Outfit details:

Denim | Top | Wrap, this one is old (similar) | Lipstick | Blush

When I think about it, 2017 was a monumental year for me, both personally and professionally. It was packed full of milestones – a new home, car and trips to bucket list destinations. It was also a year of self-reflection and evaluation (full of my highest highs and lowest lows). One that helped me further realize changes that I know I’ve needed to make in my life for some time now.

Though I’ve never been big on new years resolutions, I’m using this time as an opportunity to reflect, reset and realign with what I envision 2018  to be.  I’ve dubbed this the year of personal growth, and have more vision than ever before!

POSITIVITY

My biggest takeaway from 2017 is that things, good or bad, will not always go according to plan. A hard lesson to learn for someone who likes to have their handprint on everything. So in 2018, my biggest personal goal is to learn to let go of what I can’t control, focus on what I can, and realize that I have the power to make a situation ‘good’ or ‘bad’ based on my reaction to things.

ROUTINE

2018 will be a year of routine and organization – gahhhhh. Why is this so hard? I want to become regular with my content: three blog posts a week on Style Souffle and post on my  Instagram story more often. I’ve created a day-to-day schedule to keep on task that I feel will be easy to maintain long term. When my days lack structure it leaves me feeling scatterbrained and overwhelmed. Does anyone else struggle with this? It’s so easy to get distracted by my phone and other trivial things that are a cooooomplete time suck. If you have any tips or advice on staying organized in your day-to-day please share them in the comments below!

PERSONAL HEALTH 

This year I am on a quest to live my healthiest life. For me, this means so much more than working out on a daily basis, which I will continue to do. Over the past few years I’ve struggled with thyroid and autoimmune issues that deplete my energy and leave me feeling drained and defeated. I’m hoping that by making positive changes in my diet (eating for nutritional purposes) I can take charge of my body and make choices that work for me and not against me. One resource that I’ve found tremendously helpful is Vani Hari’s blog, Food Babe. On her blog, Vani shares recipes, book recommendations and guides that have helped make this transition easier and restore the lack of balance in my diet. If I accomplish anything in 2018, it’s this!!! No longer will I be a slave to my body’s dysfunction. I haven’t the slightest doubt this change will be the key to accomplishing my other goals for 2018 – gratitude, establishing routine, being a better wife, friend, Christian and hopefully soon to be, mom! If there is anyone reading this who faces similar struggles, I’d love to connect and begin this journey together. It’s always great having someone to help hold you accountable. 🙂

FAMILY

The love and support of family is the glue that holds my life together. In 2018, Justin and I would love to start a family. 🙂 Being with our cousins and nephews has made us excited for this next phase in our lives.

SPONTANEITY 

Continue being up for what ever, whenever! Some of my greatest memories were made from days and nights that just… happened! Justin is famous for his spontaneous ideas; it’s one of the things I love most about him. In 2017, we traveled cross-country with no concrete plan other than a handful of work-related accommodations. Majority of the decisions made during that trip were in the moment, quite literally, and it was magical!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting something I’m so passionate about. I hope this new year brings you a renewed drive to keep working for what you’re after.

x, Taylor-Rae

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