On My Cluttered Mind

I'm usually one to dive head first into the new year with a long list of well thought out goals and high aspirations. But this year, that has not been the case. 

2016 was so good to me. I studied abroad in Namibia, continued my education at Texas A&M University, and Nolan and I launched Sundance & Co. to pursue photography and anything else that crosses our paths. I also started working for Dynamic Auction Group, interned with High Cotton Promotions, received my American FFA Degree, joined a sorority for women in agriculture, and the list goes on... But the one thing I did not do much of in 2016 was rest. 

I crept into week two of January feeling exhausted. I spent the last few weeks at home, but I don't remember a single day that I completely relaxed. I was on the go constantly, with my mind on ten different things at once. It wasn't until we came back to Texas on Monday that I finally was able to unwind.

As I tried to clear my cluttered mind, I came to a realization. I love to set goals for myself, but I'm not the kind of person that only thinks about my goals when a new calendar year rolls around. Lately, I've been so focused on achievements in other aspects of my life that my health has come last. All in all, 2016 was a good year. But I'd be deceiving if I only mention the positive events. I struggled a lot with anxiety, a decline in self confidence, and a negative attitude. Despite all the happy and positive things I share on social media, those things are present in my life too. For the sake of myself and those around me, I will work on being more positive, pay better attention to the foods I put in my body, and rest when I need it. It is now so clear to me that being healthy and happy will only contribute to meeting my goals. 

I just want to leave you with something I tweeted a week ago. "If nothing else, in 2017 I need to start appreciating my own success and stop allowing myself to feel like it's not enough." 

XO, Julia