I'm not really a big New Year's resolutions person, because every time I make some big list of things I should do or not do, I instantly want to rebel against every single one. Or if I do actually get going on one of the goals, I often run out of steam by February. So instead, I set intentions. I take some time and think about how I'd like the year to look: with work, family, health, friends, calling, etc. I think about the person I want to become, and the things I want more of (laughter!), and less of (anxiety), in my life. Once I have an idea of where I want to head, it's much easier for me to start making changes in my life that will help me get there.

A few days ago, I headed out on a solo sunrise hike to think about some of these questions. (Lest you think I'm some sort of early morning warrior, I'm not: the sun rises at 11:30 a.m. right now in Iceland!) The setting was pristine: everything was covered in snow, with whisps of pink, blue, and purple steaking the sky above the mountains, and a lake shimmering in the distance. I climbed higher and higher until I came upon the view above, and sat down on a rock to ponder.

Ion-Hike

What do I want this year to look like? Who do I want to become? What can I change from last year? There were several things that jumped out immediately...

I want MORE: laughter, fun, freedom, grace, time with good friends, collaborations with people I admire, casual dinner parties around the yellow table, relaxed time with Brandon, sleep, time to read, faith, confidence, authenticity, physical activity (running + yoga), vegetables, time in nature, creatively satisfying work (that's financially compensated!), playfulness, peace, joy, boldness, and serving others.

I want LESS: anxiety, fear, perfectionism, people-pleasing, selfishness, need to control, guilt, shame, doing things out of obligation, striving, doubt, loneliness, feelings of worthlessness, money stress, busy-ness, surfacy relationships, second-guessing myself, negativity, exhaustion, comparing, and overly-packed schedules.

I want to BECOME: a woman who is confident in who she is, full of grace, and who can authentically share both the beautiful and ugly parts of herself (and realize that both sides are OK!). A woman who loves deeply and who gives generously – but who also knows her boundaries, and doesn't do things out of obligation or guilt. A want to be a woman of faith, who trusts in God and His plan, and who doesn't fear unknown circumstances. I want to go after my dreams, not fearing failure, and have fun in the process. I want to be part of something bigger than myself, and to help and inspire others in some way.

These are the things that came to mind on my snowy hike the other day. Unfortunately, I've spent more time in the "LESS" category than in the "MORE" category, but in 2014 I'd like take the steps to reverse that. As for my dreams? Honestly, it's to become more authentic, to have more fun and less fear, to love deeper, to worry less, to embrace my imperfection, and to find a publisher for my cookbook! I have no idea how all of this will come about, but I'm excited to see what's in store...

What about you? What do you want more (and less) of in your life? And most importantly, who do you want to be come? Taking the time to answer those questions, preferably on paper, will really help guide you in the decisions you make this year. I'd love to hear from you...what are your dreams for 2014?