April's Three New Goals

 I love to make goals for myself, but sometimes I become far too ambitious and lose track of how to actualize my goals. I am a dreamer; always thinking up a new project or plan for my life. While I've always loved that I have so many desires and dreams, a dreamer needs a plan.

 I've found that setting day-to-day goals, or even monthly goals, help me get one step further to the "big picture" destination; I'll be honest, I'm still trying to figure out my big picture destination, but I want to remain active while I do. So, I'm going to do a monthly installment of my little mini-goals for each month and report back to you on the status of the previous month.

1. Increase my Etsy sales by 50%. How am I going to do that? I am planning on purchasing advertising space from Google as well as Etsy AND expanding the products I have in my shop. (Also, if any of you bloggers have any advice, please feel free to share it with me!)

2. Learn InDesign! I realize this will most definitely take me more time than just the month of April, but taking that first step is going to happen this month.

3. Finish the novel I am going to review at the end of this month. I had an author seek me out and ask me to read and review her book on my blog. I want to complete this by the end of the month to coincide with the novel's May release date. 

Here we go April!

Today is [inspiring]

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I try not to get too personal on this blog. I never wanted it to be one of those online journals where you come and complain about your bad hair day or how your relatives drive you insane. Because, honestly, there's very little in my life that I feel deserves complaint. Honestly. 

As I've mentioned on this blog before, I am graduating in May. While that is extremely exciting and reassuring, it's also scaring me to death. I'm spending these next few months doing some real soul searching and attempting to find direction. Despite all that, I still sometimes feel lost. 

Then I read this article from the two inspirational co-founders of The Everygirl and their journey within the world of blogging and online content. For me, blogging has opened my "third eye" when it comes to direction and purpose in my life. Every time I read about a blogger's journey into self-employment through their blog, I become incredibly inspired! They are proof that it's possible. But what's different about The Everygirl is that it's a legitimate business; they create content, design spreads, create photoshoots, meet with advertising agents, clients, etc. In approximately one year, their site has taken off and is now a go-to blog/magazine in the blogging world. 

I am so inspired by co-founder Danielle Moss' advice to their readers: "Try not to be so hard on yourself and know that you don’t need to have all the answers right now. You aren’t where you thought you’d be, but that’s ok . . . These things will happen when they should, and in a few years, you’ll be happy they worked out the way they did.

Never let anyone tell you that you are not good enough, beautiful enough, or smart enough to do anything you set your mind to. Never ever stay in a relationship because you’re afraid of being alone. Do not base your happiness on anyone other than yourself. Find someone who looks at you in a way you never thought possible and never settle for anything less.

Surround yourself with friends who will love and support you unconditionally. Always follow your heart. Work hard, don’t forget to smile, and give yourself a break when you need one. Stop second guessing yourself. You will make mistakes, and you will also make some pretty great decisions, too. Life is going to keep getting better for you. Just stay true to yourself and you will find your way."

And that, my friends, is exactly what I needed to hear.