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Happy New Year, friends! It still feels a little surreal that we have somehow made our way in to 2019…Isn’t it still 2007? Kidding but not kidding. I’m still 22 right? LOL. I had such a nice winter break away from work, and spent lots of quality time with the family.  It actually took me a few days to really relax– I kept on grabbing for my phone thinking there were emails for me to return or conference calls to connect to.  It really showed me how nonstop I have been going for the past year– and how much I need a few days off every once in a while.  I noticed that the kids were having a blast with both Kyle and I home with our schedules cleared, too.  It’s not realistic to have us all to themselves all the time– but it reminded me how much quality time  (even over quantity) can be the most important thing for the kiddos. I also had lots of time to think about the past year, what worked for me and what didn’t, and the things I’d like to focus on in this year ahead.  Today I thought I would share my intentions for 2019 with all of you! I’ve kept it pretty simple this year, so I can make sure to follow through…

Continue To Invest In My Mental Wellness

Sometimes when we start to feel “better” it becomes easier to let your own mental wellness slip down the priority ladder a few rungs.  But in reality, it’s just as important to process and explore yourself when things are good as when they’re very bad! It’s kind of the full picture of therapy, so to speak.  I’ve been really transparent about the ups and the BIG downs of the past couple of years– and how much it’s helped me and my anxiety disorder to find a. therapist that I’ve really connected with.  I’ve noticed that understanding myself better has helped my marriage, my friendships, and it’s enabled me to really see other relationships that weren’t healthy for exactly what they are. I still feel as committed as ever to maintaining the boundaries that keep me healthy and happy!

Make Healthier Food Choices

And this does NOT mean “skinny choices”.  I’m somebody who really likes her junk food: chips, pizza, candy, donuts, chinese food, fried anything, super salty noodle soups, etc.  What I’ve realized is that overdoing it with those foods just makes me feel crummy.  And life is too short to feel either stressed about food OR crummy from eating whatever I crave all the time.  I think I need to focus more on the “moderation” part of the Everything In Moderation saying. I want to make sure I’m eating more fresh fruit and vegetables, including lots of leafy greens in my cooking, and keeping up with my supplements.  I’ve also started drinking 16 ounces of celery juice every morning, and I’ve been loving the effects so far…blog post in the works, of course!

Spend More Phone-Free Family Time

It’s really important to me to be maintaining quality time with my kids that feels like quality time to all of us.  I’ve noticed that when I’m distracted hanging out with my family, that my kids behave badly to get attention, and then everyone’s time is tense.  I guess even negative attention counts when your mom is returning emails with one hand and playing horsies with the other. I’ve gotten better over the past few months with putting my phone in a different room when I have time with the kids at the end of the day, and in our new house we are creating a “tech drawer” that has a charging station for phones hidden from view.  I think if we can’t see the phones, it will be easier to keep them out of mind.  We plan to have a phone-free dinner policy this year also!

Travel More

I’ve mentioned this before, but I really miss traveling.  It used to be such a huge part of my life, and of my former career, and  I’ve noticed in the past several years that the lack of travel has removed a big chunk of joy and curiosity from my life.  With the kids old enough now to travel more easily, I plan on taking them to more places that I miss! We are going to do a big Italy trip this summer and I can’t wait!

Take My Company To The Next Level

A couple of weeks ago, I incorporated my business. I am now Happily Eva After, Inc! It’s so exciting for me to be growing my business and hopefully taking it in a direction that can reach even more people and have a greater impact not only on the motherhood community, but in the design, beauty, and style space as well.  I love what I do so much, and I’m excited for all that 2019 will bring for Happily Eva After!

Make Photo Albums

It occurred to me the other day that I only have physical photo albums of Marlowe’s first year, and then it’s all digital.  No bueno! I’m sure Marlowe will want an actual album to flip through when she’s older, and most definitely when she’s an adult with a family of her own! I want to start creating more albums this year, and hopefully set the tone for some consistency with it moving forward.

What are you more important intentions for 2019? I’d love to hear them in the Comments below!

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Photographs by Julia Dags