Happy 2018! As I get older, I tend to embrace change with a little more acceptance and grace each year. Although it feels uncomfortable at first, change inevitably brings deep personal growth, which is something I’ve learned to appreciate with age. This past week, Matt and I got stuck in Charleston, SC because of the unexpected snow storm. It changed our plans, we had to cancel appointments and miss work. I could’ve easily allowed myself to worry about all of the inconveniences it caused, but instead I chose to make the best of things and enjoy the extra time with family. The down time we had gave me time to reflect on last year and about a few changes I’d like to make in 2018.
Last year was a huge period of growth and change. I chose the word “renew” as my theme for the year and I challenged myself in every area of my life. I put a strong focus on cultivating the things in my life that bring me true joy. I cut back on my self imposed judgements, fear, and people pleasing tendencies. I allowed myself to find pleasure in my work rather than feeling like I “need” to do something because it’s what was expected of me – I chose to follow my heart instead of my head. This year, I intend to carry on these same habits of change. Here are 5 changes I’m making this year:
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Get up early
Oh goodness this is such a challenge for me. Because Matt works in hospitality, he doesn’t get home most nights until very late and I typically like to spend time with him when he gets home. Late nights make for an easy excuse to sleep in but this year I’m making an effort to get up extra early no matter what. I’d like to have more “me time” in the mornings before diving into work and getting up early will make room for this. I want to have time to reflect and journal in the mornings without feeling rushed to begin my work day.
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Stop the comparison game
This is something I worked on in 2017 but it’s an easy trap to fall into, especially when social media plays such a huge role in my career. Being in this industry, I am constantly bombarded with feeling like I’m not doing enough or not doing everything I could/should be doing. There are so many amazing people to look to for inspiration but sometimes FOMO gets the best of me. This year, I intend to progress gracefully and be content in growing at my own pace.
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Take time off
I’m a workaholic and could probably work and never sleep if my body allowed. This year, I making an effort to take more time off – unplugged. This will allow me to focus my time better which will make the time I spend working even more productive.
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Challenge myself creatively and go beyond my comfort zone
I’ve already started doing this by uploading my first vlog style video on my YouTube channel. For 2018, I am challenging myself creatively by pushing my personal boundaries and trying new things. Since starting this blog in October, Matt and I have had so much fun shooting content in creative ways and I will continue to push myself even further this year.
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Travel more
This year, I want to explore more places in Florida and beyond. Now that we live in Orlando, we are surrounded by many incredible beaches and places that are only a drive away. We already have a few trips planned and incorporating more travel content here on my blog is something I’m looking forward to doing more of this year.
What are some changes you’d like to make this year? I’d love to know so please leave me a comment below! Thanks for taking the time to read this post. Wishing you all a wonderful new year!
PS – how do you like my makeshift plastic bag snow boots?! 😉
Black coat with bow – found it HERE and HERE, and similar HERE / Jeans / Sweater {similar} / Lipstick / Earrings
Love this! I love how much more you’ve been blogging lately! I feel like your content is so genuine and real- which is hard to find now a days! You’ve been my favorite youtuber for yearsss and I’m so happy I get to follow and support you on all of your different journeys!
Keep up all the hard work!
Amanda Carmela
http://www.piperandhazel.com
Thank you, Amanda! I so appreciate you reading/watching and supporting me for so long!!
Haha I absolutely love your makeshift boots. 🙂 This post was so nice and encouraging. Stopping the comparison game is definitely something I need to work on as well.
Madison | Breakfast at Madison’s
haha thanks, Madison! I don’t even own snow boots and I definitely wouldn’t have packed them if I did! 🙂 and yes, putting an end to the comparison game is difficult. I have to consistently remind myself to take a step back and focus on my own, unique journey. Thanks for reading! xx
These are all amazing changes! I think the comparison one resonates with me a lot. There are so many things going on and people doing different things that I tend to forget that I do what I do because I love it and because it was my choice. then I end up comparing myself to other people and sometimes it can get a little discouraging. I definitely need to stop doing that! I also want to work on managing my time better. I love being organized but as a momma, sometimes time just gets away from me and I want to feel better about how I’m spending my time!
Krystal | caffeinatedmomma.com
thanks, Krystal! I totally agree – I love that you remind yourself that you do what you do because it was your choice. That’s so important. And I definitely can relate to get better with time management. It always seems like no matter how much I plan/organize things always change haha. Thanks for reading! xx
Yay! This is the first time I have checked out your web site and blog. There is so much to explore here, going to take me a while! I love that you are going travel and also explore more of Florida. I lived in St. Pete for 12 years and my favorite beach is Passe-A-Grille beach. The Ft. DeSoto beaches are very natural and cool too. I have so much respect fou you in the goals you have for 2018. And seeing you reach your goals. I am still pulling mine together. Really, I feel like I make a heartfelt list and find it is the same list I always make. I need to be better at actually making the changes I know I do want. It’s frustrating. I say i want these things and to be this way and then I just continue in my old patterns, and make the same list, and so on.
Hi Susan! Happy to see you here on this space! 🙂 I’m really looking forward to exploring more of Florida. I feel like time has flown by since we’ve moved and I haven’t even had a chance to research places near here yet. I’m looking forward to do more around here this year. Thank you for recommending those beaches, we’ll definitely have to check them out! I understand how you feel about your goals and I’ve done the same. It helps me if I make tweaks along the way. Also, setting a goal that I know is a little easier to achieve (such as getting up 15-30 mins earlier than usual) helps. When I achieve something small it helps motivate me to push myself a little further the next time. Hopefully that makes sense haha 🙂