Space Through Grace

I'm on the bandwagon of New Year's resolutions and goals.  This is right up my alley because it involves analyzing (and perhaps over-analyzing here and there), reflection, planning, list-making, and big-picture thinking.  #mylovelanguages.  My inner wheels are spinning at a feverish pace.  After all, this New Year I get to do all of those things, not only for my home and family, but now for my business as well.  Thrilling!  Although, I will admit, my mind feeling claustrophobic and I was borderline overwhelmed a day or two ago thinking about all of the "must-dos" in order to start the New Years most the productively.  My internal dialogue was a bit tense.  Which really was defeating the purpose of all the resolutions and goal-setting.  Its supposed to feel good and energizing.  Instead I was feeling anxious and defeated.  Much of it came down to comparison.  I was comparing myself, my business, the organization of my goals, resolutions, etc...to others.  Eek...I didn't have my 2018, word of the year picked yet!?!  

Thankfully (at least today), the positive self-talk has overtaken the frustrated inner voice.  Everyday invites the opportunity to refocus, set new goals, reflect on where you are, where you want to be, and take the steps to make that your reality.  Jan. 1st of a New Year just happens to get the most credit for being the "restart button day".  So I'm not going to get caught up in whether my goals are written perfectly in a perfect planner, because that isn't a good expectation to place on myself.  However, it will be a good for others.  And their IG feeds will inspire me, but they will not intimidate me.  My goals will not be static.  They will evolve and will be written throughout the year, amongst whatever journals and notepads are in my list-making rotation at the time.  Because I love paper goods, and limiting myself to one planner or journal won't happen.  I will be more mindful of the goals I set.  Not over extending the expectations I place myself, but still stretching.  

One of the words that resonated with me as I looked back on 2017, was Grace.  That is a word I choose to bring with me into this year.  Maybe it will be my #2018wordoftheyear.  Although, it doesn't need that definition.  It is a word that gives me space.  Space to be creative, space to breathe, space to forgive, space for joy.  It is a word I will also give freely to others.  Looking forward to a new year filled with greatness & growth, inevitably some sadness & challenges, but overall, joy and Grace.