“If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made up of.” ~Bruce Lee

Dear Universe,

This year has gone by in a blink.

I’m not kidding. Ever since having a baby, time is fuzzy. Sometimes minutes feel like hours; other times days feel like minutes. I always heard that when you have kids, “the days are long, but the years are fast.”

Almost nine months in, I see how the years will pass by fast. Too fast.

Growth happens and can be seen in the hundreds of photos and videos on my phone—scratch that—thousands. Milestones are commemorated on the pages of a baby book. And my heart keeps expanding in ways I never imagined possible.

All these things are changing and happening and it’s way too fast. But since hitting pause isn’t an option, I find myself constantly reassessing my priorities. Simply put, if it’s going to take me away from my little boy, it (whatever “it” is) better be worth my time, energy and attention.

I know I’m not the only one who is feeling this way. So in approaching a fresh New Year I thought it might be helpful to make a list of questions that can help guide us towards exactly what we want in 2019.

My hope is this list can serve as a compass whenever we are feeling pulled in multiple directions or simply feeling the pressure of wanting to live life to the fullest.

So here are the questions I plan on asking myself in 2019… as often as necessary.

1. Does this idea excite me?
2. Does saying yes to this feel right down to my core?
3. Will spending time with this person enhance or drain my life and soul energy?
4. How can I eliminate unnecessary drama and stress from my atmosphere?
5. How can I be more present and focused on what matters most to me?
6. What are ways I can fill myself up so I can fully show up for my loved ones?
7. How can I pursue my dreams in a joy-filled state?
8. What would my future self want me to do?
9. How can I say yes to what’s truly calling me?
10. Will this decision bring me peace?

I think it can be difficult to pause and ask ourselves these important questions because, well, we are in a rush.

Let’s face it. It can be inconvenient to pause and ask questions. Who has time for that?

But here’s what I know for sure: you have to make time for quiet reflection, for asking hard questions, for waiting for the answers, and for honoring what comes up. I promise that if you don’t, it will just cause more trouble and inconvenience later on.

So I’m printing this list. I’m keeping it in the front of my planner. And I’m referring to it every day if I have to because I want to—and need to—stay on track and focused.

There are goals to be reached, but more importantly there are memories to be made, and love to give.

I invite you to print the list too. I’d love it if you let me know where you’re keeping it! I’d also love if you check in now and then to share how it’s helping you throughout these next twelve months.

And if there any questions you would add to these, please feel free to share below!

Cheers to 2019. May it be our best year yet!

Wishing you all the things that make you smile, and plenty of surprises you didn’t even know you wanted!

With Gratitude,