2018 Goals

2018 Goals

Hi friends,

Happy New Year…a few days late. Thanks for letting me take some time off. I needed a break and to spend some much needed time with family over the holidays. Now that I am back, I have been thinking a lot about 2018 but more so about 2017. I think we focus so much on the future when sometimes we need to take a step back and reflect on the past: What did we do well; Where did we have challenges; What did we learn; How did we grow. I feel knowing where you’ve been prepares you and gives you that perspective to look forward to where you want to go.

As I reflect on 2017 and think about the year, I absolutely grew in my faith, patience and strength. Most of this stems from all the infertility crap. Not getting pregnant yet has been the struggle of a lifetime, but it has also taught me more about myself than any other experience in this world. I am typically a control freak and the least patient human I know. Going thru this has given me a new outlook on taking one day at a time and living in the moment (still have a ways to go). It has also shown me who I can truly count on, Trent. He and I have our ups and downs like any other couple, but I tell ya what…his love is so steadfast and true. I really would be lost without him.

Starting this blog was also a huge milestone for me in 2017. It takes a great deal of courage to put yourself out there and take this leap. Blogging can feel lonely, but I am lucky. I met a tribe of amazing and supportive women in 2017 that are fierce as hell. I am also so thankful for all of you, my readers. You have made the journey so much more fulfilling than I ever imagined.

My biggest downfall, my health. I am typically a healthy person. I have struggled with being able to work out consistently due to IVF and other procedures. So yes, this was somewhat out of my control. However, I have some big changes in 2018 that will help me be a happier and healthier human…at least that’s the goal.

So now onto 2018, what do I want to achieve.

First and foremost, I think that having monthly goals that I share (I started this once before) is going to be key to my success. I have found that setting an overall goal and then milestones of how we will get there works best for me.

Goal 1: Health…so this can mean many things. Hence, why I am keeping it broad. I don’t want to pigeonhole myself to a number of pounds or a specific diet for the year. The biggest part of this is my Hashimoto’s disease. This is also believed to be one of the reasons I have had issues keeping a pregnancy. My goal for January is to complete the anti-inflammatory diet which is similar to paleo or Whole30. I have recently learned that a lot of what I am eating can aggravate my immune system and negatively affect fertility. So, clean eating is a goal. Next, I am going to get into yoga and continue to run/lift weights when I can. Lastly, acupuncture. I have heard this can help things like migraines, fertility, my thyroid and more.

Goal 2: Put Trent/my marriage first. Ok, this makes me sound selfish…but hear me out.  How many of us are guilty of being on a date and photographing food, or looking at insta when we are watching a show with our loved ones, or maybe we are neglecting the date night due to a deadline. These are all small details but they add up. I am promising that one date night a month is completely phone free and that 1 night a week is dedicated to time with Trent without technology. I also need to keep my emotions in check. Going thru infertility, injecting hormones and all the other stress in life; I tend to take out my frustration on him. I am devoted to being more patient and empathetic as I know he is in this too.

Goal 3: Make my blog an even bigger priority. What does this really mean? Better time management. I pride myself on being organized and managing my time well, but I can do better. I will do better. No more Sundays binge watching Stranger Things (eehhh at least not every Sunday). I want to bring you more consistent content and expand my reach. I am also trying to figure out my niche. There will again be many small goals every week/month. One right now is to build out a really great content calendar, and another is to come up with a strong business plan. My wish is to be doing this full time by the end of 2020 or the beginning of 2021. Woooo!  It’s weird to say 2021. But in the meantime, I do love my full time job and will continue working my butt off. So, if I miss on the blog here or there, apologies in advance. And remember goal 2…yep, can’t compromise on that one.

Goal 4: Pay off debt. Ok, that is an easy one.

Goal 5: Read one book a month. Again, enough said.

This sums it up. What are your reflections on 2017 and goals for 2018? Whatever they may be, I think having small milestones along the way, will surely get you there by this time next year.