Compilation – A New Year’s Resolutions Round-Up

We all make them and we all break them… but at least we’re trying, right? It’s exciting to get a “do-over” and a chance to “wipe the slate clean” each January 1st. It’s also fun to see what others are doing to serve as inspiration for our own lives as we bravely venture into 2014 and beyond. We checked in with some of our Southern C contributors and friends to see what’s on their minds (and list) for 2014. Whether funny, simple or heartfelt, you will be sure to find some relatable resolutions and take-away ideas to help as you make your own for this new, fresh year! Here, in their own words, see what they had to say:

Tina Adams – www.tinaadamsconsulting.com

1. Life is too short to wear clothes you don’t love. Only buy and wear what I truly love.

2. Find a signature fragrance and wear it every day.

Jay Ducote – www.biteandbooze.com

1. Lose a bit of the beer belly and fit into my old suits so I don’t have to buy new ones.

2. Finish my book.

3. Be a good boss… cause I’m about to hire my first employee!

Tamara Eckles – www.jemofthesouth.com

1. Bake more – I really want to have recipes consistently on my site weekly. Pray for me, y’all!

2. Drink more water. I’m horrible at keeping my water intake in check. I think I get dehydrated every week so I really need to work on this

3. Stop overthinking everything and take more risks with Jem of the South.

1. I juggle a few careers, one of which is designing a small USA-made clothing line called Ramey Rhodes, my goal for 2014 is to at least double my sales numbers and enter new markets. It’s a challenging business, but it is my passion and it’s my goal for 2014 to be a huge year for us.

2. I am resolved to take better care of myself. Clean eating, more sleep, less wine (OMG WHY), and much more regular exercise. It’s so easy to let these things go if you have a crazy schedule, but it’s also totally irresponsible and avoidable. I will do better.

3. Give more. I will give more of my time and my focus to other people and do more good. I think sometimes it’s just easier to write a check, or screen a phone call, but really it’s so important to show your friends and family how much you love them and furthermore to give your time to organizations and people who are out there trying to make a difference in the world. We have to make the time for others. My favorite quote of 2013 was “you have the same number of hours in your day as Beyoncé”… I mean, what more is there to say?

Megan LaRussa – www.southernfemme.com

1. Find my Inner ‘Om’ with more Yoga

2. Spread the Gift of Style with more Southern Femmes across the Southeast

Cheri Leavy – www.tscoterie.wpengine.com

1. Stay Positive! Strive to bring out the best in myself and others around me.

2. Buy More Shoes! A friend shared this quote- “There are only two times a woman should buy shoes…when they need them and when they don’t.” Amen. Another friend shared- “shoes speak louder than words.”

3. Work on Health and Wellness! This includes exercise and down time. Unplug the technology. Travel and expand horizons. (Whoa that is a few goals in one! I tend to be ambitious.)

Holly Phillips – www.theenglishroom.biz

1. say NO more (the volunteering always gets out of control. work and family needing to be a priority)

2. buy less, choose well (i gotta hone the shopaholicism cause I am running out of space)

3. unplug from electronics more especially during family time (this is REALLY hard for me…)

Shannon Reeves – www.shannonreevesevents.com

1. Worry less = A big one for this year! Focus less on what may happen and more on the positive parts of the present. I’m a worrier by nature, so this one is tough, but it’s my number one goal for 2014

2. Embrace my new city! My husband and I made the move from Tallahassee, Fla. to Tuscaloosa, Ala. in late 2013, so I’m very excited to spend 2014 diving into all-things-Alabama!

3. Keep practicing being present. Lara Casey – a lady I respect very much in this industry – says “wherever you are, be all there.” I love this and expect it to be a helpful reminder message throughout the next year (and long after that!).

Angie Tillman www.phickles.com

1. After spending the bulk of the holidays picking up behind kids, dog & husband ….my first resolution is to delegate delegate delegate! I need to be better at giving responsibilities to my children and sticking to my guns. I can’t wait for school to start back in January. I need a break!

2. Be better at pitching news & stories about my pickle company to magazines, etc. Luckily, I have Amy Flurry’s book to help steer me in the right directions!

3. Actually write the stories! I have so many stories about southern people, places, food, inspiration that I haven’t documented.

Amber Wilson – www.fortheloveofthesouth.com

1. Love with a greater intensity and bravery

2. Create meals and heartfelt moments with loved ones

And finally, me… Whitney Long – www.tscoterie.wpengine.com

1. Be present! Whether I am at a school program, sporting event, doing homework with the kids, working at my computer, talking with my family and friends, I want to be fully in that moment and appreciating it for what it is!

2. Have an “Attitude of Gratitude” – sometimes easier said than done, but I want to be very intentional in recognizing the blessings that surround me everyday! Life gets busy, life gets crazy, life is filled with ups and downs, highs and lows, peaks and valleys but there is always, always lots to be thankful for somewhere in the middle.

3. Read, read and read… try to empty some of the book basket that sits by my bed and that I stare at longingly as I fall to sleep each night 🙂