Cue the confetti!

Scared yeses, scared nos, and confetti that I hope sticks around.

I chuckled when I saw the words “cue the confetti” in a email subject line in my inbox. It was probably because I was in sweatpants and it unexpected hit me with metaphorical confetti. Or maybe I found it funny to think that the marketers who directed this product to me thought I should be this wildly delighted that THIS EMAIL with THIS PROMOTION. Clearly it should make me THIS ECSTATIC.

I’ve cleaned up after confetti before and I can assure you, nothing makes me THAT excited.

Except for maybe the thought and marvel a new year brings.

I’m sure you’ve already seen others post what’s in/out for this year. I don’t think I’m THAT cool to tell you what’s in and out (for proof: see my 6th grade photo of me awkwardly smiling in a much-too-big gray polo with my French horn. I was never one for being cool.)

So, instead, here’s my list of “things I probably would shout about at Costco” AKA the confetti that stuck around from the previous year.

(Why the specificity of bring up Costco you ask? Coolness factor—I’m that one wild lady that has been known to shout “COSTCO HAS THIS HERE?!” This type of ebullient joy is known to my local store. And therefore, if I shout it out loud at Costco, I like it a lot.)

1. DIY fixing my home (but not decor—at least not yet.)

   I promise I won’t become Joanna Gaines any moment soon, but I’ve been far too afraid to fix things around my house myself.

   Until this year.

   Since purchasing a new-to-us 1970s home, I’ve actually taken on house projects my husband would normally do. I now know how to repair a toilet, put up my own blinds, install new light fixtures, and more. Wiring, nailing, and other fix-it-up things don’t scare me as much. And thanks to my friend Krystle at Perkins on Parkway for the confidence to do it all! (And be ready to call pros if needed.)

2. Saying a scared yes.

   I’ve said a variety of scared yeses including moving to a new state, preaching and speaking more, and joining a new mastermind. My scared yeses have provided so much wonderful fruit. Even in the middle of my trembling, they’ve been lovely yeses.

3. Saying scared nos.

   This is the year I asked a friend to be my “no” buddy. I usually say yes to commitments to people please and often, I end up overwhelmed. It’s also not fair to the person I’ve said yes to since I can’t keep my end of the bargain. My Nos are better for everyone involved. Plus—it leaves room for more yeses in the future!

4. Confidence

   I love the etymology of this word—it’s Latin for “with faith”. So often I’ve neglected my own personal worth because I was too scared to walk with faith. I loved having this word be mine this past year. (Side note: if I could advise anyone to do this, be sure to tell someone. I told my friend Bethany about my word and she gifted me a beautiful painting with my word on it. It was the picture I needed for the rest of the year.)

5. Presence

   My year started off rocky with my presence—my children and husband suffered as I overworked and crammed in work and projects that left them out. I’ve since stopped and even found another part-time job doing something I love that gives us time and income. And while I don’t make six figures, I’ve realized how important my time with my husband and kids is. I’m so thankful for their grace while I worked on that aspect of our relationships.

Where I’m cueing the confetti—

Here are my hopes to come, the confetti that I hope figuratively sticks around!

1. Self-Compassion

   This goes without saying, but if you’re a writer, you edit a lot. And sometimes your worst critic is yourself. I found out a lot this year that I held onto a lot of my own criticism—and turned its unyielding critiques to my self-worth. A little revealing, but I hope it gives you permission to practice self-compassion as well.

2. Slow to go

   I usually run at quick pace, but I often miss details. Lately, I’ve taken time to do tasks more intentionally. Adding deadlines, even on daily to-dos like ordering groceries, has helped me immensely. I can’t wait to see what my slowness will bring next year!

3. Making new friends

   Because we’ve moved, I know I’m in a season of cultivating friendships and relationships. While building a community in our neighborhood will take time, I’m excited to see what will come. And in that same vein, I’m excited to see how my old friendships will appear!

4. More scared yeses.

   Terrified? Yes. But excited for the adventure? Absolutely!

5. Balance

   In terms of time and health, I’m hoping this little piece of confetti sticks around. My mental health, physical health, and relational health require balance.

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So I’m cueing the confetti for brand new hopes in the new year! I hope some of your joys have stuck around and will stick around for the long haul. Here’s to scared yeses and nos as well as making the community that you hope for!

And if you’re so inclined—I would love to know your scared yeses and nos for the upcoming year 💕