Resolve Over Resolution

One of my "New Year's Resolutions" for 2018 is to begin a blog on my site. Now, I know we're already halfway through January and you're probably thinking, "If this is a 2018 resolution, why did she not already start this blog??" I totally agree. I don't really have an excuse besides laziness. There are too many good shows on Netflix and I'd much rather sit in bed and edit wedding photos than put the work in to begin this. BUT--here we are and at least I'm starting it now and not making it a resolution for next year instead(who's with me?).

I don't assume that much of anything I have to say here will inspire you, but I do have a tiny hope that it will. There are a few reasons why I am choosing to write my thoughts down here. The main one being that I would like to document my life more than I have in the past. I don't want to lose memories or moments because I only captured images and I never wrote down thoughts. Both are equally important. Secondly, I don't always have the outlet I crave when something meaningful comes to mind. I'm writing as much as for you as I am for me. Questions or thoughts are always welcome, we're all in this together.

I will mention that I think giving yourself grace when it comes to goals is important. You can't succeed if you set the bar too high, but you won't get anywhere if you don't at least try. Resolve over resolution is the bottom line. Set your mind on what you want and where you would like to be and you'll get there. I'm still in the beginning stages of this and I'm always constantly learning.

I'd like to begin by naming off some of my other resolutions for 2018. A few days before Christmas, I got a cold(go figure, I'm always sick) and my best friend had just given me a planner for my Christmas gift. I was feeling overly inspired and self righteous about all the things I wanted to do in 2018, plus I could lay in bed and write at the same time. So began my journey of writing down "daily, weekly, monthly, yearly and general goals." Here they are:

D A I L Y

- Love unconditionally

- Do something new(beginning this blog is today's new thing)

- Do one thing to further my business

- Take care of my body / skin -- we only get one

- Pray for friends and family

- Take vitamins

- Don't eat after 8:00pm

- Do something to be active

- Play guitar or piano

- Worry less

W E E K L Y

- Get outside

- Go to church at least once

- Read from an inspirational book

- Be selfish one time

- Be selfless every other time

- Cook a new recipe at home

- Make a sacrifice for the environment

- Learn something new on guitar or piano

- Snuggle with a puppy

- Draw or paint something

- Journal about life and / or loving Gabriel(my boyfriend)

- Be generous at least once

- Work in another place besides my room

- Try to FaceTime with Jordan(my brother who lives in Australia)

M O N T H L Y

- Write Gabe a love letter

- Write at least one new blog post

- Read an entire book on my kindle

- Play an open mic or showcase

- Go somewhere new that inspires me creatively

- Make a new friend

- Pamper myself

- Memorize a scripture

- Buy myself something pretty

- Follow a monthly precept

- Tithe

- Go on a date

- FaceTime Telma(my French friend who is studying in Montreal right now)

Y E A R L Y

- Book 16 to 20 weddings in 2018

- Be the kind of person others want to be around

- Begin mentoring other young photographers

- Stay on top of taxes

- Grow a plant(besides my cactus, Harvey, who never needs anything)

- Finish paying off my car

- Take a cooking or art class

- Go on at least two trips out of state or country

G E N E R A L

- Be more adventurous

- Worry less about money

- Go shopping less often

- Do things that light my soul on fire

- Take responsibility for my faults

- Be the first to apologize

- Let myself feel, but no pity parties

- Stand up for what I need / feel and be firm about it

- Be selfless and flexible(don't plan too much)

- Explore the possibilities

- View life as a journey not a destination

- Exercise my creativity

- Don't let gas prices keep my from going somewhere

- Take time to reflect

- Watch less TV

- Put my best foot forward

- Drink tea and eat salad

- Cut down on sugar and junk food

- Re-learn French / practice

- Live in the moment(but not recklessly)

- Choose minimalist

January's precept(as mentioned in "Wonder"): When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind. - Wayne W. Dyer

January's scripture: Keep your lives free from the love of money + be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

January's book: Wonder by Raquel Jaramillo

There you have it. I think I'm doing pretty well so far. Although I haven't gone outside much(brrrr) or bought another plant to grow, I have been eating a lot of salad and I finally started this blog.

If this inspires you in some way, I am thrilled. If you feel like it, let me know why in the comments. If it's too long for you to read, don't worry about it. We're still friends.

Here's to your 2018.