My guiding words for 2014 was ‘Be Present’. I wanted to create a slower life and to fully appreciate my life, my family and my friends. This will continue to be an ongoing journey for someone like me, who for the past 20 years, has been on the go non-stop, creating careers and feeling the need to always be doing something. I have to practice to relax. Sad, yes, but true.
Last year I created the following list and I thought I’d share how well I did in making these goals happen.
1. I need to create a slower pace, like the islanders of Kauai.
I definitely feel like we’ve created a slower and more peaceful life by our move to the country.
2. I need to re-read Happier at Home and remember what I learned.
I didn’t reread this book yet as I had loaned out my copy. But lucky for me, my cousin got me this book at Christmas so now I have a copy again!
3. I plan to build a greenhouse and garden beds and eat even more of my own crops.
I did build a greenhouse and garden beds. I love my garden.
4. I plan to give my shoulder a rest and heal.
I only photographed a few weddings last year. Hiring Isabel in 2013 was one of the best things I could have done. I’m further progressing this goal and am happy to announce that all The Memory Journalists’ company coverage collections will be photographed by Isabel Ollinger Photography this year!
5. I need to lead a healthier life.
I go through ups and downs with this goal. I still don’t ever feel like I have enough time. I still don’t always eat as I should. I don’t always get enough sleep. But being conscious of all these things allow me to make better healthier decisions.
6. I need to rest, even do nothing, when needed.
This is a tough one for me. I’m the type of person who has to practice to relax and to practice to do nothing. When I’m just sitting around, it makes me feel like I should be putting that clean laundry away, or make the next healthier meal, or x or y or z. You get what I mean, the list never ends! This goal I will always have to work towards in order to prevent burnout.
7. I plan to enjoy my family and friends.
I’ve definitely enjoyed my friends and family more this last year and will continue to make this a priority in coming years.
8. I plan to rediscover myself.
This will always be a work in progress, but this last year has been great for self-discovery. I’m feeling good about my newest goals and am eager to implement them.
Being present more in 2014 has made me realize where I want to be in my life and what I want to be doing in my life. Creating a list of goals has helped me this last year to have one of the best years. So, my guiding word for 2015 is ‘Focus’. This word has led me to create my new business about to launch in another month-related to my love of healthy living and creating a happier home. I want to inspire others to reconnect with what’s most important in their own lives. I will be focusing on getting my new business off the ground and sharing what I’ve learned along the way.
I encourage everyone to think of their guiding word for 2015 and make a simple list of goals that you want to accomplish. See how it changes your year as you’re looking ahead in 2015!
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