Craft Goals for 2018 // General Goals for 2018

Dear users and authors,
what are your plans for 2018 when it comes to crafts—and in general?
Let me know.
2018 is going to be great.

Hi, I’ll go first in response to the question about “general resolutions.” Since the last six months have been very difficult for us—my grandfather suffered from severe dementia and passed away last week, just before Christmas—I’ve come to realize that absolutely nothing is truly important except TIME—time that you can and should spend with your family or other important people. 

I spent almost every day with my grandpa over the last few months, supporting him through many difficult—but also beautiful—moments (as did my brothers and my father). Naturally, my crafting suffered as a result, as did my friendships and many other things, BUT every minute was worth it, and from now on I won’t stress about whether a project or a pattern will be finished by a certain deadline…… or whether I’m keeping up with the latest trends, or whether anyone even likes my creations or not. Of course, I’m happy about every sale and every piece of feedback, but the focus of my thoughts and actions is now entirely elsewhere.

Luckily, I have a real dream job, and there, too, there’s complete understanding—or rather, the same mindset—that time for family always comes first, and that’s why it’s okay to be absent from work sometimes without having to worry about it. Because no one can give you back that time. Time is the true luxury of our society. I’m going to truly take this mindset to heart, because nothing in the world is worth stressing yourself out over and losing time with your family or other important people as a result. I’ve been a workaholic my whole life and have learned to slow down a bit in recent years, but the last six months in particular have finally “grounded” me and shown me what’s really important.

Best regards, Tanja 

Dear Tanja, my sincere condolences. I have very little to add to your words.
Dementia is also very much on my mind; both of my parents are severely affected (my mother, by the way, survived Christmas). It is often difficult to follow their train of thought or even get through to them at all, but every now and then you also experience very happy moments. The joy over a ray of sunshine or over a touch. Even if these moments are forgotten again a few minutes later, they are still more important than anything else.
I have no goals; life unfolds by itself.

Thank you so much, Iglinz

I couldn’t agree more. Every moment has been precious. The pastor also mentioned these moments beautifully in his eulogy today, and fittingly, as the last mourner left the graveside, a beautiful sunset could be seen.

I wish you lots of strength and time with your parents. It’s a difficult illness, but as long as they feel that you’re there, everything is fine in their minds. Even if, on some days, they don’t quite know who you are.

Best regards, Tanja 

Dear Tanja, you have my deepest sympathy. It’s always painful when a loved one passes away. They simply leave a void.

As far as time is concerned, I absolutely agree with you. I’ve come to exactly the same realization in recent weeks—that the time we give to others is a gift to ourselves. It’s incomparable to anything else.

I’ve also made it a goal for this year to see my grandchildren even more often and spend time with them. It’s such a special thing to watch a little child as they discover and conquer the world.

I also really enjoy knitting and crocheting. And I’ve resolved to definitely keep the joy of it all front and center. This year, I want to focus even more on discovering and bringing out the unique qualities of my creations rather than following trends.

My shop will be filled with content that I create with passion and love. I don’t have a specific sales goal. And I know that things will go great without putting pressure on myself. Simply because I enjoy it and am doing “my own thing.” In any case, I’m looking forward to reaching 500 sales for now, and then the first 1,000 next year. That will be a big moment for me, and I want to celebrate it. :-)

Other than that, I’m excited to continue growing and moving forward together with you in 2018.

Happy 2018!
Monika

My condolences, dear Tanja.

When it comes to crafts, I could use at least 10 hands for all my ideas.
Otherwise, it’s all about diligently editing texts and hoping they’ll finally be ready for print in 2018.

If I find the inspiration, I’ll also pick up my colored pencils and paper again.

Otherwise, I’ll see what 2018 has in store.