Keeping it SIMPLE

I have been thinking a lot about what I wanted to blog about next but THEN I asked myself... "wait who freakin reads this thing and why am I doing it?"

  After I thought about it I realized, I don't do this for attention, to get famous, or make money, I don't do it for anyone else but MYSELF.  I have always been a journal writer ever since I can remember and it helps me in so many ways, so to me blogging is simply journaling my crazy experiences which I have had and the things I have learned. I try to be blunt and honest, never sugar coat too much so that if anyone reads this they can get to know ME and learn or come to know me through these experiences.

SO it's 2013... 

I know a typical beginning of the year post should be filled with resolutions, but let me be HONEST we all set the same dang resolutions well at least I do.  Each year I swear I say I am going to; eat healthier, loose weight, workout more, pray and read my scriptures more all the traditional resolutions I have set I decided those aren't what 2013 is about for me.  Yes do I always wish I was thinner, had more time to workout, eat healthier, and remember to read and pray everyday? Of course... what girl doesn't want to be fit and thin, and on top of her spiritual game right?  This year I have a different plan......

I spent my New Year's up in Utah, a place I once called home and each time I go back interesting feelings tend to resurface.  I hate New Year's so let's start there, it is beyond overrated, usually disappointing, and nothing how the movies make it.  While I was up there I had some quality alone time where I got to think about 2012.  I have had some great and not so great experiences this year, from loosing a friend, attending weddings, finding out my sister is pregnant, participating in The Mormon Bachelor, and starting a new job.  It was a busy year for me.  I have thought about how much I have changed over the years, and the people that have seen me change and grow.  It is always said people are in your life for a reason and sometimes only a season. Well, every time I visit Utah I realize I have had no better blessing then to be able to stay in touch with so many people throughout my life.  I get so excited and happy to revisit with old friends. While I was there I had lunch with girls I have known for 10 years, I saw one of my mom's best friends who has known me since I was little, and my favorite was sitting at dinner with boys I have known since kindergarten, that was ALMOST 20 years ago! 

 Those boys have seen it all from my awkward years, to watching me move to AZ, and continue to keep tabs on me.  I couldn't have asked for better friends. I love seeing them, being able to laugh with them, and talk about some great memories we have together.  I know that each friendship is truly unique and cherish each and every single one of them. 

After the ball dropped at midnight, glitter fell from the ceiling and I kissed the man of my dreams hahaha I am kidding not one of those things happened that night well, besides the ball dropping in NYC but whatever, we left the party and I went back to my friend Kasey's house.  I was getting all comfy in bed and turned to her and said what does 2013 look like for you?  We had a short discussion and went to bed.  Shortly after that I found myself WIDE AWAKE thinking about what I really want in 2013 that will make it different...  I thought about what I really want and what makes me happy.  That isn't any easy question to answer all the time so I told myself to think about it more.  I came back from Utah and the rush of work quickly hit.  

My job keeps me busy, I knew the second I landed in AZ my life was about to get crazy.  The next couple months at work are jam packed with events and other obligations leaving little time for, well me.  I apparently came home with a cold and that didn't help my new year resolutions so I put some on the back burner. Not the best idea as I fell back into the normal things I do instead of what I need to do but that has changed...

As I get to know myself better I realize what works and what doesn't in making and achieving goals. 2013 will be about KEEPING IT SIMPLE.  My goal and focus is to keep my life as simple as possible.  This may be difficult if any of you know my past but it is what I am working on.  So what does keeping it simple mean to me?

This year will be about, letting go of the things in which I can't control, not getting caught up in drama, taking deep breaths when stressed, trusting the Lord more, risking more, loving myself, and most importantly answering a question I was asked by a little 3-year-old boy today that I was watching... we were sitting on the floor and looked me in the eyes and asked "Courtney are you happy?" I was surprised in that moment, and of course said YES.  But am I really happy, do I know what makes me happy, and do others know I am happy? So after those innocent eyes said those 4 words,  I knew that, THAT is in fact my GOAL for 2013.  This year I will be finding something each day that truly MAKES ME HAPPY.  

Now that should be simple :)

XOXO