2018 was a weird year for me and on one hand, I'm kind of glad it's over. Last year I just felt like I was in a constant funk. It was a roller coast of emotions all year and I found myself being anxious, sad/depressed and uninspired... a lot. My friend, Huong, reminded me that even though last year might not have been the greatest, it was just one chapter of my life and not the whole book.

So I'm not gonna dwell on it. The New Year marks a clean slate, a fresh start and I can't wait to see where 2019 takes me because I don't really want a repeat of 2018. I have a few things on my to-do list (both big and small) and these are just a few goals I'm hoping to accomplish this year:


TAKE BETTER CARE OF MYSELF
I completely let myself go last year. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.... basically in all ways, so I'm making myself a priority. I didn't like the physical or mental state I was in last year, so I'm determined to have a happier and healthier 2019. I'm not gonna dwell on things or people that are unimportant and toxic and I'm going to appreciate the life and blessings I do have.  I'm going to make better eating choices and workout more. I'm finally going to go to the doctors to try and figure some things out. I'm going to put the phone down and meditate/read more. And lastly, I'm going to get better at going to church. I may have lost my way for a little bit, but I'm finding my way back.


HAVE MORE DATE NIGHTS
When you've been married for almost 10 years (together for 15! eeeek!) pretty normal to settle into a routine. And while we don’t have kids, we are a basically a one income family with an expensive dog (health issues), so finances can be tight sometimes. My plan is to try and have one date night a week. Most will be at home, probably cooking dinner together & a movie WITHOUT looking at our cell phones! And than maybe once a month try a new restaurant or something a little more fun. I’d also like to plan a weekend trip or two because it’s just nice to explore different places! I also want to work on being a little more affectionate and a little less critical.


EXPAND THE SHOP & BLOG MORE
This year I am committing to growing my shop and blog. When I rebranded in late 2017, I thought 2018 was gonna be my year! Well, it's safe to say that it wasn't. I didn't reach the goal I set for myself (for many different reasons) but the biggest was that I just lost the motivation. I want to help support our family and also give back to charities I believe in.  After I pay my monthly expenses (web hosting, Adobe creative suite, Etsy fees, donate, etc. etc.) my "profit" is still low and inconsistent month to month. So I've been working on a clearer vision and direction I want to go in with the products and designs I'm selling. So that means getting back into a routine, working from my "office" (or a coffee shop), putting in the hard work and actually treating Union Shore like the legitimate business it is! (I do pay taxes for it after all! lol)  


SPEND LESS / SAVE MORE
This is a tough one since we basically live paycheck to paycheck. Like I mentioned above, Brandon brings home the bacon in our house. ;) Sometimes things can get tight if I spend to much at Target, or we eat out a few too many times, not to mention Sonny's medications alone can cost a pretty penny! My goal is to really cut back on unnecessary purchases (I'm looking at you Target/TJMaxx). I don't need another sweater or vase, especially if it's full-price. I plan of being more frugal and intentional with purchases and putting any extra money towards date nights... and more importantly our savings account!


Even with the best of intentions, you can't be successful if you aren't motivated. That was one of my biggest problems in 2018 so sharing these "goals" with you will hopefully hold me accountable,  keep me productive and on track!


Hoping 2019 brings us all a successful & fulfilling year!
What are some of your goals for the new year?


photo via she sweats diamonds