Letter to Myself

Dear Christine,

Last year was life-changing for you. You changed your career and have taken off in both your personal and professional life. I expect that in this New Year, you are going to succeed in accomplishing goals that have been on your list for a long time.

Congratulations! I also heard you have a little one on the way! August is going to be a big month for you! That gives you 7 months to conquer some goals before you have your hands full with child number three. It is time to take action and be serious about it.

Now, I am here for you and that is why I must be stern about these goals. Last year you made phenomenal leaps towards living your best life. After all you have been through and the significant life changes you have made, 2021 is going to be a piece of cake.

This year is the one you get to start actually living your success and adjusting to a new lifestyle.

Let's get down to business:

Yearly Goals

• You are going to visit 1 new place a month. Whether it be in state or out, a day trip, overnight, or a few days, do not let this slide past you. Now, this will cost money too, and you are still terrible with your finances. That means you are going to have to buckle down. You've always wanted to travel and you have done so here and there, but just imagine the exciting life you will live when you begin to conquer this goal!

• Follow-through with every monthly goal. Reference this letter each month and give yourself the reminder you may need if you are procrastinating. You've got this!

• Get a planner - I know that is such a cliché thing, but you used to loooove having one. You were a planner fanatic and you thoroughly enjoyed it! You have your own desk space at home now and have the room to store the 'extras' that come along with that hobby. Stick to it!

Monthly Goals

January

• As the nausea passes and you are nearing the end of your first trimester, you have to start getting yourself together. Take note of items that need to be updated in the house, start a cleaning regimen, and start cooking more frequently. Yeah yeah, I get that is a lot to ask...but this is what you NEED. You can do it and you want it enough that I know you will. You won't get it all done at once, that is okay, slowly step into it.

• You should be coming into some extra funds. Your goal is to set aside $1000. This certainly may not be possible because you do not know what is coming. Your minimum financial goal to save this month is $500.

• Trip #1 - Go to the airport, see what flight is available and take it. Do not plan your destination; just go with where the flights take you.

February

• Announce your pregnancy! Let all your friends and family know the exciting news and relish in the happiness.

• Nail down set chores for the kids. You are about to really have your hands full and you need the help. They are old enough. Look up examples and get them established.

• Trip #2 - Texas - Go visit your brothers and their wives! Have a nice dinner at a restaurant, do something touristy, and ENJOY your visit!

March

• It is time to get the garden ready. You've wanted it every single year, even had it tilled out before and still didn't follow through! This year is different. You have a supportive spouse that also would like to have a garden. Make. It. Happen.

• Get prepared for Easter - Every year you are so last minute. Why not choose to be on top of it for once? Eliminate that kind of stress from your life and be pro-active.

• Trip #3

April

• Have a baby shower by mail - The pandemic has allowed for things like this to exist and since you are an introvert, it'll work well for you.

• Write thank you cards for all of the people that send you gifts or congratulations!

• You should have a bonus this month - make a large contribution to your savings.

• Trip #4

May

• You are going to make the firepit area you've always wanted. Now that your landlord has put up the fence for you, there is more privacy and you no longer need to be afraid of your neighbor. You can be outside again; it is a safe space. You already have the firepit; you have the pins pinned on Pinterest...so do it already!

• Go Camping! - If you haven't already done so...get it going! You love to camp!

• Trip #5

June

• Get a pool setup for the boys (with a cover this time) and keep up with it!

• Go Camping! - If you didn't last time, make sure to take the kiddos this time! They need the time outdoors!

• Trip #6

July

• It is time for a deep clean! Each room really needs a good clorox, dusting, vacuum, etc. The baby is due soon and it is time to be prepared.

• You should have a bonus this month - make a large contribution to your savings.

• Trip #7

August

• Breathe - You are having a baby this month and the most important thing you can do is relax. Do your best to remove any stress. Ask for help from a friend or family if you are feeling overwhelmed. This is an exciting time and you are going to really enjoy having a family of five.

• Trip #8 - This needs to be on the easier side. You have an infant now and you are going to be nursing. Make this your first ever family vacation! Take a week and go to the beach. It will be a lot of work, but it will be wonderful!

September

• Get organized - I know this is going to still be your adjustment period. Your hormones will be crazy, but you've got to be on top of things. Do not let the house get out of order, stay focused. I don't know if you will be off from work still, but you probably will be. Don't let that allow you to slack off. Get some routines going, make sure the boys are doing their chores, make sure that you ask for help when you need it.

• Trip #9

October

• Settle back into work - At this point you should be back at work. It is still going to be an adjustment nursing and having meetings, etc. You can balance it though and it is totally possible to accomplish working full-time and being a great mom to baby and boys. You have support - reach out if you need it.

• You should have a bonus this month - make a large contribution to your savings.

• Trip #10

November

• Reflect - I am sure this year has really gone by quickly and you have so much to be thankful for. You won't have your boys this Thanksgiving, but you can still make the most of it.

• Are you on top of your Christmas game? How about the boys' birthday? Chop Chop friend, you don't have much time left!

• Have a trip at the cabin for a Thanksgiving in your own time with the kids.

• Trip #11

December

• Take time off from work! It is the year all of your siblings come together and it will be a big Christmas. Your siblings that haven't gotten to meet the baby will be so excited to meet their newest family member. Enjoy your days off, enjoy the family, soak in the time.

• Trip #12 - woah girl, this better be the right number and this better be the 12th trip you are taking this year. How amazing is that!? I can't wait to hear all of your stories and see your pictures!

Items to Purchase this Year

• Shoe rack
• Washable rug for living room
• Curtains
• Chairs for around firepit
• Porch set from ACE Hardware
• Fireplace space heater

I told you we had a lot to conquer, but this stuff is easy peasy! Most of it is learning how to take time for yourself and your family without allowing external sources to hold you back. Your car will be paid off this year and your debt is continually going to decrease. I am so excited for what is to come! Your future is bright my dear and life has just begun!

It is time to jump into 2021 and grasp all it holds! Breathe, live free, enjoy every day, all of the moments, and live happily!

Take care and embrace the New Year with excitement!