After reviewing my 2018 highlights and struggles, I’m working through looking towards the next year with a strategic plan for success and moving towards a more inspiring, rewarding, exciting, purposeful, and powerful life full of challenge and I don’t have all the answers, but here’s where I am at this moment:

What do I really want?

I want this year to be transformational in my body, mind, and profession. That’s a lot of transition, but considering all of what I’ve been able to accomplish in 2018, and over the past few years of living an intentional, simple, and driven lifestyle focused on becoming debt free, traveling in the US, and being more mindful of how I take care of my body, I’ve set the stage and prepared my body and mind to finally come into alignment and work with and not against each other. 

What that means is that I’m going to really work towards being transparent, honest, and full of integrity to myself, because taking action towards my best self is the only way I will overcome my challenges with personal beliefs and doubt. In the past year, I was working to let go of the person I’d been and step into the new person I was creating. I’ve thought a lot about how the stories I tell myself, and attitudes I have towards myself will change my perception, and enable me to take the action because I’ve done the work. Since moving away from the old person I’d identified with, it’s time to step into the new person, who I’m still discovering. This is a person who is motivated by taking great care of herself and treating herself, and others with respect and kindness. It would be great if, by the end of 2019, I’m debt free (which I will be), I’m at my optimal body composition, and I’m free of the 9-5 office life, trading in my toxic habits for ones that will take me to this amazing place of self-love, freedom, and with time to dedicate to creating.

What is important about it? 

The ability to feel like I have control over my body and what I put in it, living without cravings, and not worrying about food, in general, is true freedom from feeling overwhelmed, guilty, and anxious about food. I now believe this is possible for me, and want to focus my energy on finding the tools to be successful with fuel for my body. To have time to explore the world, travel, reading, writing, and creating stories, is true happiness, in my view.

As I still work through the ability to be happy right now, at this moment, it is possible to be completely satisfied – but comfortable isn’t something I want to be any longer. I’d spent many years being comfortable on a couch, consumed junk food and thought that I couldn’t do the things that famous actresses did on screen because I’d already given up believing it was possible. NOW I BELIEVE I’M CAPABLE of trail running, zip lining, mountain biking, skiing, ice skating, base jumping, sky-diving, suntanning on the beach, and so, so much more. 

How will I get it?

I will reach my goals by using the tools I’ve got in my virtual toolbox and fashionable carry-on bag and using the experiences I’ve had to move me forward, as well as continue to learn new, improved ways to grow.

What are the tools? Here are my five go-to’s for feeling my BEST every day! (Not anything Earth-shattering but wanted to share) I started implementing these at the beginning of 2018 and will continue the morning routine and get more consistent with an evening practice.

1. Journaling. The best way to keep in tune with myself and set intentions.
2. Yoga & Meditation. How I connect to my physical body and my monkey mind.
3. Essential Oils. How I keep my body feeling clean, relaxed, and aware.
4. Reading. I enjoy reading inspiring stories of people who overcame adversity.
5. Connecting. Reaching out to family and friends when I feel alone or depressed.

What is preventing me from having it? 

In the past, self-limiting beliefs restricted me from taking steps in my life outside my comfort zone, resulting in a stagnant existence. I am ready to let go of these believes and move forward on a path of understanding NOTHING is out of my reach, my best mind, body, and positive vibe spirit can do anything. I am creating a plan for the next year that will give me guidance, check-ins, and awareness each step to guarantee success.

How will I know I am successful?

My physical body will be a good measure to follow. If my body is working at it’s best, I’m fueling it in a way that is aware of my needs and nothing more. Also becoming debt free in 2019 will allow me to shift my career to something that I enjoy more, and allow me time and funds needed to travel. I’m hoping to find a new place to move in 2019, so relocating will also be a tell-tale sign that I’ve been successful.

What would you do in 2019 if you knew you could not fail?

I would plan non-stop travel and enjoy time alone reading, and writing, to develop and grow as a storyteller and for my own book, to share my experiences. I’d build relationships with people I admire and love, and meet new people, dipping into new experiences with language, pushing my physical limitations, and trying to understand the world from other’s unique perspectives.

What are some things you could be doing that you’ve been too afraid to try? How can you stretch your comfort zone?

I’m going to Mexico in February of 2019 and this will be my first International trip, so I’m excited to expose myself to speaking Spanish with natives, trying local food, and immersing myself in culture. All things are way beyond my current comfort zone and I’m really excited for this push as I continue to expand my awareness.

What have you been struggling with for entirely too long?

My relationship with food has been a constant mental challenge. I want to feel amazing and I don’t know what that feels like because I haven’t gotten past the point of discomfort to the extent of removing all toxins from my body. This will be my ultimate goal for this year, to live and feel amazing, and to really understand what that means for me and my unique body.

What could you outsource, delegate, automate, and/or stop doing in 2019?

Stop Spending, start saving money,  being intentional about my purchases.

In what ways and which areas will you “upgrade” your life?

By taking an active and aware mindest, I’ll be doing my most valuable and important work to upgrade my life in a meaningful and purposeful way while honoring my time and respecting my journey.