THE ONE WITH ALL THE RESOLUTIONS // 2019

Happy {almost} 2019!

I can't believe I'm even saying that - this year has flown by!  2018 was filled with so many highs for us and we truly soaked up every second of them.  From constantly gathering friends + family around our table and endless weekend projects at the cottage to traveling to new (and a few familiar) places every chance we could, our year was full of adventure.  (Including our first train ride from Switzerland to Italy that was literally what dreams are made of.  Definitely a high!)  

After the Christmas decorations are put away for another year and new years eve rolls around, it really all comes down to two things: reflection + resolutions.  Typically, I come up with a few goals or resolutions that I hope to achieve - like last year, learning French was number one, and we all see how well that played out.  Although those things are important, I really like to just hold myself accountable for a few things I've either slacked on this past year or things I simply want to remind myself of throughout the next.  It always helps me so much to simply write them down and re-read them a few times throughout the year and I hope you'll do the same!  

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My theme (or word, rather) for 2019 is HEART.  For two reasons: whatever I'm doing, I want to pour my heart and soul into it.  No matter that, I can take a deep breath knowing I've given it my all.  And secondly, I want to focus on my heart.  Personally, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and in all of my relationships.  Now, for the resolutions - 

NO. 1 // GET BACK TO MY MORNING ROUTINE.

For some reason, over the last few months, I have let my morning routine go.  I don't even have an excuse, I've just been so all over the place because of it.  Setting an early alarm, having coffee + my quiet time, working out, watching my morning shows while getting ready - all of it just sets a precedent for how the rest of my day will unfold.  I've felt so unorganized and rushed while not living by my routine and I'm so excited to get back to it!

NO. 2 // GIVE MYSELF GRACE.

This is one of those that falls under 'little reminders' rather than resolutions.  I'm constantly somewhere between giving myself grace and making things a priority and I in turn, put so much pressure on myself.  Most people feel pressure from others, but I do it to myself.  A lot of it revolves around the fact that I'm a control freak and extreme planner.  Hey, admitting it is the first step right?  Between all of the roles I play for the blog (one woman show over here) and trying to be everything to everyone, I usually find myself in bed early with a glass of wine calling it a DAY.  Which by the way, isn't accomplishing much.  I need to remember to slow down, and be great at a few things rather than mediocre at a lot of things.  Also, know it's okay to ask for help.  We're working on that one, too.

NO. 3 // A LITTLE LESS TAKE OUT, A LITTLE MORE COOKING IN.

Most of you know that J and I love to cook in.  I actually prefer it these days, rather than going out, unless I've just had a crazy week of being stuck in the house and need human interaction.  And a good cocktail.  However, by the time I close my laptop + finish errands and J gets home from work, it's so easy to just order in.  Not only do I want to be more aware of what I'm putting into my body, I genuinely love the process of it all.  Going to the grocery store, food prep, and sitting down to a cozy dinner at the end of the day speaks right to my soul.  Get ready for more recipes + 'cottage kitchen' posts because it's happening!

NO. 4 // WORK FROM MY OFFICE AND/OR A COFFEE SHOP.

A lot of this goes back to getting back into my morning routine, but I've gotten way too used to working from our bed or the couch.  It's so much easier to cross things off of your to-do list throughout the day when you're already dressed and out, rather than still in your robe at 2PM.  Rocket science, right?

NO. 5 // BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT DATE NIGHTS WITH J.

Because I'm such a planner, I try to fit in so many lunches + dinners each week with our family + friends.  As much as I love that, sometimes I forget to be intentional about scheduling time solely for the two of us.  Some days we come in, rush to change and get out the door, check dinner off the list, and haven't even had a chance to ask each other about our days until 9PM.  I'm vowing to make more time for nights with no plans.  (Is that the same as planning not to have a plan?  Either way it's progress.)  Date nights in or out, all dressed up or in work out clothes - we don't care, as long as we're together.

NO. 6 // IF IT'S NOT A HELL YES, IT'S A NO.

I saw this quote on instagram a couple of months ago and I've thought about it a lot ever since.  I've never really had a hard time saying no (usually) and I'm not really a people pleaser, but I struggle with the in-between.  A lot of the 'I really don't want to, but I feel like I should' scenarios.  (Wow, as I'm typing this, it's really all coming together - the pressure I put on myself may have a little bit to do with this one. #overthinker)  I want to be a more definitive person in general and I love the meaning behind this quote - you either REALLY want to say yes, or it's not worth the time + effort.  (Or pressure.)  The hard part is knowing the difference and making the right call.

NO. 7 // BE THE ONE WHO LOVES HARDER, FEELS FIERCELY, ALWAYS HAS PURE INTENTIONS, AND SIMPLY SHOWS UP FOR PEOPLE.  

The older I get, the more I'm realizing the importance of cultivating your tribe.  It's no longer only about the people you have a history with, but simply the people who get you on a soul level.  I have been so blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing women who I can't do life without.  And don't want to.  I always want to pour into them, support them, and no matter what - be there for them.  People who have kids always say 'it takes a village', but I think that applies to life in general.  There are moments when I need my girlfriends simply to get through the day and I'm so, so grateful for the ones who come running.  I will always, always love hard, show grace, and show up for my soulmates.

NO. 8 // BE OUTSIDE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

Between working in the yard every chance I get, soaking up the sunshine, driving through the mountains, or dropping everything for a day by the ocean - being outside is just good for my soul.  And that is a priority.  

NO. 9 // START A SAVINGS ACCOUNT SOLELY FOR HOME RENOVATIONS.

Now that we've been in our home for a little over a year, we're finally getting around to crossing off some of those 'little projects' we've wanted to do for some time.  However, with our expectations and not-sleeping-until-it's-done mentality, most of the time those 'little projects' turn out to cost a pretty penny.  (Including, but not limited to, the never-ending chicken coop project.)  I want to be intentional about not getting caught up in the little things I think we "need" (aka another candle, coffee mug, or vase) and focus on the big things.  The game changing projects that we hope to do in the next couple of years.  A garage (bc golf cart) is next on our list and I'm so excited to save + finally get there!

Finally, thank you all SO much for following along throughout 2018.  I love getting to know the ones of you are might be new around here and continue to cultivate relationships with my OG FATL girls (man, that was trendy) throughout all of the comments, emails, and DMs and I'm beyond grateful for your support.  I'm so excited for what's to come in 2019 and cheers to lots of chickens + chanel, preferably together!  Y'all are the best and we love you so much!

HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR, BABES!  XX.