IT’S DECEMBER! I seriously love this magical time of year! It’s always a little bittersweet for me – like we are closing out a year (the bitterish part) but celebrating in all the best ways getting ready to start a new one (the sweet part)! All in all, mainly sweet though!! Also, gift giving is my favorite so being able to give this time of year makes it all that more special to me. If you’re still stuck trying to find that perfect gift for your clients, check out the guide I made to help get your creative juices flowing going here.

Last month was full of so many important moments that have led me to how I am intentionally closing out the year. It was mainly inspired by attending the Creative at Heart conference mid-November. I will share more of a recap of that in it’s own post, but let me tell you, I got way more out of it than basic x’s + o’s of running + executing a business. I took away that I do what I do to make those around me have a better quality of life but also cannot compromise mine. I also created this special world for a better quality of life for myself. Honestly, some of the realizations + lessons brought me to tears. I tend to put a lot of pressure + set ultra high expectations for myself but if I am not at my best, I cannot be at my best serving others, right? That’s in the forefront of my mind as I approach this month.

Reoccurring Goals Review:

1. Journal every morning & evening! This is all made possible through my FAVORITE journaling tool – The Five Minute Journal  ✓ – if you’re looking for a new tool for you to reflect daily, check this out for 2019!
2. Drink a gallon of water a day. ✓ – some days I snuck in a little too much hot chocolate over water + felt it but mainly on track!
3. Have a date with Jack. We had a couple! This Thanksgiving was just us + the pups in Charlotte. We had a very low key + quiet day and snuck in movies, shopping, breakfasts, and relaxing during the weekend. It was so, so nice. He’s in the forefront of my mind when December goal planning, too!
4. SLOW DOWN & take in every moment! I was poor at this the first two weeks. I don’t want to make any excuses, but I was prepping to leave for a conference, and be away from emails + my to-do list for three days so it was kind of crazy. But I made up for it the last two weeks!

November Goal Recap:

1. Everyday make some smile. My dad asks this everyday, “how did you make someone smile today?” – so I am going to keep an eye on that literally. I can happily say I did this!

1. Pay it forward weekly! Yes! I loved doing this. I know when I pay it forward, others do it, too, so it’s a win-win right?!
2. If I feel it, say it – share/express gratitude to those I encounter. Sometimes I am feeling it, but don’t always share it but everyone likes to feel appreciated right? Absolutely did! I am going to carry this on over to my everyday because I believe people should always know when they are appreciated!

December Goals:
This month’s focus is to slow down (yes this is a double goal so very important to me), lessen distractions, be present, and reconnect with myself + loved ones. That all equals a more inspired + better version of myself so look out 2019! This is my favorite time to year to make sure I am fully present with my friends + family. I will be doing #allthethings leading up to some much needed time away from my computer, a step back from the day to day, and time to refresh for what’s to come – 2019 is going to be a great year and I want to go into it feeling great! I have already taken the steps to help lessen the distractions a couple weeks ago where I deleted email from my phone. This was inspired from a talk at Creative at Heart + it’s made all the difference in the world being present in whatever I am in at that time. Ultimately, make the most of the time I am giving myself away!

So that’s it. That’s my final goals for 2018! Crazy right? I hope your December is full of wrapping up everything for 2018 + some relaxing time by a fire, curling up with hot cocoa, watching Christmas movies, hanging with family + friends, and drinking bubbly! I know mine will be! See you in 2019!