Hey friends! Happy New Year to you <3 I am seriously in shock of what 2017 brought into my life, including my blog. 2017 showed me the true value of my relationship with God, the definition of work, how to know my worth, when to step out my comfort zone and how to let go of fear. One of my biggest learning experiences was from quitting my first post-grad full time job in September. You can read all about that here! While reflecting on 2017, I know that so many people are creating their resolutions for 2018 and goals they are working towards. Though I do have resolutions, much of what I want will be a work in progress throughout this year and the years to come. So today, I’m sharing things I want more of and things I want less of in 2018. In the comments, let me know if you are hoping for more or less of anything in your life and how you plan on accomplishing it.
LESS
- Complaining – Y’all, I wish I could say that I rarely complain and that I count my blessings over and over again, as I should. But honestly, that is so far from the truth. All throughout 2017, I have been reminded of how fortunate I am to have friendships, money, education, health, God, a roof over my head and more. In 2018, I want to complain less and change how I look at tasks. Instead of saying “I have to”, I want to change that narrative to “I get to”.
- Comparing – I feel like this is always on my list but this year I am really working towards no longer playing the comparison game. In today’s society, especially in the blogging world, it is so easy to compare yourself to people that you don’t know. You have no idea how hard they work or where they have come from or what they go through when they are alone or what is on their heart but somehow, we judge them based off the little bits of their life that we see and find ways to make ourselves feel less than or smaller than them. I don’t want that anymore.
- Fear – Writing about fear makes me shake in my boots, literally. Fear (of failure + self-doubt) has stopped me from making so many changes. I overcame a huge fear of leaving my full-time job to change fields and dig deeper into blogging last year but fear kept me from applying to law school, kept me from moving across the country (when I really needed a change) and from securing the love I knew I needed/deserved. In 2018, I am letting go of fear and any other feelings attached to it. 2018 is the year I crush my fears.
- Waiting – In 2018, I am done with waiting. This includes waiting on myself to get it together or waiting for myself (AKA always running late) everyday. I just want to get rid of waiting. This includes waiting to live out my dreams. If 2017 taught me nothing else, it showed me that A N Y T H I N G you want, you can have. This year I chasing every dream that I have and acting out the desires of my heart.
MORE
- Jesus – Simply put, in 2018 I need more Jesus. God showed up and showed out in 2017, y’all. There were so many times I thought I would break or crumble or fall but God had my back. In 2017 I sought God in the darkest parts of my life! In the secrets I’ve held on to, in the insecurities I’ve had for so long and in the feelings of not being good enough. There are so many things I let go and let God have in 2017. I saw that the battle is not mine, it’s the Lords and I need to act accordingly. For all my believers out there, I hope that you exceed all of your spiritual goals this year and trust God in all his ways.
- Patience – If we’re being completely honest y’all, I pray for patience every single day. I need it every single day. Patience has always been a shortcoming for me but, I must change that. Patience with myself and with others is at the very top of what I need more of this year and I plan on taking small steps every day with my own patience and tolerance to accomplish it.
- Giving – As much as I love to have and make, I love to give. My heart has always lit up when the thought of being able to give has crossed my mind. In 2017, I gave to things that were important to me: church, girls’ education and local community engagement. In 2018, each of these items are more important to me and I want to be able to express that in my giving. If you want to join me on my journey of giving, check out: She’s The First & Third Street Community Center.
- Life – This last one is the hardest to explain because it includes so much. I want more travel in my life. I want more love in my life. I was more forgiveness in my life. I want more experiences in my life. I want more understanding in my life. I want more life in my life.
Well friends, that’s all that I have for today. I pray that each of you crush your 2018 goals before you plan to and live the life that you were created for. I would love to know about your goals + resolutions, so drop a comment below. -xo, Azanique <3
Nicole says
What a beautiful and inspiring post! Happy 2018, I hope it brings to you what you deserve and are hoping for ❤️
Azanique Rawl says
You are so sweet. Thanks a bunch
Helena Marz says
I love these tips and I can relate to that in some ways. It is hard not to compare yourself to other bloggers and it’s best to focus on yourself to grow with your blogging. All the best for 2018❤️
Kate K. says
I’m with you on all of your “More” plans! Especially with Giving and Life — I’d love to be more generous free-flowing with my everything in 2018.
Azanique Rawl says
Thank you babe! It’s still a daily goal of mine
Laura at Fairly Southern says
I love your paragraph about wanting more life in 2018! That resonated so much with me. Happy new year!
Leslie says
Keep living your best life. Here’s to more growth in 2018!
Azanique Rawl says
Thanks so much, Leslie 🙂
kileen says
Aw I love this post babe!!! Adding more love in 2018!! Happy New year!
Kileen
cute & little
Azanique Rawl says
Thanks so much!
Nataly says
Happy 2018 babe! This is such a great post! I love it!
Azanique Rawl says
Thanks so much!
Taylor Mobley says
These are perfect. I want to complain less too!
Azanique Rawl says
It’s such a great goal to have!
Briana Anderson says
Love this post (and that dress)! I think that 2018 is going to be one of the best years yet!
x, B || http://www.brianaanderson.com
Azanique Rawl says
Thanks girl! Me too 🙂
Lacey says
Love this post and the concept of breaking things down by less/more. Good luck this year!
xo
L
A Lacey Perspective
Azanique Rawl says
Thank you babe 🙂
Talina says
What fun post! I love your goals for 2018 and I hope you accomplish all of them!
Azanique Rawl says
Thanks so much!
Stephanie Whitman says
This post makes me so happy! I absolutely love your goals and agree with them all 100%. Here’s to me joining you in accomplishing all that with God’s help in 2018!
Azanique Rawl says
Thank you, Stephanie 🙂 I hope this year has been off to a great start for you 🙂
Celeste Godoy says
Love your post and your approach of Less and More, Azanique! I definitely need to reflect on some of those as well.
Azanique Rawl says
Thank you so much!
Bay Area Fashionista (@BAFtweets) says
So many great less and more goals! I love your one about patience, I need more of it too!!
XOXO
Cathy
Azanique Rawl says
Thanks so much, Cathy <3
Jenny says
Cheers to the New Year! I hope for a lot of these things myself this year. Like less complaining and comparing 🙂
Azanique Rawl says
Same here girl!
Tonya says
Honestly, it is awesome that you can admit that you complain more than you should! And I am with you! Thats a great thing to want to get better at! 2018 will be bright for you! I can tell!
Azanique Rawl says
Thanks babe 🙂
Britt Whit says
ahh I love this! such a great post! Happy 2018 babe!
Aitza B says
Yes to more Jesus. I’m definitely working on letting the Lord take control of things. I hope you have a wonderful 2018!
Azanique Rawl says
Me too girl! It’s a daily struggle
houseofloren says
You have some great goals for this year! We def. have a lot of the same things on our list my favorite being,,,,, more Jesus <3 Here’s to a happy and successful 2018!
Azanique Rawl says
Thank you love!
Helen says
Happy New Year to you and your family! Cute balloons! These are absolutely great tips! and oh, I love your luggage! They are beautiful.
Azanique Rawl says
Thank you so much
Adriana says
Wonderful post girlie!!
Love all of it! xoxo
~Adriana
http://www.leopardmartini.com
Azanique Rawl says
Thank you, Adriana 🙂
Deborah says
Aww, this was such a great post to read – I also want more life in my life too! Good luck in 2018!
Belle says
These are such great goals! I need a lot more patience in my life! Happy New Year!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
mylifeaslaurr says
Love this set up of things to do more and less! Definitely with you on the complaining 😛
Xx,
Lauren | http://www.mylifeaslaurr.com
Kathryn says
Traveling is good for the heart and soul, I love it! Happy new year and new travels!
Kelsie Kristine says
Awe I love this! Such great goals you have!! Happy New Year!
Azanique Rawl says
Thank you babe
livewellplaytogether says
I love how you broke this up, Azanique! The more/less is a really cool way to think about it! I love following along with your blog and I’m thankful to have connected with you this year! Wishing you all the best for 2018!
Azanique Rawl says
You are so sweet. Thanks so much babe. I hope this year is treating you well.
fairyprincessjord says
I am so happy 2017 was such a monumental year for you. Wishing you so much happiness in 2018 <3
Azanique Rawl says
Thank you babe <3
The Restless Wild says
Happy new year! I love your resolution to do less waiting! I’m always amazed at how much I feel like I’m waiting for something – that next promotion, that next gig, that next adventure, or even just getting through the grocery line – and so I’m always trying to push myself to be more proactive. Good luck with your goals and happy new year!
Azanique Rawl says
I feel the exact same way! Thanks so much for your kind words 🙂
IrieChic (@iriechic1) says
Love this post!
Azanique Rawl says
Thanks babe
Shaguna and Kaylee says
I really need to work on being more patient!
Azanique Rawl says
I’m still working on it!
Paige says
Girl this is an AMAZING post! I love how you are setting yourself up for success and happiness in 2018!
Steph says
This is such a great post! I love less complaining and need to do that too.
Xo,
Steph
@trendyinindy || trendyinindy.com
stylelullaby says
Love your outfit and especially that pop of color from your shoes! Happy new year darling! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/creative/calvin-baby/
Azanique Rawl says
Thank you babe
nicholle demag says
I’m also working on not complaining! I’ve been trying to take a deep breath instead of complaining!
-Nicholle
http://www.nichollesophia.com
Kachet Jackson-Henderson says
Happy New year! I’m working on not complaining too! I think being present and gracious on a daily basis will help. At least I’m hoping. xo
RunningInHeels says
Love this post and the idea of more and less! Less complaining is on my list as well!
seersuckersass says
So much yes to all of this! You are one wise lady. I am trying really hard to eliminate comparison in my life in 2018, as well. Life is so much more abundant when we focus on what we have and being our best selves 🙂
XO, SS || Seersucker Sass
The Southern Thing says
This is so great! You’re definitely on the right path here!!
Elana Lyn Gross says
I love the way you set up this post! I want to do the same. You’ve got this! 🙂
Azanique Rawl says
Thank you babe
Tori says
I love the idea of organizing your goals/intentions into MORE and LESS — makes them more approachable!
Tori || Victori Media
https://www.victorimedia.com
My Little Box of Tricks says
Yes!! I’m also working on less fear in 2018. I’m replacing fear with faith – faith in myself, in other people, in the Universe.