Welcome to 2018!

I really, REALLY LOVE January y’all. I know, most people think that the month of January equates to Monday within a week because of how slow it usually is. But I disagree. I actually like Mondays (what??) and I freakin’ LOVE January.

I LOVE the energy of the new year. The energy that makes you think about change, goals, what you want to achieve in this lifetime and how you want to be a better person. Personally, I prefer to always think about these things and not just in January, but there is something about the energy of the start of the year that gets me excited. While I hate the idea of creating rigid goals, the ones that set you up for failure, I am very much a fan of progressive goals. These are the longer term goals that aren’t as black and white, but more about making progress (as small as it may be) towards something of value.

For me, the big thing that I am focusing on is how I speak to myself internally. Being an idealist, it’s hard to not get wrapped up in the IDEA of things being perfect. And when they aren’t (because let’s face it, they NEVER are!) I get really down on myself and then I have negative self talk. I am working on letting go of my perfectionism because it isn’t real, but I am a human and I AM REAL, and coming to terms with the fact that I am perfect JUST AS I AM in this moment in time is AMAZING! It will always be a struggle and not just something you can “cross off” a resolution checklist, but being aware step #1.

And now, I present some goals (small and large) that I would like to focus on this year:

• Gratitude Journal. I bought the 5 minute journal to help with my thought process, focusing on gratitude and happy things that happened throughout my days rather than thinking of what wasn’t perfect. I have written in the journal every morning and night this week so far, and I LOVE it so much! I wish I started doing this earlier! Many CEOs and Entrepreneurs swear by this journal, as it keeps them motivated and also grounded. SOLD.
• More me time, less social obligations. This one has been an issue for me for a while now. I tend to be a people-pleaser in the way of giving my time. I want to be a supportive friend, coworker, sister, daughter, etc. and I feel bad for saying no to things if it hurts someones feelings. I tend to carry other’s feelings as my responsibility on my back. And while it’s taken me a long time to come to terms with my patterns and why I do this to myself, one thing I do know is that I need to learn to say no more. 2017 was a lot about everyone else. Work trips. Anniversaries, birthday celebrations. Family things. While most of it was fun, a lot of it was not about me. And I constantly felt burnt out and stretched thin. I barely had time to myself to think, create my own traditions, patterns, habits before sprinting off to the next thing. Being supportive doesn’t mean you have to show up to everything. And how can you be supportive if you aren’t supporting yourself first? I vow to follow my inner voice a bit more and do what feels right for me.
• Pick up a new hobby. I’ve been saying for YEARS that I want a professional camera. I’ve looked into getting a DSLR over the last year and just decided that I wanted to go mirrorless. 2018 is the year I make my camera love a reality. I already signed up for a Udemy photography class (which you can take without a special camera, even if you just use your iPhone!) and I can’t wait to see what happens.
• Travel, for ME. I traveled A LOT last year. I went to 7 states and Canada in a year! Like I mentioned above, those trips coincided with work events or family things. I didn’t plan ONE of those out of state trips for myself or John. He tagged along with me to NYC, which was for work, so it wasn’t technically the same. I am planning a vacation this year that has nothing to do with work, family, or friends. I already have some travel planned in early 2018 as a result of a friends wedding (Cabo for the bachelorette party) and my dads 70th (we will celebrate in Nashville) but this is the year that John and I make it to Scandinavia!
• Write to please the soul. Not only am I journaling more regularly, I plan on being more active with my blog as it helps motivate me with my other goals. AND YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO READ MORE! ❤
• Attempt more art. This is a no brainer. Watercolor time, here I come!

2018 is already off to a great start and I am feeling more in tune with my inner voice. I can’t wait to share my progress. What are some of your goals?

xo

Emily