Your 2017 Starter Kit

A new year is here and that means more pressure to kick last year's ass. Although I had a great year, people seemed to have really hated 2016 so it shouldn't be hard for everyone to beat. I have compiled a great list on tips, tricks, devices, books, etc. to get 2017 off right and get you feeling good. Some of my viewers chimed in as well and gave some GREAT advice too!

1. Read, "You Are A Badass" by Jen Sincero. I am all about self help books, because they inspire me, because they give me good writing topics, because I like to better myself. This book is a guhhhreat, easy read, doable tips book. She is a hilarious writer, totally relatable, and has a main theme of loving yourself fully for all you are while becoming a badass, and it's somehow not cheesy at all. Get it, read it, okay.

2. Take a probiotic. I am serious y'all- I have seen a CRAZY boost of energy, health, and calmness with my probiotic. I didn't originally take it for this, but it has shocked me, and made me so grateful I started. I take Dr Formulated- Mood Plus from Whole Foods, it says to take 2 a day but I just take one because 1. they are expensive and 2. I feel like 25 billion probiotics in ze bod is enough for me.

3. Do something for YOU. For me, this meant allowing Mitchell to watch sports and going in our bedroom, shutting the door, and watching a girly/murdery TV show that he would totally judge me for but that IDGAF because I love it. There are a lot of crime shows that I am fascinated by, but he thinks murder and rape is depressing, so he doesn't watch them with me. Therefore, I give myself time to enjoy that. I get super into them, maybe enjoy a glass of wine, get freaked out, possibly a little paranoid, I might even research the crime on the internet for a few hours. Mitchell gets to watch sports, doesn't have to know the extent of my fascination with Dateline, and I get to pretend I'm a forensic scientist and think about quitting real estate to become a detective. We both win? Find something you love and do it, watch it, read it, etc.

4. Drink more water. So, I actually haven't been doing this to the extend Mitch has, but I have increased. He has stopped drinking for 45 days (it's kind of annoying for me but whatever) and has been drinking roughly 3 liters of water a day and has more energy than ever, says he feels like he's on adderall but he's not, and his skin is dewy AF and I am jealous. We should all clean out our systems with some water- sidenote: I legit don't like water unless I am legit dying of thirst, so I put lemons in a pitcher and have found by doing that, I drink so much more of it. Get a fruit infused water pitcher and go to town sisters.

5. Start giving back. And I don't mean with money, I mean with your time. It's super easy to cut a check to charity, or to donate $15 a month to the ASPCA (trust me, I do it), but to actually get your hands dirty is what is going to make you feel good and change your life. For me, I wanted to volunteer with dog rescue programs, but, I have found the majority of them are primarily needing fosters, and money to help with medical and adoption expenses, etc. (which is all super important, but I was looking for something more), so I started finding local animal shelter's Facebook page, following them, and then literally went to pick up animals, usually those that are close to being euthanized, paying their adoption fee, and using my network of people to find them homes. The family's always send me updates of their pup and it brings me so much joy to know that I helped out in some way. For a good resource for all volunteering, go to Volunteer Match, they have literally every kind of volunteering opportunities in your community you can imagine. 

*Below is Harvey, (now Wade), I rescued him from a high kill shelter, he was on the waiting list :(. When I met him he peed all over me, was absolutely terrified being there, and I knew I had to save him. I reached out to my Facebook friends, found him the absolute perfect home with a couple who was looking to rescue, where he gets constant love, cuddles, and treats, is around other dogs and babies and absolutely loves his life. Rescuing him was one of the sweeter moments in my adulthood.

 

6.  Once a week or so, look up a positive news article, read about the good in the world. The news can be SO depressing, don't lose hope and sight that we do in fact live in a wonderful and beautiful world with really good people. I love reading about how some children decorated an old man's house for Christmas because he was unable to, and he is so moved and life is so happy and the youth is not damaged. It's just a good pick me up that I think is important for our morale.
Some sources for that are: Good News Network , Good News at The Huffington Post, and Daily Good

7. Give yourself a personal goal. It's so easy to do the obvious, get into shape, get promoted, sell more, etc., give yourself something that's going to change your character. That's going to chip away to some real good. I am trying to give more grace, not only to others, but to myself. It's been a slow process, but I am really trying to realize that not everyone walks in the same shoes I do, that I can screw up and it doesn't mean I am an idiot- 2017 is about giving everyone, including me, a break.

8. Be daring. I have learned how much I love to travel, and for me this is an issue because I LOATHE flying. I literally look like I should be locked up in an insane asylum when I am in a plane, so if you ever get the privilege of flying with me or near me, I am sorry and also you're welcome for your in flight entertainment. For me, even though I am terrified, I have learned that I enjoy seeing new places, experiencing new cultures, i.e. traveling, more than the fear. So I do it. Terrified. And I may never get over it, but it won't stop me from experiencing the world and growing as a person. 2017 is about kicking ass and taking names, not about living a life of fear.

7. Gain a hobby. I still don't know what this looks like for me. Blogging is a hobby, but I need a new one. Maybe I'll take a Spanish class, or start gardening, or bullet journaling (google it, it's a whole thing). Maybe painting like this sexy furry man below. Try something new, something that will make you a smarter, more enriched, full human being.

8. Sign up for an intramural team. When I signed up for kickball a few years ago, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I am not athletic, but became 3rd baseman, made a total fool of myself, and absolutely loved it. These people become your good friends, I ended up dating a guy from my team for a bit, and you really do find yourself looking forward to it every single week because you have different themes and parties and you are legit sad when it ends. WAKA Kickball is pretty much in every big city and is a blast, but they have all types, volleyball, softball, just go pick one and do it! *This was literally me below.*

9. Start a 30 day gratitude challenge. This has been something I was recommended to by my anxiety counselor, who is an absolute doll, she said it was a total game changer for her. Every day, for 30 days, speak aloud 3 things you are thankful for. You cannot repeat them, so eventually you get creative, i.e. seeing the spectacular in small things in your life. After 30 days, your mind has truly started to change so you're grateful about a hell of a lot more, and when you're thankful, how can you be anxious and not happy?

10. Do a SoulCycle class. Even if it's just one. Look I know they are so expensive, but they are seriously a treat. I loathe working out, like it ain't fun, y'all. But these classes seem to kick your ass, all while dancing to music, connecting with your fellow riders and most importantly weirdly touch you spiritually while you're singing Whitney Houston's, "I wanna dance with somebody." They are expensive because they aren't working out, it's an experience. Even if you can only do one a month, take advantage and do it! You will not regret it.

WHAT MY READERS SAY:

Alie Van Deman says:

"Get an Erin Condren planner. They are the absolute best. Order extra planner stickers to make the most use of it." Planners have always been difficult for me because I can't fit them in my purse, therefore forget them, therefore never use them. BUT, this year, I bought a big tote and carry my planner with me and I have been actually been using it. Just looked these up and they are cute AF, good recommend Alie!

Jennifer Ashford, says: 

"If you're getting married- hire a wedding planner!" And omg y'all, is she right. Jennifer was my wedding planner- and I did not want to spend my money on a full time planner, so I hired her as the "month of" and it literally saved my life. My wedding would have been a total crap shoot without her. Spare something else in your wedding and hire a planner, even if only day-of, it's a total necessity and keeps everything smooth, calm, and collected.

 

Katey M says:

"Let your words change your life (Based on Joyce Meyer's book) Focus on only speaking positive things and watch how it starts to change everything." Oh this is a struggle for me. I tend to complain a lot, because I can make it funny and kinda get away with it- but over the years it has truly affected me and my negativity. This year, I vow to speak positive words more, and to catch my tongue when I am not. Won't you do it with me and Katey?!

Kristen Nelson says:

 "I read a blog recently where someone chose a word to focus on for the year. Her word last year was patience-- just really focusing on infusing patience into her life. This year she is focusing on gratitude. I think I might pick grace for my first word. Extending grace to others as much as I can." Well lookity there, this is my sister, and I promise you I wrote that IIII wanted to give grace more before she said it. I think there is so much negativity in the world- extending and giving grace is just a real good place to start. Let's give people a chance in 2017!

Julie Imhoff says:

 "My church started the year with a series on relationships and mending those that are broken. I want this year to be about mending relationships that have been lose or broken in the past." Love this. Although I am terrible at this, mending a broken relationship can save your joy. I have only done this with a few people becuase if you break it, you buy it (I don't know it seemed fitting). I am very stubborn when it comes to people being an asshole, HOWEVER considering this year is a year of grace, I completely agree with you Julie. Mending broken relationships may completely turn your year around, if you're into that whole forgiveness thing.

Lindsay Hanks says:

"Let go and Let God. As He's molding me, I need to trust in HIS plan instead of asking for him to accept mine. We need to accept his timing through both loss and exciting times." Yas Lindsay, Yas! Again, such a hard concept for me, because i'm a psycho control freak. But, this is a mantra that needs to be hourly, daily, monthly, yearly for your whole life. 

Stephanie Small says:

"If you're married, read the 5 love languages. Total marriage game changer." Definitely! I have never personally read the 5 Love Languages, which is crazy because I write about relationships, but have heard it gives you a whole new world of perspective for your partner. I would read aloud with your man or lady too because it's beneficial for both parties to know what's going on with one another, communication styles, open up for discussions, it'll be just a dandy time.

Hannah Holliday says: 

"Find the balance in your weekend between fun and relaxation. Make the weekend yours." So important. No matter what the chaos in your life, find time to relax, or go have a drink, or go to dinner, stay up late watching movies, take naps, take TOTAL advantage of your days off so you can be the best and full you throughout the week.

Jojo Fletcher says:

 "I have been obsessed with vitamin E oil, I put it on my face, all over my body, it's natural and inexpensive. My favorite shampoo is Oribe gold luster too. It's the most amazing smell and leaves my hair so soft." Great beauty tip Joelle! Vitamin E oil is a great and inexpensive way to get a glowy, duey look without the expensive price of some of the others. I have been putting a little bit of oil on before I put my make up on, and love the way it makes the application so much easier and less cakey on my face. Also, I have used her shampoo before and it legit smells like heaven in a bottle. It also made my hair super soft which is hard because I have a lot of it and it's curly and coarse and cray. It's expensive but worth it- I would supplement another one in a few times a week so it doesn't go as quick!



Thanks so much for reading and tipping in guys! I am going to bring Jo in and do some of our favorite beauty products, tune in, and write me if YOU have some! (She has no idea this is happening yet by the way).


XX,
Kathryn