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2018 // The Year Of Reclaiming Me

December 18, 2017

By:

Erin Schrader

When I think about 2017, I think about a lot of things – for starters, change. Between quitting two jobs, committing to blogging as my full-time career, hiring four people, losing a dog, getting two new puppies and a lot of minor things as well, it was definitely a year that kept me on my toes. Additionally, I think of grit and grind. This year took a lot out of me. 2017 will forever go down as the year that I worked like crazy. It may not have been necessarily hard work physically, but mentally and the amount of time involved and invested has to be some obnoxious and probably disgusting number that I am not necessarily proud of. It sometimes feels like every waking hour was spent here in front of the computer and sadly, that’s not much of an exaggeration. Yes, a lot of amazing things have happened in the past year and for which I am so crazy grateful, but personally, a lot has been lost or lacking. If there is one thing that 2017 prepared me for in 2018, it’s balance [mostly due to the lack thereof]. I am ending the year with a severe thirst for finding that balance between working my butt off yet pouring myself into other life-giving activities and opportunities.

For instance, I can count on one hand the number of times I worked out this year. I can also count how many times I enjoyed lunch with my retired mother or best friend [hint: it’s zero]. We attended church way less than I care to admit, I only read a book when I was laying on a beach in the Caribbean, I go days without texting back my closest of friends, let alone picking up the phone to call and the amount of time I have sat around “bored” or simply watched a TV show is next to less than an hour over the past 365 days. All of this to say, I’ve got some work to do on myself. My goal for the coming year is to do just that. Here are a few of the things I have planned to help with this:

  1. Schedule a regular “me” day every month. I have elected the second Wednesday of every month to be a non-working day but rather a day to go out and do the things that I really WANT to do. Sleep in, read a book for a few hours, eat lunch with my family or friends, visit my grandma in the nursing home, watch The Bachelor, get a massage, leisurely stroll through the aisles of Target just because I want to, not because I need to find things to photograph and post, call my friend(s) and chat without distractions, attend a hot yoga class, host and cook for friends at dinner, basically just do the things that will fill up my cup in that moment.
  2. Get a gym or class membership. I’ve learned that if I am counting on myself to just do it at home, it’s not going to happen. I need a place to go, people to encourage me and keep me accountable and most importantly, a reason to actually wear all of this cute workout wear [side note: everything you see pictured in this post came from Macy’s and I’m rather obsessed with the color combos. They have SO many cute options at affordable prices when it comes to activewear and other workout necessities! Be sure to check em’ out for your workout resolution needs!]
  3. Spend 15 minutes with just a pen, paper and cup of coffee first thing in the morning. No more staring at my laptop as soon as my eyelids open. I want to take the time very first thing to just think my own thoughts before numbing my mind from scrolling.
  4. Go on a quarterly 24-hour retreat. I’ve been wanting to do this for awhile now and I think 2018 is the time to implement. 24 hours of zero distractions, just me in a hotel room with a big ole notepad, computer and pen to brainstorm, strategize, decompress and allow me to get creative again. It’s interesting how getting caught up in the act of being busy can make you stale and stagnant.
  5. Go to church. Regularly. End of story.

Long story short, I want to focus on opening myself up to the things that really make me a stronger, healthier, wiser, happier, better person. Sounds simple but as we all know, it’s harder than it appears.

Under Armour Fly By Racerback Running Tank Top // Under Armour HeatGear Mid-Impact Crossback Sports Bra // Under Armour HeatGear Colorblocked Leggings // Nike Women’s Tanjun Casual Sneakers // Gaiam Duffel BagUnder Armour ColdGear Fleece-Lined Half-Zip Top // Under Armour Fly By Racerback Running Tank Top // Under Armour HeatGear Mid-Impact Crossback Sports Bra // Under Armour HeatGear Colorblocked Leggings // Nike Women’s Tanjun Casual Sneakers // Contigo Ashland Chill 20-oz/ Water BottleUnder Armour ColdGear Fleece-Lined Half-Zip Top // Gaiam Duffel BagUnder Armour Breathe Open-Back Long-Sleeve Top // Gaiam 3-lb. Hand Weight // Gaiam 5-lb. Hand Weight

What is one thing YOU are hoping to work on in 2018? I’d love to hear, drop it in the comments below and we can cheer each other on!

Shop all of today’s post easily below —


Disclosure: Thank you to Macy’s and ShopStyle for sponsoring today’s post.

photos by tina herschberger photography

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