If you're like me, you do a really great job of setting yourself up to fail when it comes to starting a new habit. Whether it's an *official* New Year's resolution or not, I tend to take it over the top and set completely unrealistic goals for myself every time I get tired of the same old same old. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, and one of my good intentions for the past seven years has been journaling.
I still miss a few days a week with my journal, but hey at least I try. If you hate journaling or have been trying to get yourself to do it for years with no luck, take a stab at what I'm about to show you. In my opinion, this is the easiest, most no-shit way to journal. It actually gets me in a great mindset first thing in the morning, and leaves me feeling thankful before I go to bed.
Morning Mix
Start with an intention. I try and do about 20 minutes of yoga each morning, and end with a 5 minute meditation in which I ask God to please let me know what I should focus on during the day. A lot of times it just comes to me during my yoga practice, but sometimes I have to do some serious praying before I know for sure. Whether you're religious or yogi or neither, take a minute and think about what your intention will be for the day. On New Year's Day, my intention was to peacefully let go of the hardships of 2017 and smile at the fresh beginning that was just handed to me.
Three things you're looking forward to. I struggle with depression and if I'm not careful I'll get caught up in the awful cycle of wondering what the point is, blowing off plans, and feeling like there's nothing good going on in my life. That's why I like to write down three things I'm looking forward to each day. It gives me something to get out of bed and into the world for, and reminds me that there is in fact something worth living for. Some days these are more exciting than other—last week one of my things I was looking forward to was coming home from work and reading.
Three personal goals. In my personal experience, a lack of personal development goals equals a stagnant and unfulfilling life. I firmly believe that in order to grow and experience true joy, we have to constantly be pushing our boundaries, evolving, and trying to be better. These three goals could be faith goals (one of my frequent development goals is growth in my ability to trust in Jesus), fitness goals, friendship goals, relationship goals, or self care goals.
Nightly Check-In
The three best things that happened that day. Before I go to bed, I like to practice gratitude. Going to sleep stressed out, wound tight, and upset does nothing for the soul and leaves me feeling more exhausted the next day! I try and re-open my journal and write the three best things that happened to me during the day. Once again, these can be small or large! I often find that my three best things involve people that I surround myself with. I also take a minute to set up my next journal entry so I don't have to worry about it in the morning.
I hope the New Year is finding each and every one of you in good health and much happiness! Don't forget that the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale is going on until the end of January 2nd! If you don't have time to shop the full sale, click here to gift yourself for the new year with my sale picks.
If you've already messed up your new year's resolutions, don't stress. There's always 2018! I would love to hear from you on Instagram about what you're currently struggling with or needing support with, how you're planning on kicking ass in the new year, or if you have any great memes you need to share (because let's face it, that's what we spend the majority of our time on Instagram for.) Cheers to a new year!