase is difficult. Like every year, there is a bit of humility in the air at the end of the year. Another year has passed and I do not know exactly what my annual highlights were since there were so many special moments in 2018. The following saying keeps following me at the moment, and I think it’s exactly what we need to remember:
Remember when you wanted what you currently have?
It is a small saying in which there is so much truth in it and that makes you stop and think. Every Christmas, I write in my journal what I’ve learned this year, what I’m proud of, and what I want to change next year. It is incredibly liberating. Give it a try!
I’m engaged!
Before I continue, I’ve got an announcement to make: Jannis and I got engaged! It all turned out differently than expected and that’s why it was absolutely unexpected and beautiful. We are overwhelmed with joy and we are looking forward to the time that lies ahead of us now.
What I have learned this year:
1. Sometimes it pays to be late
At the beginning of the year, there was this fear of being too late. The fear that no one will buy my book, because there are so many healthy cookbooks out on the market already. But when I held the finished work in my hands, I knew that it was good. I knew that I would not have been able to write this book three years ago. The book and your enthusiasm have shown me that it can be a good thing to be a little late. So my first experience from 2018 is: just do it, even if you’re not the first person to do it. Everyone is writing a blog? So what? Everyone is starting a sustainable company? But no one is starting your company other than you. No matter how many people have done something before you. It’s never too late.
2. Living more sustainably is fun!
Last year, I announced that I would go more into the sustainable living and conscious consumption on the blog. However, I was a bit scared to start sharing my journey of living more sustainably. The reason for it, is the amount of hate that my blogger colleugues with a sustainable focus, receive on social media on a daily basis. But it is unlike me not to do something out of fear. That’s why, for the past months, I’ve been publicly sharing my path towards a more sustainable life here on the blog and on social media. I do not want to list here what I already do – that’s why it should not work here. Rather, next year, I want to continue to encourage everyone that every baby step has a big impact already. Together we can do so much good!
3. The things you think you can’t do, you actually can do
My highlight this year was definitely the book tour for “Himmlisch gesund”, because in the planning of the book tour, I grew beyong what I thought I was capable of. At first it was just a quick idea, then suddenly there were eight appointments scheduled and I just thought to myself: holy SHIT! What many of you do not know: I’m still completely by myself with the blog, the book and the communication. But all the work that went into the book tour project was rewarded a thousand times. Because I got to meet so many of you! Today I am still talking about the great conversations I had with you, all of the wonderful encounters and your incredibly lovely words. So thank you again to all who came to my book tour this year. You have filled the tour with life and love.
4. It’s ok to feel overwhelmed sometimes
I did not succeed in writing a book and a master’s thesis in one year. I’m still officially a master student. But instead of being ashamed of that, it encourages me on to give it a go in January and February and just do it. However, there is still the feeling that I failed. There is the constant pressure to write the thesis, to make money, pay bills, and to keep the blog alive and oh yes, I’m supposed to take care of retirement, too. Sometimes, it all gets too much for me. Then I simply let the tears flow and make myself comfortable on the couch. Because it is ok to feel overwhelmed from time to time. We all feel that way, because after all, we are a generation that wants to do everything on its own. In this situation, talking to friends or family and talking about how you feel is incredibly important. It helps me immensely and gives me strength to get up again and look ahead. So if you feel this way sometimes, be assured that you’re not alone.
5. Change brings new perspectives
Of course, when I visited my friends in the US in the fall, the joy of seeing them was huge. It was just wonderful to see my college roommate Katie again and to visit her sister in Charleston and visit all of the healthy cafés in the Charleston area. But I notice more and more: the US has lost a bit of its shine for me. I already noticed it last year, but I did not want to admit it to myself. It’s not the US per se, it’s the life I lived there. It does not suit me anymore, because I’ve changed so much. I believe it would be different in other parts of the country more focused on healthy and sustainable living. So what I’m trying to say is that once you chose a different path in life, some things may not feel right anymore. And sometimes you have to let go of things in order to make room for new things.
6. Just do it
I am really good at being spontaneous. Just like yesterday, when Stefanie Luxat and I spontaneously went for a 1-night trip to Copenhagen for a yoga workshop (more about this awesome experience soon on the blog). It was totally crazy that we get away in the middle of all of the Christmas stress, but it was so worth making time for ourselves. I want to keep this feeling for 2019 and do things for me as often as possible. Treating myseld with things that will help me grow and broaden my horizons. Because the feeling that I brought from Copenhagen is priceless and it will take me through all of the Christmas craziness.
What I have planned for 2019:
1. Asking for help
A goal for 2019 is to ask for help whenever possible. I’ve realized these past months that I’ve come to the point where I can’t do all the work alone anymore. Therefore I am looking for support in the heavenly headquarter starting in March / April, so if you live or study in Lüneburg or Hamburg and are in the mood for a different kind of work and if you can still handle a camera, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
2. New projects
Of course there will be super delicious recipes here in 2019. In addition, I feel like bringing Heavenlynn Healthy further into the world. There are so many ideas that need sorting, and I feel that 2019 will be really big for me. If you have wishes, suggestions and ideas, please let me know. This blog is a place to return to, so always with your wishes.
3. Becoming more reliable
We are a generation that can not commit, I read recently. It has become normal not to RSVP or cancel an invitation properly, and we tend to keep all options open. I, too, catch myself in this behavior. That’s why in 2019 I set out to do everything I can to see my friends and family more often and to visit them all over the world. Because you have to maintain friendships, especially in the age of non-commitment.
And with the iconic words of Pippi Longstocking, I say goodbye and start the Christmas holidays.
Now I am curious about your highlights of the year, what you have learned and what intentions you have set for 2019. Maybe you just want to leave a nice comment, what recipes or posts you liked this year. I am especially talking to all of the silent readers – yes, to you!
Thank you for such a great year here on Heavenlynn Healthy – I’m always overwhelmed by your feedback. I’m looking forward to the year 2019 with you – it will be wonderful!
Merry Christmas and a wonderful start into the year of 2019.
All the best
xx Lynn
The post Thank you, 2018 – what I’ve learned, what’s to come and my engagement! appeared first on Heavenlynn Healthy.