9 Things I Am Embracing In Year 29!

There are so many things I am looking to embrace in year 29 and I narrowed down the 9 most important to share with all of you!

Each year I always strive to be better, but this year I am trying to not only be better, but be me- the best version of me.

1. Lowering The Expectations I Set For Myself

Something I learned in therapy this past year is to lower the expectations I set for myself. There’s a clause in this statement and I must state it. By no means does this mean that I will stop striving to be my best. I know what I am capable of, but I am also aware that I am always the one to try in every relationship in my life. I’m always the person that makes herself utterly available to everyone I meet and I have trouble saying no.

I have set the expectation to always show up, even when I know I can’t. What this did to me was set an expectation for myself AND the people in my life. This thought often came to my mind, “I would do it for them- why won’t they do it for me? OR “I would show up for them…why don’t they show up for me?”

Expectation is the root of many problems in my life and it starts from the top. It starts with me. So, in year 29, I’m showing up when I can. I’m doing what I can- when I can and accepting that I won’t always be able to show up.

2. Being Present In The Moment

I’m undiagnosed, but I’m ADD. That is 100% obvious and it’s getting worst with age. Suffering with this often takes me out of the moment and plants me smack dab in the middle of my own little world and I don’t like that.

There’s so many times that I’m trying to be present, but my mind just doesn’t allow me to. This year, I’m working really hard to focus and not let life pass me by.

I’m grateful for my creative mind and I feel so grateful to be given the ability to create the way I do, but it comes at a price and the price is not remaining present and in the moment. Year 29 will be different.

3. Not Glorifying “BUSY”

STORY OF MY LIFE! “I’m so busy! I’m working late tonight.” I glorify busy and I’m OVER IT! Granted, I know there will be a day when I look back on the nights in my apartment, where all of THIS began reminding myself that hard work takes sacrifice.

My hope for year 29 is to dream a little more (aka sleep) and use the word “BUSY” less…idk when BUSY became a trophy to entrepreneurs, but I’d like to give up the title in this new year!

4. Not Going On Social Media Past 8:30 PM

This shall be a hard one, but I’ve been doing a pretty great job of this! Did you know that you can set up a timer on your apps? I had NO IDEA!

I googled this one day and I was THRILLED to discover that this existed! The timer on my apps are set for 8:30 PM and after that, they are locked and I can’t get on until the next day.

Also, let me just add that I don’t wake up and get on social. I have had a rule that I don’t look at social media first thing when I wake up because I don’t want to create that habit.

5. Saying “No” When I Really Don’t Want To Do Something

This one kind of coincides with number one. In order for me to achieve #1, I must learn that it’s okay to say no and not feel like I have to say yes every time someone asks me to do something.

I don’t know about you, but I always feel like this- if I don’t have plans and someone asks me to do something I MUST do it. To be honest, some nights I just want to stay home and watch tv and THAT’S the truth!

It’s okay to say no and it’s okay to not have a reason why.

6. Deep Breathing Meditation In The Morning

I did this one for a while and I L O V E D it! Did you know if you deep breathe for 10 minutes every day without any distractions, you will age more gracefully? Deep breathing is great for the skin AND the soul!

Just the other day I was having a rough one. My anxiety was through the ROOF and I just STOPPED, sat in the quiet and took some MAJOR deep breaths for about 5 minutes.

My deep breaths were very intentional and I was so focused on calming myself that I actually did! It was great! I want to start out every day like this.

7. Waking Up At 5:30 (For Real This Time)

Alright, alright. I was suppose to do this forever ago, but I just go to bed SO late that 5:30 seems nearly impossible, but I LOVE waking up early!

I use to wake up at 4:50 every morning and go for a run and I was OBSESSED with this routine. My days were incredible and I miss it, so from the moment this posts, someone take responsibility for holding me accountable to waking up early. Please and THANK YOU!

8. Listen With Intention & Without Distraction

This one also goes really well with #2! The only difference is that I get distracted when I’m talking on the phone. I’m trying to multitask and do things, but my biggest goal is to just SIT and LISTEN.

I feel like I get a grade of “B” for this presently, but I know I can do and be better! My GeGe is the most intent listener of all time. She gets the award for this. She just sits and listens to me and always has. She is never distracted or sounding like she wants to hang up. She just lets me speak and I want to be like this for my people.

So basically, #8 is try to be a more intent listener like my GeGe!

9. Make At Least One Person Smile Each Day

Just today I was walking from Wal-Mart to my car and this sweet young gentleman said, “Your dress is groovy! Keep shining, homie!” This made me smile (and laugh a bit)!

I heard this man telling every person he passed how good they looked or that he like what they were wearing. Every person had a smile on their face.

When I got in my car, I thought to myself, I want to make people smile every day just like that man! There will be many more compliments coming out of my mouth and many more random acts of kindness.

You just never know when people need to hear sweet words, have a door opened for them, help them load their groceries in their car or tell them they look nice that day.

Year 29 is already making me smile REALLY big and I hope it makes you smile too!