Many of you know that I work with a life coach (& absolutely love it). Well, one week, I did an activity where I created my own personal “mantra.” This was something I wanted to constantly keep front of mind as I went throughout my day. My mantra is my truth. It’s packed with encouragement and motivation for when I feel like throwing in the towel. It summarizes my desires and need to push forward.

Ever since I was in high school, I wanted to find someone who would stick by my side. Not because they had to, but because they wanted to. Life had taught me that people always leave. Friends, family, my own father… People were always leaving and I felt so alone.

So many people dream of working from home. No more cubicle, fluorescent lighting, or rush hour commutes. That dream is a reality for over 1 in 5 Americans according to Forbes. When making this transition, many people neglect to realize that working from home day in and day out can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Sounds depressing, I know, but that’s why we are chatting about it!

I know, I know, so many of you despise this holiday, but if I’m being honest, I love it. From the silly Valentine’s day boxes and cards in elementary school to coming up with something extra special for my future husband, I’ve always found the holiday charming.

Let’s just cut to the chase. Weddings are expensive AF. You go to hire a vendor, get a quote in your inbox and cry. I saw a fellow blogger equate wedding planning to crying over spreadsheets, and I hate to say it, but I’m in the same boat. If you have been following along with my wedding plan, then you probably know that we are having a destination wedding in June. People keep saying to me, “Oh, it’s just a destination wedding. It can’t be that bad.” Well, let me tell you. It is. I picked a stunning venue with delicious food & cocktails, beautiful wedding invites, all day entertainment, and a top notch photographer and videographer, and I’m paying the price.

I’ve been wanting to share this story for a long time. Andrew and I met on a double date. And no, we were not there with each other. You see, I was engaged to be married and Andrew WAS married when we met.

I am having way too much fun dress shopping for the wedding! My ceremony wedding gown is with the seamstress, and I had ordered another dress for the reception and found out today that it is discontinued. My heart is crushed! Back to the drawing board for my second dress.

This year, I decided to create a template of my own to reflect on 2018 and plan for 2019. When I first created the template, I wasn’t sure if I should separate business and personal reflections and goals, but after some thought I kept coming back to the fact that the two are truly intertwined.

If you have been following along for awhile on my Instagram account @thoughtfullythrifted you have probably read some of my vague posts about me having to sell my house and downsize to an apartment.