Monica D. Murgia

There are certain times of the year when I re-evaluate where my life is headed.  Obviously, New Year’s Eve is one of them.  Setting resolutions and goals keeps me motivated.  They are the stepping stones to achieving dreams.  I always try to set a few small, easily obtainable resolutions, and a few that I will take persistence and dedication to realizing.  Here are some of my resolutions:

Spend less, enjoy more.  Surprisingly, I’ve already started this resolution.  I love fashion.  To make a resolution that I won’t buy clothing or accessories would never hold up.  Fashion part of my career.  Fashion is my hobby.  It’s what I love!  However, the constant search for the “new” can be exhausting – mentally, emotionally, and financially.  Mobile apps and constant emails continually remind us that new, shiny, beautiful object of our desires is just one click away.

But really, how much do we need to consume to be happy?  Real happiness doesn’t come from material things.  Real happiness comes from a mindset, a connection to people you love, and the belief and contribution to something greater than yourself.  (That’s what this blog is all about.  Sharing what I believe in with all of you!)

To me, fashion is a representation of human ingenuity and creativity.  Fashion illustrates that we are constantly capable of new ways of thinking, expression, and action.  There is, however, an ugly side to the industry.  A large part of this is due to “fast fashion”, and worse, “disposable” fashion.  My resolution is to spend less – to enjoy the items I already have.  If something needs mending or alterations, to fix what I have instead of throwing it away.  And if I need something new, to buy a product that will last a long time.  It’s actually more fun this way.

Simplify.  I travel a lot for work.  I’m also very visual.  Much of what I do revolves around organization.  Curating anything, art or fashion, means selecting the very best and eliminating the rest.  Personal belongings are no different.  It’s easy to accumulate things.  When my closet gets too full, or my room becomes chaos, I know it’s time to simply.

Owning too much, for me, becomes physically oppressive.  Objects require maintenance, storage, and space.  At a certain point, I start to feel that I am at the mercy of what I own, and not the other way around.  I’ve been feeling the need to simplify my belongings.  Over the next few weeks, I’m going to thin out everything.  It might be an interesting series of posts.  Would you like to see what I give away?

Every month, go to one new place.  Travel is always at the top of my list.  However, my schedule and budget don’t always allow me to visit an exotic location.  This is one of my longer-term resolutions that will take a bit of dedication and persistence.  Every month, I am going to visit one new place.  I have 2 must-visit places this year: visiting my friend Susan in Colorado, and an excursion to Watkins Glenn.

These are two places I’ve wanted to visit for a very long time.  This is the year that I’ll finally make these trips a top priority.  What about the other 10 months?  Well, going somewhere new can be anywhere!  In January, I’ll finally head over to the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute in New York, a place I’ve never been.  Also, it’s a great excuse to start investigating local museums, businesses, and restaurants. Exploring doesn’t require a lot of money – just creativity.  So 2013 is going to be a year of discovering new places, near and far.

Be kinder to my feet.  This might be the most difficult resolution of all.  I love high heels.  Yet all my traveling and commuting just don’t allow for impractical stilettos.  This year, I’m paying extra attention to the types of shoes that I wear.  I want to take small steps (hehe) to make my shoes more comfortable.

It’s easy to add inserts and small cushions to shoes.  Many well-crafted shoe brands also sell insole replacements.  I may have many pairs of shoes, but only have one pair of feet.  It’s time to stop the blisters and sky high pumps.  I’ve been making the transition over to boots with a modest heel.  (Completely flat shoes also cause me pain.  It’s all about finding that happy medium!)  I love my Doc Martens, which I’m still slowly breaking in.  Also new to my collection are these Steve Madden Tolteca boots.  They have a modest stacked heel, are real leather, and have excellent reviews for comfort.  They’ll be arriving sometime this week.  And they’re available on Lockerz for $42 with free shipping!  I’m already keeping my first resolution to spend less.