Hello my loves,

I hope the 2nd day of 2014 is treating you well so far! This post will be short and sweet, I want to share something that has been on my heart lately. As 2013 came to an end I decided not to make a list of resolutions for 2014, but rather determine a purpose and focus.

My word(s) for 2014 will be: ACTION and/or PRESENT! (read more about why below)

I have to admit I was inspired by Lara Casey’s Power Sheets to do things a little differently. It’s a 6 month planner/guide/inspiration to find a focus and make a plan to accomplish whatever your mission is. Holy cow you guys – it’s so stinkin’ motivating! I sat for hours the first night filling out all of the prep pages! Answering questions about what when wrong in 2013 and what went right. I STRONGLY recommend everyone go out check them out!

I’m still working on creating goals and plans for 2014, but so far one thing is VERY apparent to me. In 2013 PROCRASTINATION killed me! Please tell me I’m not the only one that struggles with this? Procrastination brings nothing positive in my life. It makes me late, stressed, unorganized, guilty…etc. All things that I want to avoid in 2014. The opposite of this is ACTION and that’s why I want that to be my word for 2014!

If I could pick two words, the other would be PRESENT. 2013 is kind of a blur. Do you feel the same way? There are 365 days in a year, you would think I could remember more. Here are a few highlights that come to mind…

Realizing that boudoir photography is what I love and having the courage to launch Lighthouse Boudoir…

Getting engaged to my first and only boyfriend…
(says the girl who never wanted to get married! haha)

Seeing my grandmother’s health rebound, time and time again…

Having all of my family in the same city and room for the first time in like 5 years!

Kicking off planning our dream wedding in NOLA…

An extravagant engagement photo session with my love… #yolo

Seeing my relationship with Ryan grown even stronger through 2 scary hospital visits…

In 2014 I want to be PRESENT everywhere I go. I want to enjoy the time I have with friends and family and not be pre-occupied with what I have next on my to-do list. In 2014 Ryan and I will get married, everyone tells me “it’s a blur, try and enjoy it” Man oh man I hope I can figure out a way to avoid that! After a year of planning and stressing I want to remember every moment! I pray that I can be present in every little moment.

CONFESSION: One thing I realize as I write this post is that even in the fun moments, I was 25% stressed and 75% having fun. As I look at the photo of us on the sailboat for the engagement session I remember how we had to cancel 3 times because of bad weather! I was so sad everytime, but it was worth the wait. During our first trip to New Orleans to plan the wedding I scheduled wayyy to many venue meetings and had a bit of a meltdown at the end of the day. Luckily, I can look back now and laugh.

~

“The heart of man plans his way, 

but the Lord establishes his steps.” – Prov 16:9

 ~

I also realize that in the moments that were supposed to be scary and sad I was able to find strength and peace through God. I would never wish bad health on anyone but those times in the hospital really brought Ryan and I closer together. Needless to say we have already put to practice the vow “through sickness & health.”

Now it’s your turn! First, think about some pros/cons from 2013 and see if there is a pattern. Next, think of your word for 2014 and write it below in the comments! This word will be your theme, mission, focus for the next 365 days! I can’t wait to see what your word is!

Cheers to taking ACTION and being PRESENT in 2014!!! :)

xoxo,

Sontera

P.S. I’m following Lara Casey’s blog posts about Goal Setting. Click here to catch up, you won’t regret it, she’s got some amazing stuff to share!!!