Outfit: Old Navy poncho sweater (similar here and here) and jeans ⁄ Target faux fur scarf (similar) ⁄ DV Dolce Vita booties ⁄ Kate Spade bag ⁄ Cole Haan sunglasses ⁄ Revlon Matte lipstick ‘Pink Pout’ and Just Bitten Balm Stain ‘Honey’
Jewelry: Page 6 Boutique earrings (identical) ⁄ Baublebar Gem Level ring ⁄ Margaret Elizabeth 2 stone bangle c/o Rocksbox ⁄ Kendra Scott Skylen ring ⁄ David Yurman link bracelet
Happy New Year, readers! Today is a dreaded day for everyone because the holidays are officially over, but I am so ready for 2015 and new experiences. Over the holiday, I looked back over the past year and reflected on what happened. Sure, I reached major accomplishments and made wonderful memories with my family, friends and my boyfriend. However, there are a few things that very much need to be improved upon. I made a short list of the things that I would like to accomplish over the New Year. It doesn’t necessarily pertain to bloggers exclusively. Hopefully, everyone can relate!
1. Spend less time on my phone – I spend much more time than preferred checking emails and maintaining social media platforms for this blog from my phone. It’s certainly a necessary evil, but one that needs to be reigned in and used as minimally as possible. Plus, it’s SO bad for eyesight, and I’m not trying to rock glasses any time soon.
2. Stop rating my successes in comparison to others’ – Ugh, I’m embarrassed to say that this is a big one. I struggle with comparing what I do on my blog to what everyone else is doing. Every time I reach a certain accomplishment, I end up telling myself, “It’s not good enough.” Sometimes I forget that I have come a long way from where this blog was a year ago, and that’s what is really important.
3. Leave the country – I’m sad to say that I’ve never even been on the west coast, so maybe I should start with that first. But I’m making a point to leave the country and travel a little this year. There is so much of this world I have never seen and that seriously bugs me. I’m 23 years old, not married, no huge responsibilities… so if not now, than when?
4. Shop locally more often – This is something I have focused more and more on over the past few months. Trust me, I’m not perfect. I love my big name brands and Starbucks, and it’s highly unlikely that I will completely cut them out… But I recognize the hard work and struggle that local businesses go through to remain relevant. I’ve worked in a lot of local stores, boutiques primarily, and have immense respect for those women that bring success to their businesses. Those are the kind of places where I really want my money to go.
5. Cut out all negative energy – Over the past year, I’ve realized how important it is to cut myself completely off from people who aren’t beneficial for me to be around. I guess that sounds a little harsh, but I allowed myself to socialize with people that constantly spread negativity. I found that it took a serious toll on my attitude and outlook on life, and I exposed myself to it for much longer than I should have. I realize now more than ever how important it is to keep people around me that have positive attitudes, and that’s why I am so grateful for the friends that I have today.
xo Jenna
I love resolutions 1, 2, and 5! I am sure you have seen the pin “Comparison is the thief of Joy,” but I really believe that it is! Do the things that you enjoy, and share the things you love because you uniquely love and enjoy those things. Don’t think twice about doing it better, different, or changing it. As a new blogger, I have to remember that for myself, that no woman’s empire was built in a day. Same goes for Social Media… that takes time, but it doesnt mean I have to be on it all the time.
Thank you for providing a fresh light on some of your resolutions. I might have to add these to my list this year! Best of luck! XX!
Author
Thank you, Jordan! I’m glad that I can relate to other young women and let them know that they are not alone. Sometimes I look at bloggers that are extremely successful and forget that at one point, early on, they felt the same things we feel now, and possibly still do at times. No one gains success overnight. Patience is key, and it helps to know that other women like you are right there with me!
xo Jenna
I loved this post. When I first started this whole blogging thing, I remember following each other very early on and have loved watching your blog evolve. I really wish you luck with your NY resolutions, especially to travel more. Please come visit me in SF!!! I would love to have you. 🙂 Here’s to 2015!
Author
Thank you, Tamryn! You have been such a supportive friend, and I would love to come visit in SF soon! Happy New Year!
xo Jenna
ADORE this post and you Jenna!
So, I can pretty much relate to every single one of these but honestly? Comparison is by far my worst offense! It’s a reflex at this point, whatever I do I have to compare it to other people. Where am I in my career? How is my blog doing? How many instagram likes do I get? How much do I weigh? I second guess everything and then focus on someone who seems to have it all together and just want to give up!
Here’s to a more positive 2015 and learning just how much WE rock! ; )
K.xo
http://www.rarelytakenseriously.com
Author
I appreciate the fact that you can honestly admit to that, Kerrie! You rock! I think there are a lot of women that feel similarly. No matter what we achieve, there’s always going to be someone doing something “better” – whether that’s a blog, a career path, etc. But I’m starting to realize that I can’t compare myself relative to other women, I need to compare myself to yesterday. What have I achieved since then and how can I improve tomorrow? To me, that’s much healthier! 🙂
Happy New Year!
xo Jenna