Out with the Old, In with the New

2018 was a year that tested my faith, my obedience, my marriage and my sanity. It was a year of challenges, of growth and a year that I’ve learned the most thus far in my 32 year of life.

I didn’t enjoy most of the year to be quite honest, because I was wishing it away. Or rather I wanted time to speed up to August when my youngest son would be receiving his cochlear implant surgery. A few weeks following the surgery, he’d finally have the ability to hear after more than a year of not being able to hear. Sometimes I feel guilty for wishing the better part of 2018 away (which also included my son’s first birthday), but I’m so thankful for the support system we had in place who prayed for us throughout the year.

It was just an incredibly busy year filled with doctors appointments, work events, writing, family functions and just the busyness of parenthood. I’ve never been more exhausted. I think my husband will agree that it’s been a long year with little rest.

We’re looking forward to 2019, as it’s sure to be a bit more slow. Beckett is hearing and his speech therapy is going great. Braxton will be starting kindergarten in the Fall. Both of our careers are going well. We have our goals outlined and planned. We are content with closing the door on 2018 and welcoming 2019 with open arms.

“What the New Year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year” – Verna McLellan

In 2019, I will choose to say “No” more, so that I can say “Yes” to what really matters most to myself and my family. This year, I will choose rest more than letting the busyness of life interfere with my family and our goals. I will remove those from my life that add chaos and drama to it. I will hold those close to me who choose to be a part of our lives and let go of those who choose to be distant. I will do what is right for my family and support them in their endeavors. I will remove those from my life who chose to not support my family’s goals and aspirations. There is no room in our lives for those who want to see others fail. I will choose to love, yet not wear my emotions on my sleeve. I’ll be more present than consumed with social media and my phone. I’ll build my faith with my family and give back when we are able. This year is my family’s year of growth. It’s our year for breakthrough. It’s our year for exponential results. This is our year.

Every year, I make a list of goals. Here are some of my main goals.

Learn conversational ASL
Publish my second children’s book
Grow and monetize my blog
Lose 10 lbs of fat, but gain 10 lbs of muscle
Pray at every meal and before bedtime with the boys
30 minutes minimum of reading/crafting/educational activity every day
Read 12-15 books
Finish my second novel
Workout 4-5 times/week
Run my second 1/2 marathon
2 date nights/month
Pay off a big chunk of debt
Re-do our kitchen
Meditate once a day
Do more yoga
Make some new friends
Travel someplace I’ve never been
Grow in my career
Be more patient
Give back as much as possible
Read the Bible (again)
Grow my business
Spend more time outside
Budget
Work towards being a Minimalist

Here is a list of 25 books I’m interested in reading this year.

I’ll be Gone in the Dark- Michelle McNamara
The Iliad & The Odyssey- Homer
Girl, Stop Apologizing- Rachel Hollis
Into the Water- Paula Hawkins
The Hate U Give-Angie Thomas
On the Come Up- Angie Thomas
Era of Ignition: Coming of Age in a Time of Rage and Revolution- Amber Tamblyn
The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life’s Direction and Purpose- Oprah Winfrey
City of Girls- Elizabeth Gilbert
Becoming- Michelle Obama
Less- Andrew Sean Greer
High Performance Habits- Brendon Burchard
Wheat Belly- William Davis
Big Magic Creative Living Beyond Fear- Elizabeth Gilbert
The Woman in the Window- A.J. Finn
Circe- Madeline Miller
The President is Missing- James Patterson and Bill Clinton
In Extremis: The Life and Death of War Corespondent Marie Colvin- Lindsey Hilsum
Yes We (Still) Can: Politics in the Age of Obama, Twitter and Trump- Dan Pfeiffer
The Case for Christ- Lee Strobel
Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus- John Eldredge
Leaders Eat Last- Simon Sinek
Switch On Your Brain: The Key to Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health- Dr. Caroline Leaf
The 6 Keys: Unlock Your Genetic Potential for Ageless Strength, Health, and Beauty-Jillian Michaels
The Minimalist Home: A Room-by-Room Guide to a Decluttered, Refocused Life-Joshua Becker

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I’m looking forward to a New Year more than ever. 2018 was a bit of a blur, and I’m ready for a bit of rest, more time to spend with family and an incredible breakthrough. I’m ready to check off these goals and be the best that I can be for myself and my family.

Cheers to 2019! Peace out 2018!