Late to the Game

FYI: Today's post has NOTHING to do with my outfit. So, you can either get fall style inspiration by looking at pictures, which is totally fine by me, or read a long ramble. Just wanted to warn you. :)

I came this close to having a panic attack yesterday thinking about everything that has been planned and needs to be planned before we ring in the new year. I feel like this year went by faster than any other and quite honestly, I don't feel like I made the best of it. I have REALLY been lazy this year in relation to so many aspects of my life. I don't want to say it's been a bad year and thankfully nothing "bad" has happened, but it has been, by no means, one to be proud of...until now.

Let me digress, last Sunday our pastor at church gave one of the BEST sermons I have heard him preach. It was our first time back at church in weeks because we have been in and out of town on the weekends. I swear the sermon was directed straight towards me or at least that's what it felt like.

I have a long laundry list of things that I slipped on this year and as of last Sunday, I decided to make some changes....serious changes. I haven't sat down and physically written out any goals for myself or my family. I have them in my head, but haven't put them to paper. I have never been one to keep a calendar, jot down monthly goals, dreams, to-do lists, etc...I literally keep almost everything in my Notes App on my phone or let my thoughts and agendas swirl around my in cluttered head.

The crazy, chaotic business that I have been running is coming to a halt. I finally sat down and spent a good portion of my day reflecting, writing, praying and soul searching on what I was missing, where I was lagging and what I wanted to change to make myself a better Christian, person, wife, mom, daughter, sister and friend.

I know that life throws us curve balls, we get busy, life takes over, we slip, my house is still Crazy Town, I am the mayor of it, I am not perfect and my life will never be perfect. Even though I may not have control of certain things in my personal life, I refuse to let it consume me any longer.

I made a list to help hold me accountable and to remind myself of what I want to change. I hope to look back when the clock strikes midnight on January 1, 2015 and smile knowing that even though I am late to the game, I made the most of my last few days of 2014 spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally. Hey, better late than never. Right?

Lookbook Store Sweater c/o // American Eagle Jeans // Charlotte Russe Ankle Boots (option here and here) // Forever 21 Tote (sold out: option here and here) // Sweet Tea Jewels Bangles c/o // Costa Del Mar Sunglasses (option) 

Taking the Last Days of 2014 by the Horns List (now and forever, hopefully):

1. Spend time with God every single day. No excuses. (and tithe our blessings more often.)
2. Start working out again. Again, no excuses (I have been twice this week! Yay!)
3. Eat breakfast and prepare healthier meals.
4. Volunteer at my girl's school in their classroom once a week. (Started this week! Another yay!)
5. Cuddle more on the couch with Ross. We never do this anymore. Sad.
6. Call my brother and sister once a week.
7. Go to the grocery store before our fridge is bare and the kids have to buy a school cafeteria tray lunch. GOD FORBID! :)
8. Stop worrying what other people think of me or trying to figure out what they think of me. I am learning to accept that everyone does not and will not like me.
9. Spend more time with people that want to spend time with me.
10. Read. I only read two books this entire year and hardly ever catch up on current events/world news. Things that matter...not celebrity gossip.
11. Being lazy is just that, lazy. It won't get you anywhere, except maybe for the couch.
12. Don't fall into the social media trap and let it gauge my personal blog success.
13. Don't let laundry pile up until it's unbearable to comprehend the hours of folding that stand before me.
14. Remind myself that kids have off days just like adults. It's okay if they weren't "the perfect angels" at school. THEY ARE KIDS. Give extra high fives for the good days.
15. Come to terms that my house and car will never be spotless, organized or Pinterest worthy until our girls leave the house...okay, maybe I have something to do with the messes too!
16. I do not need to shop or spend money for the sake of this blog.
17. Don't take it personally when someone tells you "no". We all have to say it sometimes.
18. Blogging used to be fun, find that fun again and stop taking it so seriously. At the same time, it's only human nature to want to be successful. Find the balance.
19. Go to bed before it turns into the next day, meaning asleep by 11:59 PM.
20. Focus on keeping up with the Schneiders, NOT the Joneses.

ONE TO GROW ON:
21. BREATHE. The past is the past. Live in the present. Be optimistic about the future.

I hope this list inspired you to become the best YOU you can be. Have a great weekend and enjoy the ride. See y'all on Monday.

P.S. To everyone who read this entire post...GOD LOVE YOU! I appreciate that you took time out of your busy day when you could have been doing something else. xoxo