With 2017 coming to a close, I want to take a minute (or two) to reflect on the successes and challenges of this past year. I have to say that I've been a bit all over the place lately and just feeling quite foggy and overwhelmed. I've been lacking a sense of direction partly because I want to do it all and then fail to get anything done... am I alone here? That need to do it all is actually the culprit to my fogginess! I decided that with this week off from work, I would take time to regroup, focus on what I want to achieve this next year and make a bit of a plan. Admittedly, planning is the one thing I struggle with immensely! So obviously this is one of the aspects of my life that I need to focus on. As they say, fail to plan... plan to fail. I honestly believe there is so much truth to that because I feel like I've failed over and over again due to my lack of planning. With that being said, I want to start 2018 on a positive note!
I love this time of year because starting a new year is essentially like turning over a new chapter, a new beginning, a fresh start, a clean slate... OK you get where I'm going with this! Who doesn't love that?! After carefully reflecting on this past year and all of the things that have cluttered my life, I have decided to use these 'failures' as lessons. I will focus on changing the things that need a little tweaking . Setting these intentions is important to me because I'm essentially holding myself accountable for my successes and failures. People have a tendency to knock New Year's resolutions but I don't like to look at it as a resolution but simply setting an intention and creating a fresh start. I picked up a new journal and am using it to write this next chapter of my life. While many questions still remain uncertain, I do know that planning ahead will help me remain focused and organized therefore I intend to become a bit more of a planner.
I also want to become more active in 2018. This past year had me driving to my daughter's therapy several times per week, plus their extra curricular activities, the blog, cooking, cleaning etc that I neglected to make time for myself. I know that going to the gym is not a realistic option for me at this very moment, but I've been researching ways that I can maintain an active lifestyle from the comfort of my own home. Once I've established a good routine/program, I'll happily share it with you. I intend to start going to hot yoga again. I practiced hot yoga for years and felt wonderful doing it. Somehow I stopped going and I miss terribly. Once the brutal part of winter subsides a bit, I will start practicing yoga in a studio again. Until then, I have plenty of means of doing this in my house as well.
I've been thinking about the direction of the blog lately. I've taken to insta-stories quite a few times to survey you guys (thank you to all who participate, your opinion matters). Seems as though most of you enjoy my beauty posts a bit more than fashion. While I plan on continuing both because fashion and shopping posts are a passion of mine, I realize that beauty is where it all began and I will always stay true to that. Having said that, I thought I'd throw something else into the mix this coming year with a series called 'coffee talk'. This is going to be a bit of an outlet for me to vent and chat about whatever struggles I'm going through as a mom, wife, human etc. While I don't plan on divulging all of the details of my life, I think that this is something that is relatable to many and perhaps we can help each other out through some of these struggles. I think it may even be more interesting if you guys want to throw some ideas at me of topics that you'd like for me to touch on. Hey why not?!
I decided that I wanted to start the year on a positive note (I mean really, does anyone really wanna start the year off on a negative note?! Duh!) but you understand what I'm trying to say! My birthday is on January 5th and for the first time in many years (excluding my trip to Paris a couple of years ago), I've decided to take a personal day and pamper myself. I booked a couple of spa treatments at my favorite spa. Then I'm headed to my favorite mall to buy myself a really expensive bag because again why not?! Lastly, I will go out to dinner with my birthday twin and our hubbies to celebrate our special day! Honestly, I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate. So Mother Nature, I ask you now to spare us from snow on the 5th OK?! Also, praying we are all healthy so that we can make this happen but these are things that I cannot control and I am certainly not going to stress over that which I can't control!
Lastly, yesterday my blog turned SIX! Six years ago I embarked on this amazing journey not quite knowing where it would take me but feeling immensely positive that wherever it did, it would be amazing! I have since been a finalist in Allure's Beauty Blogger Awards, filmed an IT Cosmetics commercial out in LA, worked with amazing brands and attended some awesome events. I am incredibly grateful to YOU, my beautiful, devoted readers who take the time to read my posts, follow my social media channels and share this little adventure with me. I so appreciate you and your continued support! Cheers to another successful year!
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