Another New Year has arrived. In the past year, I have encountered a number of changes and know that the new one will likely be equally full of exciting adventures. Like so many others, I find it often is a time to reflect on the opportunities. So without further ado, here are some of my hopes for 2024…
- Teach my first formal nature journaling class.
While I have taught nature journaling skills to my students, in 2024 I hope to teach my first nature journaling class to members of the community. There is a good chance I will reach this goal early in the year and if all goes well, be able to teach more later in the year. Of course, I look forward to sharing this experience.
2. Journal at least once a week
In the past, I have made the goal to draw every day. While I certainly aspire towards this, often times I think life can get in the way. By setting a goal of journaling weekly, it feels much more achievable. Though I, of course, will fit in as many pencil miles as possible.
3. Try something new every month.
One sub-goal of this is that I would like to work on both my colored pencil and watercolor skills. I have sets of both and want to learn to better utilize them. The image in the header of the page was my first experiment using my new mixing 6 set from Beam Paints and sketches based on past nature journal entries. I see this goal as very much rooted in the idea of play and not perfection. Learning doesn’t always mean only what worked well. But sometimes it helps us figure out how to do something cool along the way.
4. Grow as a Naturalist
Later in the month of January, I am going to start my training as an Oregon Master Naturalist (an experience I will share more about in a later post). I am hoping this formal program will help me learn more about our local ecosystems and our place within them. But I also know that this was going to continue to be part of my nature journaling practice. I love having a space to record the things that I learn about the plants and animals I share my surrounding area with. My journal also gives me a place to look back on.
5. Embrace imperfection.
I have struggled with the desire for things to be “perfect”. And admittedly, it had prevented me from embracing new experiences or sharing my work or ideas more broadly. So in 2024, I’m challenging myself to embrace the mistakes and their role in the process of learning. This was a message that was always important in my classroom and it’s time to walk the talk.
6. More green time, less screen time.
Prior to the start of the COVID pandemic, I was very active outside (I did half marathons and would hike/walk everywhere I could). But often, I rushed through these moments – trying to beat personal records or set a best time for an event. But since 2020, I have been learning to embrace slowing down and being more present. Being in green spaces is calming and centering. The more time I spend outside, the more I notice about the world around me. I also hope that I am able to help create experiences for people in my community to connect with nature and each other.
I’m sure these goals will shift and new ones will emerge as the year continues. And I look forward to sharing what I learn along the way here on the blog.
Fernheart Designs 