What I’m wearing: | Blue V-neck Sweater / Similar | Plaid Blanket Scarf | Denim | OTN Tan Boots / Black Version / Taupe Version |
2018, what a year! With it coming to a close, I’m rounding up eight lessons I’ve learned this year! Let’s jump into it!
1. You are Uniquely You and That is Your Power
I’ve heard this saying a few times this year and it has just stuck with me. Our greatest power (especially in this community where we share so much of our lives) is that no one else can be a better version of ourselves!
Lesson: Find out what makes you unique and love yourself for it!
2. Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone
This is one I’m still working on! But the times I’ve pushed myself this year, done something different, not cared what people thought of me, tried something new – those are the times where I learned something and saw growth. We can become so comfortable living in our own worlds, it’s so rewarding to step outside of it once in awhile!
Lesson: Growth and realization come from stepping outside of your comfort zone.
3. There is No Perfect Timeline to Life
When I was younger I would say, I want to get married at this age, build my career to a certain point by this age, own a home at this age, have 3 children by the time I was 30, ect., etc, boy was I naive! The planning side of my personality likes to think it would be great to plan out each year of my life but what’s the fun in knowing each an every step ahead? I’m so grateful for where I’m at right now and wouldn’t change a thing!
Lesson: There is no perfect timeline to life. Everyone is on their own journey and God’s plans will prevail at just the perfect timing for you.
4. Choose to Live Above Comparison
When I first started my blogging journey, the one thing I promised myself, is that I wouldn’t fall into the trap of comparison. No matter how many followers I had, how my site metrics were doing and so on, that I wouldn’t let it get to me.
Working a full time job, a side job AND blogging is a TON of work! There have been times I’ve wondered if I’d be “further along” if I had more time to dedicate to my brand and blog. But this is me, this is my life, and at the end of the day I’m not here to count my followers but instead, inspire others! So honestly, I haven’t let comparison get to me because I’ve simply chosen not to. And let me tell you how freeing that is!
Lesson: Choose to live above comparison. There’s no reason not to!
5. Be Intentional With Your Time
There’s a Parks & Rec episode where Ron says “don’t half ass two things, whole ass one thing…” so true people! With my schedule being so crazy this year, this has been one of my biggest lessons. Being intentional with your time will allow you to accomplish more with what you have, be more efficient and productive, and decrease stress.
Lesson: Be intentional with your time.
6. God is Good – Keep Him at the Center
His plans. His ways. Continuing to seek my identity in Christ is of course, an ever-present learning and growing experience. The times I’ve let him really lead my path and sought him for next steps and guidance have turned out to be some of the best decisions and outcomes.
Lesson: If you truly put God at the center of everything you do, he will provide all that you need (and more)!
7. Take Self-Care Seriously
One of my goals for the latter half of 2018 was to be intentional about making time for myself. It’s okay to be selfish with your time when it comes to taking care of yourself! Schedule a monthly massage or facial and dedicate that time to yourself. Sleep in an extra hour on the weekend, spend the extra $ for your favorite workout class because it clears your body and mind. I saw improvements in myself mentally, emotionally and physically when I made this a priority.
Lesson: Take more time for yourself!
8. Life is Short – Eat the Cupcake!
Truly a cheesy one to end on, but it couldn’t be more true! Life is so short. And it seems to go faster and faster the older we get. Enjoy the cupcake! Buy the shoes! Laugh when dinner falls on the floor. Don’t let life pass you by, by not living in the current moment. Laugh more. Tell others you love them more. And take more pictures!
Lesson: Life is too short. Don’t let it pass you by!
2018 has been quite a year! I could spend hours listing all that I have to be thankful for. But one of those is YOU! Thank you for following along, supporting me, and allowing this space to be such a fun community to be a part of! I’m so glad to have you here and excited for all that’s to come!
Cheers to 2019!
