2014

Whew! 

Can you believe that 2013 has come and gone? What a difference a year can make! We got engaged, bought a house, got married and moved to London all within 12 months. 

Alright. Now, cue the cliche--

2013 has been amazing and I can't wait to see what 2014 has in store for us! 

(eye roll.) 

Overall, this past year was amazing for us, but it would be deceiving if I didn't acknowledge both the highs and the lows. Buying a house, planning a wedding and moving to London were all amazing experiences, but they didn't come without a price. As individuals, James and I learned and grew and as a married couple; we are still learning and growing. 

So far, we have been married for six month. Six months of figuring out what it means to be married, six months of experiencing the stresses of marriage (financial, emotional, etc.) and six months of wondering/worrying about the future of our marriage (where will we be in the future, what do we want for our future, etc.)

I am not participating in New Year's Resolutions. There is no point in trying to make changes for a year. I am looking to make major changes in my life. This year, I am making Life Resolutions.

2014 is being devoted to happiness. My focus is giving my husband the love and support that he needs to excel, giving our family the best chance it has to be a strong family unit and giving myself the time and attention to be the healthiest and happiest I can be. Here's a list important aspects that team starnes will target this year.

focus on making your marriage the healthiest, happiest and strongest it can be. Our first six month have been stressful, but I am confident that this London experience will bring us closer and stronger than ever. It is important for us to take time to set a solid foundation while it is just us because life will only get more complicated with a family. Even though James and I have been together for 7 years, it's still trial and error. We are still figuring out how to love and support each other and I hope that never changes. 

focus on your own mental, emotional and physical health. You can only be happy and healthy in a marriage if you are happy and healthy with yourself. 

kindle new relationships and rekindle old relationships. Living away from the comfort of friends and family is hard so it's important to create a network for yourself. Also, if you have a hole in your heart due to a lost or dead relationship, put your pride away and say you're sorry. 

don't sweat the small stuff and focus on the positive. I struggle with this. Sometimes the smallest thing can throw me off balance. Life isn't all that bad. In fact, it can be a wonderful ride! Focus on what is going right rather that what is going wrong or what you want to change.

temper the temper. Calm down! There's no need for an explosion. It's not that serious.

work your brain. Never stop learning. Soak up everything. Experience different cultures. Set goals for yourself. Travel. See the world. 

surround yourself with authentic people and forget negativity. Life is hard. Relationships are hard. For those that you believe in, cherish them forever.

live YOUR life to the fullest. Everyone is different. People have different dreams, aspirations, priorities. Avoid comparing and appreciate what you have.

forgive yourself. You can't change the past. Seek forgiveness. Learn from your mistakes. Do what you can to regain peace and then move on with a different perspective.

***

The past three months in London have flown by and the next nine months will to. If we end up coming back to the States at that time, I don't want to feel regret with how we spent our time abroad. I want to feel satisfied and ready to take on a new role, as a career woman or a mother.

2013 was amazing, but the best is yet to come. Now, we just have to sit back, take life as it comes and enjoy the ride.

xoxo,

team starnes