There's always tomorrow.

"Our words have power, but our actions shape our life." -Rachel Hollis

I for the life of me could not decide on what I wanted to write about today, I had many topics I'd put on my list, but the one that kept coming back to mind was promises.

When we make plans or set goals, we are making a promise to ourselves or to someone else. And when we skip out on plans with a friend, a workout, or saving the $5 a day we said we were going to, our consciousness remembers that, and we start to form habits around it. Now I'm not saying I'm perfect especially in my past, but one thing I've been working on in 2023 is not letting myself slide when it comes to keeping promises. It can seem like such a small thing you're skipping, but in reality, has such a big impact.

I still struggle occasionally, because like you I'm only human. Last week I was dead set on skipping BIO Girls (an amazing non-profit organization which I volunteer for), I was having a rough mental day and had fully convinced myself the weather was terrible where I didn't want to run outside and since I am only the marketing lead for this session, they didn't really need me. This is what I was filling my brain with.

I recently started reading "Girl, wash your face", the second chapter is about keeping promises not only to yourself but others and the impact it has on your conscious habits. However, in the midst of convincing myself to skip because I HATE being cold, I completely forgot the second chapter. Wait, what I in the moment forgot about an inspiring book I'm currently reading... yes, we are human and even though we can read all the self-help books and be inspired, its only until we change are actions and apply it that we live by the books.

Remember you're not alone! Whether you have to talk to God, a friend, or boyfriend you for inspiration, know that it's okay to reach out and not to let yourself be swallowed by thoughts. I texted Dylan to let him know how I was feeling earlier that day, and part of his response was "It's not good mentally to skip on something you committed too, I think you'll feel better about it after you do it." Instantly after reading this, I remembered chapter 2, and knew they were both right. SO I changed my mentality, I went to BIO Girls, ran the 2 miles outside, along the way encouraging the girls to power through the wind, and we all felt amazing afterwards. Those girls needed me to be there for them that day, when we break promises whether to ourselves or to others, we are letting someone down. Our brain is a fickle thing, and we always have to remember that we have control over it!

Keeping the smallest of promises to yourself can have the biggest impact on how you go about keeping promises to friends, keeping goals for your career, and promises of saving money or doing things around the house.

It can be something as simple as taking your dog on a walk or working out 3 times a week, eating a salad for one meal a week, reading for an hour 1 night a week, saving $5 a day for a trip coming up, or drinking half your weight in water daily.

Or something bigger like saving $100-$300 a month for a home downpayment, running a marathon this summer, wanting to do renovations on your current home before you sell this Spring, or start a business.

We all need someone like Dylan in our life. My goal as a realtor is to help you reach your life goals and be a Dylan, especially in the housing and financial area. No, I will never be one of those realtors pushing you to buy a home if you're truly not ready, but I will hold you accountable if you say you are wanting to buy a home someday. It's 100% true that who you surround yourself with makes a huge impact on who you are as a person. Sometimes we need the people in our lives to give us a good push and keep us accountable, asking us if we saved our $200 this month, and reminding us to talk to a lender or financial advisor to help lay out a plan. Clients to me become friends who I would go to battle for, I want to know all your life goals and will do everything in my power to help you reach them. Surround yourself with people who have a positive impact and push you to do and be better.

Things that help me.

1. Write everything down, it helps keep yourself accountable! Put tasks, events, workouts, saving money reminders, times of day to drink water, date nights, girls' nights, dog walks, put it all in your calendar.

2. Start with one small goal. Don't set yourself up for failure right off the bat, changing habits is easier when you start with small steps towards a bigger goal.

3. Be more intentional with your commitments. It's easy to say yes to volunteering and events that sound fun, but when you start keeping yourself accountable for promises to yourself and others, it makes you more aware and selective about how you're spending your time and money, and more intentional about saying yes or no.

4. Hold yourself accountable. If you start by blowing something small off, it becomes easier to blow the bigger things off. Reflect on what are things you have been cancelling on lately? Is there a reason you're cancelling and what can you do to change that.

I think sometimes we feel like our heart and brain are being pulled in different directions and we feel lost and uncertain on which direction we are supposed to go. One thing I remind myself a lot of is prioritizing. Time is something we never get back, and being intentional with our time is so important. I rely a lot on my faith and signs of where my path is leading me to, but also on my gut and my heart especially now when making promises to people or myself. If you’ve been feeling like your path is pulling you in different directions whether it’s in careers, time, or relationships just know you’re not alone! We all have these seasons, and yes it may feel super uncomfortable but being out of our comfort zone is where we grow the most! Talk to God, talk to those closest to you, but overall follow your heart! Life is only fun when we do what makes us happy.

You got this!