#8 - Monday Musings - The Year Ahead
TL;DR: In today’s Monday Musings, I am sharing my goals for 2025.
I really struggled with what to write this week - I didn’t feel like commenting on the inauguration or MLK Day. Others have said what I have to say in a much more elegant way.
I found myself starting a handful of different posts - some on historical analysis, some grounded in creative writing. Ultimately, I decided to share my goals with you all. I felt like it was important to show that we can use the past as a teacher, and stay committed to our plans which align with our principles and beliefs, even in the face of adverse change.
My Goals for 2025
Practical Skills
In the last handful of years, I have become increasingly interested in learning practical life skills. It began in 2018, when I couldn’t afford to dine out in NYC, that I quickly realized I needed to become a better cook - and fast. It took a couple of years, but once I felt content with my cooking skills, I began to tackle baking in 2020/2021 (I am still making a dessert a week! This week, I will be attempting a Chocolate Pear Tart - wish me luck). The last couple of years, sourdough has gotten the better of me (but I really do think I will nail it this year). I took up houseplants (growing and propagating) as a practice round while I was in NYC for the outdoor gardening I am beginning now that I am back in California. The focus for this year will be:
Vegetable, Herb, and Flower Gardening - This is the year of the vegetable garden. I am researching, planning, and working on a vegetable garden in my backyard. I have a bed prepped and set aside and am also going to be growing in containers.
Composting - Soil is a key ingredient to the success of one’s vegetable garden. I plan to make my own compost this year (I saved most of our moving boxes for the ‘browns’ and we are already in the habit of collecting our ‘greens’ - next step is to make the space racoon-proof!).
Homemade Cheeses and Yogurts - My husband’s nickname for me is “Cheese” and this year, I hope to live up to my namesake by learning how to make simple cheeses and yogurts.
Preserving - I grabbed a book on ways to preserve food other than canning (I am spooked by the potential for botulism!) and will be making my way through the methods - hopefully with some of the veggies I grow myself.
Craft
I have found that my crafts are where I experience a lot of my joy. It has only been within the last few years that I have been able to allow myself to prioritize the things I enjoy in my life, and I plan on continuing that trend going forward.
Horsemanship and Animal Husbandry - My goal is to own a horse in 2026. This year, I am volunteering at Kheystone Stables (and cannot recommend it highly enough) to learn all aspects of owning a horse (groundwork, riding, medical, maintenace) in preparation for that commitment. I plan to start a lease within the next month so that I can practice a few days a week. I also plan to find places to learn about other animals (chicken, pigs, goats, cows) during 2025 - recommendations welcome!
Tarot - I have been reading tarot for over 17 years. Last year, I started writing the book I wish I had had when I began to learn to read tarot. The book is designed to help you understand the cards both individually, and in conversation with each other. I plan to finish writing the content for the book this spring. I have exciting services I will be offering in this space - which I look forward to announcing in the coming months - stay tuned!
Imagining and Working Towards Other Worlds
I feel deeply that the world I imagined I would grow old in is not going to exist. As you can likely tell by my goals, I am not planning for the traditional, white-collar, lifestyle. I don’t see myself buying a home with a white picket fence (or a mid-life crisis boat) and retiring at 65 to RV around the country. Instead, I am planning to craft a life that is rooted in community and connection in favor of individualism and to experience time in a slower, more present way by being connected to nature and people instead of to a computer and a cell phone.
Buying Land - I plan to buy ~5 acres this year that are zoned for agriculture and animal husbandry. It is my goal to use this space as a ‘practice run’ for a larger project that I am developing within my community.
Supporting Anti-Capitalist Businesses - I started Shelby Taylor Duncan Consulting a few years ago with the goal of helping others who seek to create and sustain businesses that meet their needs and are aligned with their principles. It has been a joy to help people shape their business to meet their financial goals and give them their time back (or have them spend time doing what brings them joy). I plan to continue to grow my business this year and would appreciate any referrals you may have to share with me.
