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I'm sure it's no surprise to hear that I'm a planner. I'm always thinking ahead and strategizing. It's usually a good thing, and it brings me peace of mind knowing that I've had a chance to think through things. However it can also be pretty exhausting.
Instead of jumping into goal setting and resolutions for the New Year, I'm taking a few moments to focus on what brought me joy this past year. These things are both large and small and in no particular order.
Ok, Ok. This list will also shows me what I may just pack up and carry with me in 2022… You caught me.
Curiosity
You have likely heard me say this before, but a new sense of curiosity has brought me great joy. I don't have to know all the answers, and I'm going to make mistakes. Trying something new and figuring something out makes me feel alive, and I'll definitely continue in 2022!
Kids Getting Back to School
I am so thankful that my kids were able to start school in August with no hiccups. Eli started Kindergarten, and Miller started middle school, so I had a lot of anxiety around those big changes. They both have wonderful teachers and schools, and I am a happy mama.
Our Health
I've never been more thankful for our health. Eli had Covid in early September (he was diagnosed the day before my birthday!), and I'm so happy that we were able to laugh about him not being able to taste food rather than worry about serious symptoms.
Hatch Alarm Clock
This one is a little different, but stick with me. Sometime in early 2021, I wanted to stop taking my phone into the bedroom at night. I would mindlessly scroll, and I know it was messing with my sleep. I discovered the Hatch Restore, and I love how it helps me set a nighttime routine and wakes me up with a more gentle sound than traditional alarm clocks. Click the here (affiliate link) to check it out.
Creativity
This definitely goes along with curiosity, but it's slightly different. I've found so much joy in creating things. I've now made 4 quilts, and I have plans for 3 that I hope to do in 2022. I've dabbled in embroidery and even learned how to do some basic knitting! (Shout-out to an incredibly cool 6th grader Lily for teaching me!) Outside of creating physical objects, I've loved writing emails and blog posts for you, and designing organized spaces for my clients.
My Work Family
As many of you know, I also own a marketing company, Coastal Connections Marketing. Along with Laura, who has been with me for almost 4 years, we now have two more amazing women (Ligia & Ash) on the team with plans to grow both CCM and The Simplified Island in 2022! It feels amazing to provide valuable income to women who are kind, smart, and incredibly talented. They make me such a better person, and life is much more fun with them by my side.
Your Path to Simplified Membership
I'm getting long-winded, so I will keep this brief. I have been overwhelmed by the support of the membership. Industry stats told me that 1-3% of my “audience” would likely join the Founding Member Launch in August. I almost passed out when 12% joined, and the opening last month was also above industry stats. (What do they know anyway?!) We are learning and simplifying together, and it feels so good. The members inspire me every day. Click here to see learn more!
Mexican Train Dominoes
My parents introduced us to this type of dominoes, and we are hooked. It's super easy, so everyone can play with a good chance of winning. John and I frequently ended a summer day by playing it on the front porch with a cocktail.
I could go on and on now that I think about it, but I'm going to end my list there.
Would you do me a favor? Click reply and tell me one thing from 2021 that brought you joy. I love hearing from you.
Happy New Year!
Caroline
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