What I Learned in January
Hello friends! Is anyone else amazed how January flew by? It’s been a crazy month over here, from 3-foot snowstorms to traveling to launching our programs at work. This month, I had a great time hosting the #BeBold2016 linkup, where we focused on building our goals for the year. It was a great outlet to really dig deeper into what I think and hope 2016 will look like. Along the way, I learned a lot of different things this January. I’m excited to share with you as part of my monthly wrap-ups.
I spent a lot of my time reading this January, which is new for me. I’m looking forward to keeping up this trend for the year, since reading brings so much joy and insight into my life. In between reading, working, visiting with friends and diving deeper into blogging, I’ve learned a couple things this month to share with you all.
What I Learned in January
1. I am not responsible and cannot control outcomes.
We can plant seeds in life, but we can’t make them grow. We can have faith that they will grow, since there is a special recipe that only God created. He has the power over outcomes–all we have to do is show up and do our job. He makes things work out for the good of everything. This gives me peace as I normally worry over what will happen, over the outcomes of certain projects at work or what my future holds. Emily Freeman in her book Simply Tuesday, really encouraged me in this way that we do not control outcomes. Our seeds grow on their own.
2. I learned to pray for more than clarity.
Often we think things will be better if we knew what was going to happen or what we should do. But as I also read in Simply Tuesday, clarity can be another form of control. Maybe we can think of “what we want more than clarity.” Because often clarity isn’t the answer; it’s something more and something bigger.
3. Pay attention to your fears. Those are the places that need love.
4. I can survive a 3-foot snowstorm, but it was very unpleasant.
I think I shoveled snow for the first time in 10 years. This means I want to move to a tropical island, stat. But maybe I would settle for somewhere in the south.
5. I find outer space fascinating.
I’m a prime watcher of documentaries about space, and then there was this time where I watched The Martian twice in one weekend, with two different sets of people. I do recommend it! I think it’s fascinating to learn more about the planets and stars.
6. I survived a month of Invisalign.
While there is still a long way to go, I’ve gotten used to having Invisalign and going through the entire experience. I’m really excited to see the results from it and that I’m getting it out of the way.
7. Writing down goals is so helpful.
I’ve love the #BeBold2016 linkup–I’m so glad Kate put this all together. If you want to read about my word for the year, my blogging goals, health goals and personal goals, I will link you to the #BeBold2016 series.
8. I’ve dug deeper into WordPress landing page design.
Exploring new WordPress tools is always fun for me. I’ve experimented with Beaver Builder and some other plugins this month, and I’m excited to take these skills and apply it to my new blog design I’m working on for this year.
What have you learned this January? I would love to know how your month has been!