Happy 2015!

2014 was a doozy. When I think back on everything that happened in the past year, my heart starts to pound. 

I started 2014 with a very long and ambitious list of goals in my hands, and I pushed myself. Hard.

At first, it felt extremely gratifying to tick items off my list. Ideas became reality, doors opened, I got to explore new places, and had the pleasure of meeting some truly incredible people. Then suddenly, it felt like everything started snowballing and happening at once. I was tackling projects left and right, day and night. I had never felt so stressed, anxious, and completely overwhelmed in my life. (Sounds kinda ridiculous coming from someone who just became a yoga teacher. The irony is not lost on me.)

Thankfully, it all worked out in the end. A spectacular abundance came out of the hard work, but I know it wasn't all my doing. You see, the problem wasn't the list itself. The issue was that perfectionist/control freak voice in my ear, whispering incessantly that I need to get everything done, and do everything right, right now. Flawlessly. Or else.

It is time to stop answering to that impossible demon.

No list for 2015, just one simple intention: Freedom. My wish is to live in a way that allows me to try, fail, and accomplish without limits. To be kinder to myself. To just live with joy and purpose. And above all, to trust that God is perfectly in control.

I'm looking forward to this one, and I hope you are too. Happy new year! :)

Happy New You.

Chris and I do this thing annually where we go out to a nice dinner and evaluate our past year. Sort of a year-end debrief, if you will. As we we sat there reflecting last night, I started to realize what an abundant year 2013 had been. It was packed with rewarding challenges and personal growth, and it was so much fun.

We've made new plans and set bigger goals for 2014, and I am very eager to see everything this year will bring. I'll keep a few to myself for now, but here are some goals I’d like to share with you:

Go outside. Sign out. Log off. Go for a hike. After all, we do have a 500-acre forest in our backyard. I really do not have any excuses to not take my shiny new bike for a spin. I need to make more time to step out and find some peace with nature.

Church.  Several evolving circumstances have led Chris and me to prayerfully consider and reevaluate where we need to be. While we love our home church, it is good and very important to be intentional about where we worship and serve. I do not want to grow complacent or live with one foot out the door. Wherever we end up, I want to be able to commit fully, continue investing in and building our community, and keep growing.

Get healthy. Remember that sinus infection I mentioned back in February? I still have it. It has taken a huge toll on my body, causing me to feel run down all the time. After battling this thing for almost a year, a recent CT scan revealed the root of my problem - a deviated septum. As much as I hate being sick, I must admit I’ve been putting off the corrective procedure. I've been using my insanely busy schedule as an excuse (totally legitimate), but the truth is... I’m scared. I just need to suck it up and get it done and over with. Plus, the constant sniffling is not cute.

Along the lines of healthier living, I want to cook and eat more healthy foods. I also need to spend a little less time stressing myself out, and a lot more time on my yoga mat. Oh yea, and I should probably give my wine opener a break once in a while. There, I've said it.

Travel. Our 5-year wedding anniversary is coming up this April, and I would love to plan an awesome getaway with my man. I also want to go on at least one group trip with my closest friends. With so much going on in our busy lives, it’s getting harder and harder to travel together, but that’s what makes it special. Let’s make it happen and check a few places off our lists this year!

Save more. With buying, renovating, and furnishing our new home, this past year has been hands down the most expensive year of my life. While Chris and I firmly believe in living within our means, I'd like to challenge myself to set aside a little more this year. I really do have everything I need, so it's time to save up for bigger things and dreams. Plus, it feels pretty darn good to stack that ca$h.

Read more. As much as I enjoy reading all the latest and greatest NYT bestsellers, nothing compares to the richness and inspiration found in classic literature. I've recently downloaded a bunch of novels on my Kindle, and cannot wait to dig in. First up – Great Expectations.

Write more. I am so thankful for this blog, which allows me to exercise my love for writing and share my thoughts and passions. Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement – your kind words have meant the world to me throughout this past year. You guys humble and inspire me to continue doing what I love.

Keep going. I've found that the more I achieve and overcome, the harder I am on myself to accomplish and reach for more. With broader horizons, more things appear on my radar. New doors have been opening up for me, and it’s time to be brave. I will continue to invest all of my best, stay positive, and most importantly, believe in myself.

Happy new dreams, happy new desires.
Happy new days, happy new ways.
Happy new year.
Happy new you.
Cheers!

Fly

Remember that gut feeling I had back in January about all the changes that were about to take place? Boy, was I right, and what an extraordinary year it has been.

2012 was a roller coaster of peaks, plunges, twists, loops, and turns. I started it out with lots of kicking and screaming, terrified of every tiny little bump. But somewhere along the way, little by little, I found myself finally letting go. While I may not have both hands up in the air just yet, I am definitely starting to enjoy the ride. This year has left me breathless and dizzy, and I am having the time of my life.

I never would've imagined that we'd be living out of boxes as we embark upon this new year, but I could not be happier. Even as I write this, our home is being prepped for a complete transformation, making way for a perfectly fresh, new begining. We have so many things to be excited about and thankful for, and I simply cannot wait to see what 2013 has up its sleeve.

I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying a refreshing and peaceful holiday. Happy New Year!