12.01.2015

Monthy Goals, November

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a fantastic view of Middle Tennessee!

Like most, I'm in complete disbelief that the final month of 2015 is upon us. The holidays are here?! Our office holiday party is next Thursday, so I'm desperately trying to get in festive mode. If I'm being honest, I was feeling a little pre-anxiety about Christmas last week; but now that I've gotten some decor up, and started to chip away at gift-buying, I'm feeling a lot better. Plus, it's ridiculous to be stressed about the holidays. It's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year!

I made goals of what I would like to accomplish every month this year, waaaaay back in January. Some months have been better than others, but I'm proud at least that I've kept these goals in mind month-by-month. Check out my monthly diagnostic right here.

And now, let's see how I did in November:


- Made a trip to see Amir in North Carolina (two-for!)
- So much live music: Copeland (again), Andrew McMahon (my fave), and Neil deGrasse Tyson (counting it!)
- Practiced the one-word-motto of patience. MOSTLY while I was driving. I made a notable effort for this one.
- I snuck in a dinner party on Sunday night- with a chili and game night at my apartment!
- I am currently reading The Girl in the Spider's Web, but haven't made great progress. 
- I sent out several letters at the start of the month: notably to my Mummo to say, can't wait to see ya!
Pretty good for sneaking those goals in there, especially for how nutso November turned out.

This is a great time for me to introduce my final one-word-motto for the year, for December: joy!
So fitting, and equally difficult, at this time of year, isn't it? Joy seems to stem from a deep-rooted sense of contentment, which, ironically, can be hard to find at this time of year.

I got my shoes shined at the YMCA the other day, and the shoeshiner gave me some awesome advice: "I don't have bad days." It is a powerful thought, to consider YOU have the ability to control your own happiness, despite circumstances. A quick lesson on happiness vs. joy: the biggest difference is that happiness is caused by external happenings, while joy is lasting and based on internal perspective. I found this handy chart that helped me understand this even better.

A couple things I'm doing to make this one-word-motto super effective: a written reminder (in gold, of course) on my mirror, and an Advent devotional I'm trying my HARDEST to do every morning (this is huge and unheard of for me!)

How do you practice joy during the holiday season? I would love to hear your insight, in hopes that this will be my best and most successful one-word-motto yet!

I anticipate linking this up with Nicole, but stay tuned.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 
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2 comments

Amy's Fashion Blog said...

Glad you had a fun November. Have a great week

http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home

Lauren @ Exploring My Style said...

Kicking butt with the goals again Priya! I love that Joy is this month's word and goal. So perfect for the holidays. I think once the stress of the holidays is over, joy is a wonderful feeling while enjoying all the hard work (prep)!

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