If I’m being honest here, the last 2 years have been nothing but one constant attack on my anxiety and my mental health. 2021 had a lot of shining moments. We got in a really great amount of travel – we explored three new states (and stepped into 3 more) and took some fun trips. We camped as a family for the first (and second) time ever. Eddie and I each hit some professional milestones. Caleb started orthodontic work, and Chloe started ballet. Eddie and I had a much-needed solo trip, and there were countless moments, both good and bad, in between. 

But by the end of the year, I felt burnt out. December was full of sickness in our house, and the kids missed most of the month at school. I was ready for January to come and for things to calm down a little, but truthfully, I haven’t had the energy to re-set for the new year. So I gave myself permission to rest. Sure, I did things that I needed to get done, but I also got in some rest. I prioritized going to bed early, too. I recognized that if I didn’t change something, nothing was going to change on its own. Our December trip and this week seems to be what I needed, because my creative juices seem to be flowing a little again.

With all of this came a realization, that I don’t need to take on anything new. I don’t need to start a new project, and I definitely don’t need to start it right now! If a new project comes up that I feel like is a good fit, and I feel like I have the energy to take it on, I will. But right now, I’m going to get better at what I am already doing, I’m going to focus on my family, and I’m going to take things one day at a time. I don’t need to have my entire year planned out in the first few weeks. 

I am excited for the possibilities that a new year brings, and I’m looking forward to gaining some clarity in different areas, but I’m not pushing anything too hard and I’m looking at rest as a necessity, not a reward. (Someone please remind me of this in September, before my busy season begins!)

Why am I telling you all this? Because you don’t need to have it all figured out a week into the new year. I know a lot of the things out there tell us that we do, but you absolutely do not. Do what you need to do, whether it is finish up an old project, get some rest, or anything else in between. 

xoxo