Happy New Year! We're back after some time off spent with loved ones. In the past New Year's, I've written goal posts for the year, mantras, and things to improve upon. This year, while everyone was recapping their past year in Instagram highlights (and I loved seeing others' posts), I felt ready to move on and into 2019. Last year was a hard year for me. On the outside, everything seemed amazing. But, on the inside, I was questioning myself more than ever. I was doing all the things that I often tell others not to do, "Don't worry about what other people think", "Don't overcommit yourself", "Don't do the things you don't want to do!". And here I was overcommitting myself, doing some things I didn't want to do, and worrying about what other people thought.
As the year progressed, things got better, and I turned a corner. I felt less pressure to be someone or something I assumed everyone thought I should be, and I just got back to feeling great about being me and TRUSTING MY GUT. I posted on Instagram the other day, that my key words for the year are to bring SURPRISE and DELIGHT into my work and my day. But, more deeply, I also am ready to get back into just going with my instincts as I know I can do and have done in the past.
So, here we go, 2019…I'm ready for you. And I'm ready to keep taking you guys along for the ride with me and my team!
{Photo by Lily Glass}
Happy New Year Joy!
I’m with you! trusting your gut is the only way I’ve succeeded before and must get back to that this year.
lots of love
Marysia
Thanks Marysia!
Happy New Year!
Joy
We don’t always make the right choices but one thing I love about you Joy is your authenticity. Keep on keepin on ! Listen to that still small voice, it will never steer you wrong. Go get it girl ! ??
Bridget
@littlesbygeorge
Happy New Year! I’m looking forward to the 2019 ride!
I really related to this. (Maybe it’s our age?? I was born 4 day before you:) ) I know what’s best for me, yet last year did all the things I said I wouldn’t! On December 31 I actually made some concrete plans for 2019 that ensured I would say yes to the right things. I will still fight my “people pleasing”, but I am commited to trusting my instincts over that “should” voice. Thanks for posting what many are feeling. Happy New Year!
I relate to this.
Especially in the age of social media. It’s the constant balance between “dance like nobody’s watching” or wait am i being boring by posting about this, am I being honest by posting this or do I just sound like a Debbie downer… I don’t care what people think but should I care a little bit because I want people to like me?!
And am I being authentic by posting about stuff like anxiety or is it being fake cuz it’s kinda “trendy” right now?
But then I think of myself as a friend and then it becomes so obvious. Just keeping being me.
You keep being you, Joy! Happy New Year
It’s amazing how easy it is to get pulled a little off track – even when, like you say, you’re trying to follow your own best advice. Here’s to trusting your gut, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Oh Joy this year!
Thanks so much Bridget!!
Joy
Thanks AP!
Joy
I’m so with you in this! And thanks for keeping your blog personal and down to earth! Been following you since the early days! I love how you still have suggested daily reads for other blogs like the old days-no one does this any more!
Thanks so much for your post. I have recently created a few affirmations and mantras for 2019 and they fall along the line of “trust your gut” and “do all the things you believe you were born to do” (and without one single iota of doubt). So, thanks for sharing that you, too have to take a deep breath, reflect, and reassert your intentions each year. I have also decided to watch you for the year so I can figure out how to attain creative success, as you have. Cheers to a great 2019!