What worked for me. I’ve never posted something like this before, but I enjoy reading what other people have learned, so I’ve decided I’ll share some of what worked for me in 2018 in hopes that it might benefit you.
First, a confession: I’ve never been very good at pausing long enough to look back over a year and reflect on all that has happened…how Life has changed and grown me. But after reading other lists, I decided it would be good practice for me to do the same. A great way to chronicle changes and happenings in Life.
Maybe this type of post won’t be for you. In which case, feel free to skip it altogether. No hard feelings.
And now, for what it’s worth, I give you a list of what worked for me. Some are silly things, and some have been immensely useful.
*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Full disclosure here.*
What Worked for me in 2018
- Getting up early. When I get up early, I’m creating the space and quiet my soul so desperately needs.
- Drinking better water and coffee. That’s right. Better water and coffee. On Black Friday this year, Berkey had a huge sale and their Holiday package was a deal too good to pass up. Since a Berkey has been high on my wish list for 6 years (that’s right, 6 whole years) – and we now had cash set aside to pay for it, we snatched it up and it’s been one of our best investments. And the coffee I’m obsessed with? Nothing fancy – you can get it at Costco – and it’s aMAZing. If you don’t have a Costco membership, no worries – you can grab it here. Cameron’s Velvet Moon. Get you some, stat. *Note: the Costco version is Organic, which is why we choose to buy it there.
- Continuing my yoga/pilates practice. There are tons of free instructional videos on YouTube. Find my favorite yoga instructor here and my favorite Pilates instructor here.
- Being open to new and unexpected friendships. Sometimes new relationships come along and friendships are forged that you would have never expected. Be open to them.
- Inviting light into my home. This isn’t really new for me, but it’s still working, so I’m adding it here. Every morning, as soon as the sun is up, I go around and wake up the house by opening all the curtains in the rooms we regularly use. Letting in daylight, whether it’s cloudy or sunny outside brightens the spirits and I swear by it.
- Paying off over $11,000. Yep. I haven’t talked about it a lot, but we are in hard-core debt payoff mode and hope to be debt free (except the house) by November of 2019. So 2019 will find us still very much focused on becoming debt free, and we are excited for the journey.
- Bullet Journaling and Menu Planning. In 2018, I dove into the bullet journaling world and have come up with my own method that works for me. And Menu Planning is still saving my sanity. I hope to have a post up for you soon where I share what my system looks like.
- Putting collagen in my coffee every morning. There are so many amazing benefits of integrating collagen into your daily routine and since it’s virtually tasteless, it’s super easy to incorporate. I put 1/2 scoop of collagen into my coffee every. single. day. Go ahead, google “benefits of collagen” and see why it’s so good for us. Two brands I know and love are here and here.
- Decluttering! Oh my goodness, why have I waited so long to jump into this? I can’t even tell you the many-many van loads of bags and boxes I have taken to donate. Cannot. even. tell. you. And it’s so freeing!! I’ll be posting more about that in the future, too.
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, a new season of life…
I hope maybe one of these ideas has sparked something in your heart and mind that you’d like to take with you into this new year. It’s never too late to make the changes you wish to see in your life. Make this year the best one yet and go forth with confidence and a “can-do” attitude.
We all learn and grow when ideas are shared, so I’m curious –
What are the things that worked for YOU this past year?
Let me know in the comments.
Who knows – maybe your idea will be the one that helps someone!
Thanks for sharing this, Sarah! I am right there with you in almost all of these. Keep it up!
Thank you, Mary Ellen. 🙂 Here’s to a fabulous new year!!!
I haven’t been getting your emails, thought maybe you weren’t blogging anymore. I’m retired but I still enjoy getting up early. You DO have more day when you get up earlier. I sleep better too. I’m keeping this post because there are so many links I want to hang on to.
After my husband passed I got a 0% interest credit card & transferred our biggest card to it, then divided the amount by 11 (it was a 12 month offer). When that was paid off I did it again with the next card. (We’d lived on cards his last year of his illness & life.) I never will be in debt again! If I can’t afford it, it waits til I can.
Thanks and happy new year, may it be a healthy one!
Hi, Ann! I’m sorry you’ve not been getting my emails. (sadness!) Maybe check your junk mail folder in your email? Sometimes emails will get lost and sent there. 🙂
I’m sorry to hear of your husbands passing – and so proud of you for paying off debts! I’m cheering you on in the New Year!
I have to agree with you, re: waking up early!! If I’m not up before my kids, it’s going to be a rough start. Debt pay off is such hard work, you shall succeed girlfriend!!!! And decluttering…. my spirit animal 🤣
Right?? Once I realized this (getting up early before the kids) it was such a game changer. And let’s declutter all the things together! 😀 <3
Good for on your debt payoff journey! There is no feeling more freeing than not being in debt. I agree with you on getting up early. The earlier I get up, the more day I feel I have to do the things I enjoy doing. I love your posts! Have a happy and blessed 2019.
Thank you, sweet Cecilia. We are excited for our debt payoff journey, for sure. 🙂 And I like how you said “getting up earlier gives you more day to do the things I enjoy doing.” So well said. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and reading. Wishing you a wonderful 2019! 😀