2020 - My Word of the Year!

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Happy New Year Friends!! I hope everyone had a great New Year's Eve no matter how you celebrated.  We headed to dinner with my BIL, SIL, and Little Bit Davis for a fun night of catching up, laughing, and enjoying time together. We got home a few hours before midnight and we just chilled around the house, watched the ball drop, and simply relaxed.  It was a great night.

I love ringing in the year with my husband and our family!

I just love January 1st.  Its a day filled with hope, possibility, and dreams.  Each year, I take time to do Cultivate What Matters' Powersheets and part of the progress is selecting a word of the year.  I thought going into the planning portion of the Powersheets that I knew what my word would be, but as I moved closer to selecting a word it became clear that another word was more suited for my goals and vision for 2020.

This year my goals are not grand or over the top.  This year, I really want to become really consistent in the smaller disciplines in life.  I want to eat cleaner, workout more, spending time investing into relationships, spend more time studying the Word of God, and overall improve the day-to-day habits of my life. 

So it become clear that the word I want to focus on in 2020 is NOURISH!

I want to be able to nourish my body with healthier food choices, more physical activity, and more rest.  Nourish my soul with in-depth bible studies, church involvement, and overall drawing closer to the Lord.  Nourish relationships by investing more time and love into those I love the most.  And, most of all nourishing the areas that have been neglected to help me become the best version of myself. 

So there you have it my word of the year. I would absolutely LOVE to hear your word of the year if you do something similar, or write a comment with a few of your 2020 goals that you’ve made a note to conquer. 

Friday 5 and March Goals

Happy March Friends!!  I am ready for a new month, new possibilities, and new adventures.  I am feeling much, much better and ready to get this month started.  After a sick February, I ready to dive into life again.  This weekend, my plans are fairly low key.  House cleaning, laundry, errands, and relaxing.  Love weekends like this.

I thought it would be fun to kick off the month with a 5 on Friday, and share some things I am loving right now. 

1. Vacation Planning 

I have vacation on my brain lately.  I am ready for some beach time with my hubby and maybe even going with a few other family members too. Anyone else thinking of sand, surf, and ocean yet?  I really hope we can head to the beach in June/July, and then even plan another larger vacation this fall or in December for my BIG birthday.   (Fingers crossed.)

2. New Recipe - Fish Tacos

If you have been on here at all this year, you may know that one of my goals is to learn to cook 24 new recipes in 2019.  I am off to a good start, and have already learned to cook four new recipes.  Which include Potato Soup, Oven Baked Chicken Breast, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and Fish Tacos.

I have loved all of them, but the fish tacos are by far my favorite.  Check out the recipe here.

3.  New Music 

I am loving the new album out by Bethel Music. The new album is inspired by the story of King Jehoshaphat and the unlikely victory won by sending worshipers to the front lines of battle in 2 Chronicles 20:22 "As they began to sing and praise the Lord set an ambush against the men who were invading Judah and they were defeated."

 

4.Smoothies, Smoothies, and more Smoothies

I have been on a smoothie kick over the past few weeks, and have recently found a few new recipes too.  My one question is what is your favorite protein powder?  I have used Shakeology for years, but before I order another bag, I wanted to ask if there are any recommendations on other great protein powders out there that will give me the full nutritional benefits I get from Shakeology? 

5. March Goals
So, to say I have big plans for March is probably an understatement.   I took some time over the past few days to really think through my goals for the month, and thought I would go ahead and share them with you.

Read: Digital Minimalism 

I have been doing a lot of thinking of just how much social media and a digital lifestyle really are brainwashing my mind.  I find myself impulse shopping online, or wanting to try a new workout routine or beauty product all because an influencer, whom I really like and admire, tells me about it.  And, I know the only way to stop being so consumed with it all is to just STOP!  But, its so hard, because companies like Facebook, Instagram, and all of our favorite retail shops have built their sites around making the content addicting. 

I decided this past weekend that one of the books I am going to tackle in March is a new book called Digital Minimalism.  I am really looking forward to learning about this concept and finding ways to really break the social media addiction.  Because to be honest, I miss taking time to think, to read, and to just chill without all the noise.

Read: Building a Story Brand 

Learn to Cook 2 New Dinners

Plan a Date Day with Matt

Get away for the day, just the two of us. 

Plan Summer Vacation 

I can't wait to start thinking about the sun, fun, and beach.  

Celebrate my Mother-in-Law's Birthday 

Make a plan for Spring Cleaning our Home 

I am leaning towards following Simplified's Ruthless De-clutter Challenge (but will decide soon) on how I want to tackle our spring cleaning and a timeline for the cleaning. 

Work:  Host a special event with filmmaker Ken Burns

Work: Finalize Draft for FY 2019-20 Marketing Plan and Budget   

Work: Close out a grant and submit.

Write the Word Wednesdays 

I love using my Write the Word journal, and always enjoy setting aside a day of the week where I get to write the Word of God and pray. 

Parents Dinner 

Since I haven't been feeling well all year, I have gotten out of the habit of seeing my parents on a regular basis.  So, I really want to get back into the routine of our weekly Parents Date. 

Budget Check In

Matt and I have been using the App from Minted to manage our budget, and need to start doing a weekly review to ensure we stay within our budget.

Bible Reading 

I am reading through the Old Testament this year, and I really like the pace of this plan. 

Write out AM Routine Each Night

To help bring more discipline in my life, I have decided that before I go to bed each night, I am going to plan out my AM Routine (Bible Study, Workout, Stretching/Yoga, etc.) and write it down.  So all I have to do is wake up and follow the plan.

Write out meal plan each night for next day 

I am also going to write out the next day's meal plan (tweak from my overall meal plan that I make on Saturday). This helps me focus and stay on task.

Meditate 

Meditation is something that I have wanted to get into for awhile, and finally decided to jump in.  I am using the Headspace App and really enjoying it.  I am starting out with 10 minute meditations.  

Finally, my quote for March

Happy March Friends!

Happy New Year - 2019 Goals and Word of the Year

Happy New Year Sweet Friends!!  I hope you had a great New Year's Eve, even if it was just relaxing at home or celebrating with family and friends.  Matt and I headed to dinner with Jamie, Kristy, and Little Bit, and then came home for a relaxing night.  Matt works ONE MORE DAY, and then he is FINALLY off a few days to recover from this hectic holiday season. I took the rest of the week off work too, so I am really looking forward to spending some time together this week, even if its doing nothing.  

New Year's Eve Dinner with the fam

Over the past few weeks (since the first of December), I have been thinking, praying, and working on goals and vision for 2019.  These are not simple "resolutions," but action items that will really help me plan for a productive year ahead.  

I use a system called PowerSheets by Cultivate What Matters to help guide me through the goal planning process.  There are about 67 pages of prep work, but its sooo worth it.  I simply slow down, take my time, and everything comes together nicely.

So without further adieu, below are my 2019 Goals and a little detail about each one of them. 

Goal #1 - Draw Near to God 

James 4:8 is one of my favorite verses in the bible - "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."  I love the simplicity of this verse, because it simple states that if we desire to be closer with the Lord, we can take a simple first step and draw closer to Him and He will return our action and draw closer to us.  

In 2019, I really want to continue to draw closer to the Lord.  To depend on the Holy Spirit more, and to share the salvation of Christ with others.  I know this will lead to more peace, rest, love, and joy into my life, and who doesn't want more of that.  

Mini Goals 

 - Read through the Old Testament in a Year.  In 2018, I read through the entire bible, but this year I am yearning to SLOW DOWN a little, and focus on the Old Testament.  In 2020, I will focus on the New Testament.  I will be following this plan this year.

-Prayer Journal - Last year, I came across a small business that I just fell in love with and wanted to try some of their products.  The company is called Val Marie Paper, and they specialize in prayer journals.  Since it was mid-year, the annual prayer journals were sold out; however, I got the six month prayer journal and LOVED it!!  So this past August, when the 2019 Prayer Journals went on sale, I jumped at the change to get an annual one.  I spent a few hours on Sunday prepping my journal, and cannot to jump in and see what all God has in store for our family this year. 

- Write the Word Challenge - I've decided to commit to the first 31 days of 2019 to actually writing the Word and praying it.  I use a  journal called "Write the Word" and I love it.  I have finished one book and on my second one.   To follow along with the challenge, click here. 

- Begin attending church, join a church, and get involved with a church.  This is something God has really been putting on my heart the last few months.  I have always been involved in church and/or a small group my entire life, but since moving back home four years ago, Matt and I haven't found a place to call "home."  However, to be honest, my walk with the Lord still remains strong, but I yearn for the Christian connections and friendships.  I miss serving others in the church and community, and I am expecting the Lord to lead us to our "home church" this year.  I am also praying that the Holy Spirit helps me break the habit of sleeping in on Sundays and gets me back in the habit of wanting to be in church instead.  

-Take part in an in-depth study of a book in the bible.  This past year, was the first year I didn't study a book in the bible and I really missed it.  I am really hoping new studies come out, as I am eager to jump in.  I also think it would be awesome to do this with a group of women (I miss my small bible study groups from Knoxville.) 

-Spend time each week enjoying a longer quiet time.  I have a quiet devotion time each day, but I always like to spend at least one day reading the word, praying longer, worshiping, etc.  This time is so precious to me, and I want to make it a habit each week. 

-Worship Playlist - I usually create a worship playlist each season (about four a year), and I plan to do it again this year. 

  

Goal #2 - Build a Solid Financial Foundation 

This is another VERY important goal for Matt and I, as we really believe if we can live within our means now, it will free us up to live and give generously later.  I really want to take time to learn about a zero based budget, and even have a few books on finances and money that I want to read this spring too.  

Mini Goals

- Use an app like Mint or Every Dollar to establish and follow a budget. 

- Save money for an emergency fund. 

- Save for vacation (or two)

- Review our retirement plans, and make adjustments and changes. 

Goal #3 -  Develop a consistent morning routine

By the end of 2018, my morning routine was awful.  I simply got out of bed (at the last minute), got ready, and headed to work.  I didn't do anything for myself.  I believe that starting the day off strong sets us up for a successful day ahead.  

Mini Goals 

- Establish a morning workout plan 

- Journal 4-5 times per day 

- Quiet time with the Lord each day (bible reading, Write the Word, etc.)

- Read 1 Chapter in a book every morning 

- Set my alarm for 5:00 a.m. each morning, and go to bed between 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. each night. 

Goal #4 - Learn to cook 24 New Dinner Recipes 

I have a list of about 6-8 "go to dinner recipes, but I find that I am fixing the SAME thing over and over each week.  So, my goal in 2019 is begin researching and cooking new dinners each month.  My goal is to cook 2-3 new dinners each month that can become my "go-to" meals in the future. 

Mini Goals

- Learn to cook 2-3 new dinner recipes each month

- At the beginning of each season, pin 10-20 dinner ideas to Pinterest to try. 

- Strive for half of the meals to be REALLY healthy and clean food. 

Goal #5 - Flourish in our marriage

I absolutely LOVE our marriage, but I always strive for our marriage to get better and better each year. I want Matt and I to grow closer to one another, making our relationship the best its ever been. 

Mini Goals

- Schedule monthly date nights

- Plan a weekend getaway

- Go on a relaxing vacation 

- Find unique ways to show Matt how much I truly love him

Goal #6 - Establish Fruitful Friendships 

I have some amazing friends in my life, but often times weeks and months go by and I realize I haven't connected with some of my closest friends in ages.  I really desire to develop friendships that are more consistent and include "doing life together" not just catching up every now and then.  

Mini Goals

- Send a card each month a friend

- Reach out to a good friend each week via phone and catch up

- Get together with my childhood friends for a group dinner a couple times per year. 

- Host friends over to my home throughout the year for fun dinner get togethers, not just holidays. 

- Celebrate milestones, birthdays, and anniversaries with cards, calls, texts, dinners, etc.  

Goal #7 - Love My Family BIG 

I have the best family.  I am so lucky.  But, sometimes I know I don't spend as much time with them.  My family is so important to me, and I want to use my health, time, and resources to help them and love them.  

Mini Goals 

- Weekly Parents Dinners 

- Bi-Weekly Lunches at In-Laws house 

- Connect with extended family (aunts, cousins, etc.) on a regular basis 

- Celebrate milestones, birthdays, and anniversaries with cards, calls, texts, dinners, etc.

Goal #8 - Get involved in the community

Since moving home, I have focused all my energy on spending time with friends and family, because it was something I didn't get to do a lot when I lived two hours away.  However, I began noticing last year, that I really missed being involved in the local community.  This year, I really hope that I can begin volunteering for one or two organizations, and begin connecting with people in the community. 

Goal #9 - Cultivate color and adventure into my life

If you know me AT ALL, you know that my go to colors are black, gray, and maybe white.  I like simply and clean lines, and haven't taken time to add much color in my life.  However, I truly believe that color in a painting or art is like enthusiasm for life.  I want to add a little excitement to my life, and I believe adding a little color and adventure to my life will bring a smile to my face, and make life a little richer. 

Mini Goals 

- Add flowers to our front porch in the spring and summer

- Add color into my wardrobe 

- Complete the items off my 39 Things Bucket List 

- Read 12 Books in 2019 

- Celebrate my 40th Birthday in a Special Way

There you have it friends, my goals for 2019.   The way I accomplish these goals is to break them down into smaller tasks and begin working away at them one day at a time.  

Here is a picture of my January Goals 

And, finally, I wanted to share my Word of the Year with you.  During my prep for my 2019 Goals, I discovered a word for the year.  This word helps with vision and action in the year ahead.  In 2017 my word was Joy, and in 2018 it was Discipline.  This year my word is:

If you have made it to the very end, THANK YOU!!!  

Here is to an incredible 2019!!  

2018 Recap

Overall, this past year was a good year.  It had some low points (two surgeries in two months), but it also had some high points too. I thought it would be fun to look through some fun pictures from the past years and see some fun highlights.

We kicked off the New Year in Nashville watching the Predators play and then followed by a New Year's Eve concert by our favorite Jimmy Buffett. 

January was non-stop and work projects that filled my calendar.
By the time Valentine's Day rolled around,
I was so excited that my hubby sent me these beautiful flowers.

We also celebrated Jamie's Birthday with a quiet dinner at home and cake. 

My sweet friend Tammy came to visit, and it was so good to see her and catch up. 

I also celebrated my amazing friend Carol's Retirement from Virginia Tourism.
This woman and I have laughed so much over the past few years,
and I truly miss working with her.

In early April, things started going down hill as we lost our sweet Scooter Man Davis to a cancerous tumor.  It was so hard to say goodbye, and our house has never been the same.

April also brought 4 different trips to the hospital (2 ER visits and 2 surgeries).
After several weeks, and post surgery, I started feeling a little better.
But, some of the issues that came up during the surgeries lasted until October.

Matt also signed up for another season of softball.  

This was the ONLY game I made it to in the Spring (maybe even fall.) 

I was lucky enough to find time to spend with these two awesome friends too. 

On April 24, we lost ButterMan Davis.  He was our last Davis Boy, and it was sooo hard to say goodbye. He died 6 months to the day of us loosing Lil Man Davis. That meant that lost all 3 three of our cats in 6 months.  They were 17 years old, and they lived great lives, but man was it hard.
Our house was sooo quiet and sad place this summer.

In June, we headed to the beach with Little Bit Davis. 

Our vacation crossed over with mom and dad's vacation, as well as the Montgomery's vacation, 

so we all met up for dinner. 

This child made the trip.  We had so much fun with her. 

When we returned home from vacation, we hosted Matt's 40th Birthday Party. 

We had a great time celebrating, and of course we themed it Margaritaville. 

In August, we added these two precious kittens to our family. 

Lily Cane and Isabel Cane Davis (named after hurricanes)

In September, I headed to the UK to be part of the Long Road music festival. 

Before the Festival we got to visit Kensington Palace  

(I took this photo from the gardens on my phone. How beautiful.)

We also were able to visit Buckingham Palace

And, I was able to cross off this Bucket List item and visit Highclere Castle where

Downton Abbey is filmed.

I made it back in time to celebrate and work another Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion.

And, even found time to catch a little music with my dad during the Festival too.

In October, life slowed down a little and Dustin and I headed to an ETSU Football Game. 

And, Lily Davis was settling in just fine with Matt.  LOL!

Matt and I also headed to a corn maze with our friends - The Montgomery's. 

And, November brought Christmas Tree cutting and Thanksgiving.

December brought my Birthday, and Matt and I really enjoyed just spending the day together.

The next night, my good friend Nikki and I saw Elf at the Barter Theatre. 

We got an unexpected snow in early December too, which was gorgeous.

And, the kittens grew and grew!

I also got to spend lots of time with this awesome girl a lot this year. 

Nikki, Ryana, and I spent time with Ryana before she left for Cambodia.

We hosted the Malone Family Christmas Dinner at our house the weekend before Christmas. 

Then my childhood best friend, Summer and I headed to see Mary Poppins in theaters.

I also had time to catch up with my college best friend Melanie, before she went back to Switzerland.

And, through it all, Matt and I enjoyed another year together 

and looking forward to all the future holds.

Now that brings us here to the year end!

As I’ve started work on setting 2019 goals in my PowerSheets, but before I get too ahead of myself, I wanted to do a quick reflection on progress of my 2018 goals.

2018 Goals Reflection + PROGRESS 

Goal #1 - Be Intentional in Growing Closer tot he Lord
I saw some good growth with this goal.  I successfully read through the bible in a year, following the Chronological Reading Plan.  I also was able to have longer quiet times every other week or so. 

Goal #2 - Be Disciplined with Daily Nutrition
This goal saw a little improvement.  During the Fall, I began eating around 1500 calories per day and lost 35lbs in 3 months.  I hope to continue this trend in 2019, as I have a lot more weight I would like to loose.

Goal #3 - Be Disciplined with Fitness
I actually started off the year strong on this habit, but after getting sick in April and May, I completely stopped working out.  Hoping to ease back into it next month.

Goal #4 - Be Disciplined with Healthy Habits
This goal included making sleep a habit (getting around 8 hours every night), as well as being more proactive in setting doctor's appointments, taking better care of my skin, and keeping a clean and organized home.  I was excited to say that all these things happened.

Goal #5 - Love Matt Well
I am so blessed to be married to Matt, and I just love our marriage.  This year, we celebrated his 40th Birthday and went on a few dates; however, in 2019 I would like to find more ways to "date" my husband and show him how much I love him.

Goal #6 - Encourage and Love Family and Friends Well
This goal included sending Birthday and Anniversary cards, celebrating milestones, and spending time with my family and friends.  I would say I did okay on this, but really want to do better in 2019.

Goal #7 - Be Disciplined with our Finances
A mountain of health related bills did not help this area in our lives this year, but its a major goal of ours in 2019.

Goal #8 - Introduce Fun and Adventure into my Life
Okay of all the goals, this is the one I bombed.  I mean totally did not move forward at all.  I had all these dreams of hiking, biking, golfing, playing tennis, and so much more.  But, I let life get in the way and didn't make this a priority at all.

Goal #9 - Cultivate Hobbies and Fun into my Life
This goal was full of taking time to read, blog, and so much more.  I would say I ended the year stronger than I started.

Goal #10 - Be disciplined in growing in my career, becoming a servant leader.
I took opportunities this year to really get back in the weeds and get my hands dirty (so to speak) to relearn a lot of digital and social media marketing skills.  I still have a lot of growth I want to do, but this was definitely a year of relearning, and that felt so good. 

Later this week week I’ll be sharing my 2019 goals as well as my word of the year! In the mean time, here are some great resources to do your own reflection and goal setting work:

Lara Casey's Goal Setting Online Workshop - Click HERE. 

Cultivate What Matter's PowerSheets - Click HERE

This goal setting series has been so helpful to me over the past few years, and if you are looking to plan ahead and set 2019 Goals and give yourself vision for the year ahead, I recommend this Goal Setting Series. 

Happy New Year's Eve Friends!