iNSPiRE | Hello 2013

Hello 2013!

It's time for big dreams...

big goals...

big hopes...

and essentially a big list of things we want to accomplish/achieve.

So we sharpen our pencils...

and we put that list on paper...

Want to try something different this year?

SKIP the RESOLUTION LIST!!

I have a different list I want you to make...
and you have the entire month of January to think about your list and get it finished.

You see...

I don't necessarily make a list of "resolutions".

I fail at keeping resolutions and then spend a good majority of my time beating myself up for failing.

Who needs that?

So, I decided to take a different approach to celebrating a New Year.

I create a Promise ME list.

Those of you who've been around have heard it before.
For those of you who are new...
It's something I started a couple of years ago...
and it just works for me.

You basically take the entire month of January...
create a list of things you'd like to do for yourself...
Begin on February 1st
and be finished by the last day of February the following year.

This is NOT a lose weight, break-a-habit-type of list.
It should be a list to inspire:
personal enrichment...
personal growth...
creative awakening...
self-discovery.

You know that baking technique you've been wanting to try?
Put it on your list.

That local pottery class that's been calling your name?
Put it on your list.

The things I put on my Promise Me list encourage:
Pushing creative boundaries.
Broadening horizons.
Occasional intentional discomfort. (yep...growing pains)
Strengthening relationships.
Discovering something new.
Adding value to the everyday.
Being in the present moment.
Fulfilling personal needs.
Finding joy.
Reaching out - to others and to myself.
Unearthing ME.

FULL emphasis on ME.
Taking time for myself...
and doing things for myself.

I'm a strong believer that the best thing I can do for my children

is to be the very best ME.

Unfortunately, as much as I believe that...

I'm the first to admit
I fail miserably at taking time for myself.

In fact, I'm pretty much always last on the list...

if I even make it ON the list!

It's NOT acceptable.
It's just not...

so, I had to do something to keep ME at the top of my priority list...

because the best ME allows me to be the best ME for my children and family!!

That's how I began the "promise ME" journey.

It's so easy as a mom to push aside

our goals...
our dreams...
or even ourselves as we cater to the needs of our children/family.
The "promise ME" list is a reminder of who YOU are...
things YOU want to do...
things YOU want to be...
a list of things YOU want to discover, try, taste, feel, experience.

Want to participate with me?
Here's how:

1. START MAKING YOUR LIST
Spend the entire month of January putting together a list of things you've been wanting to do, try, taste, experience.
Carry a note pad around with you because I promise you as you open your mind to all of the things you'd like to do this year, there will be triggers you unexpectedly come across, reminding you of things you've been itching to try/do.

Tips: Only add things to your list that cause your heart to race with excitement and anticipation. 
Also, don't make the mistake, like I did, of creating a list that is SO long that there's not enough time in the world to actually complete your list! It's wonderful to be enthusiastic and to push yourself.  It's even MORE wonderful to actually
KEEP YOUR PROMISES!

I highly encourage you to tell your friends about the "promise ME" journey.
Have your friends participate with you, to cheer each other along, and to help you keep your promises.

Need some ideas to get you started?    
• See one of my previous lists HERE.
• Go through some of your Pinterest Boards for inspiration

2. FINISH WRITING YOUR LIST BY JANUARY 31st
You should have your complete list ready to go by January 31st. Go over it and eliminate anything that sounds more like a "task" or "goal". This list is all about having fun!! You should feel genuine EXCiTEMENT about every single thing on your list.

3. START YOUR "Promise ME" journey on FEBRUARY 1st
You have a full 12 months to do the things on your list. 
Keep track of your progress by displaying your list somewhere you will see on a daily basis.
Cross off the things you accomplish as you go along. Celebrate along the way.

4. SHARE YOUR PROGRESS
Post updates on your "Promise ME" progress right here on my blog.

Use Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social media to share photographs of things you are doing and accomplishing. Use the hashtag: #promiseme2013 

OPTIONAL PARTICIPATION IDEAS

GET YOUR NAME ON THE LIST OF "PROMISE ME PEEPS"

Send me an email letting me know you are participating: pnpflowers@live.com

You'll be added to the "promise ME peeps" list that will be displayed on my blog.

I will be randomly selecting "Promise Me Peeps" to send inspirational gifts to throughout our year together.

PROMISE ME for PINTEREST

If you have a Pinterest account, let me know. I'll send you an invitation to participate in our Group Board for "Promise ME 2013". The board will provide inspiration to each other as we reach our goals. 

It will also be a place for you to pin ideas on how to accomplish some of the things on your list. 

For instance, if you want to make macarons for the first time, like I do, you may want to pin recipes, photos or books you come across that may help you achieve that. Sharing the information on our Group Board may also help to inspire someone else who may have the same goal.

POST THE PROMISE ME BUTTON ON YOUR BLOG (available mid-January)

Promise Me 2013 - Are you in?

I really hope you'll join me.

It's life-changing...in so many ways.

Happy 2013 to all of you!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I skipped making a "Promise Me" list last year.

It. was. a. BIG. mistake!!

I will NOT make that mistake again.

My year turned out less productive...

and a lot less fulfilling.

I've made some adjustments to my approach this year:

• Shorter list

• EVERYTHiNG on the list MUST get done - no exceptions like I'd made in the past.

I'm still challenging and "PUSHiNG" myself... (see my Action Word for 2013 - I hope you picked one too)!

I'm just being more selective with what makes it on my list.

What's a "Promise Me" list if I don't actually keep my promises. Right?