Today is my birthday, and I wanted to duck in and write a quick post before heading out to be with Jesse and my family today. Last year on this day I set some pretty big goals that would set the stage for my being able to quit my job and work on design, blogging and my creative passions full time. Looking back at that post is surreal- I wouldn’t have believed it if someone had told me this is where I would be a year later, and I’m so incredibly grateful for all of your support!

I love the idea of a birthday list and of setting my intentions for the year, and I’m excited to make it a tradition.

This year I will…

Be intentional with my attention. As I’ve been working on my time management I’ve been realizing how much impact what I pay attention to in my day to day life has on me! I can choose to focus on good or bad, on places of conflict or places where I can learn and grow, and on relationships that are one way or two way streets. I’m set on rooting myself in things that are positive and energize me, I think it will make every day a little better.

Give back the blog love! I’ve been making time every day to reply to comments and I’m excited to spend time exploring the blogs of the readers who comment here. I love getting to know everyone who reads my blog and to find new ways to build community here- I’m looking forward to finding some really neat ways to do that

Make sure the words “marriage” and “friendship” are verbs. I want to be active, reaching out, and invested in my marriage and friendships. Over the winter I was more than a little hermit-y and I’m excited to break out of that habit and give back to the people who are so important to me.

Find ways for Freckled Nest to make a big impact in helping people. I’m so proud that our company has the kind of heart that lets our clients trust us talk to us about everything from how to grow their businesses to their relationship troubles. I’m looking forward to finding more places for us to make a big difference in the lives of our clients, it’s so gratifying to be a part of.

Jump in! This year I want to say yes, take chances, be completely passionate and driven, find ways to lift up the people around me, to write authentically and be actively engaged in kindness. I want to wake up early and stay up late, and to take it all in.

No matter what happens in the coming year?
I have a feeling that it’s going to be an amazing ride.

Thanks for being a part of it with me!