Designate What You Value Most

We're really moving through September - how does it go so fast?!  This month I've chosen "designate" for my One Word Challenge. I've been working to apply that to all aspects of my life. Designating time, resources, attention and love to the people and things that make me happy, to the activities that help me better myself, to the projects that help others, and to the exercises that are good for my body, mind, and business.

The Hubster and I just got back from a 9 day Alaskan adventure to celebrate our 20 year anniversary (speaking of where did the time go...) where we stayed with my SIL Lana. We explored all over and despite less than ideal weather conditions, we managed to see beautiful places, get to know family, meet a new pup, hike, eat, play games, sleep in, cheer for our favorite teams (Go Big Red Football & Volleyball!), bake and eat some more, fly the drone, see Denali, go for walks in the rain, hike through water and up a mountain in the fog/sleet, small town shopping, and a whole lot of "WOW, look at those mountains!" Check out a link to our video HERE. Designating time for self care, relaxation and time with family really has made a huge difference. #ahhhhIneededthat

Designating time with those we love is an integral part of being our best selves. It was an awesome way to recharge and reset with goals and dreams top of mind. I'm so grateful for the opportunity for the whole week, and I can't believe it's taken us so long to get up there and see the family we have up there and the beautiful area they call home.  I hope we'll be back VERY SOON!

I've also designated some time to read a book by one of our hosts, Maggie Holeman. She's a wonderfully independent woman who retired and opened up a B&B in Hope, Alaska. She's a close friend of my SIL and the four us us got to enjoy lunch, exploring, dinner and a fire, and a cozy evening at her wonderful cabin, aka Black Bear B&B. 

Her book Woman in the Locker Room  is her story from child hood memories (not all good) to the challenges she faced as a woman in the armed service, and Alaska Fire & Police forces. I really enjoyed hearing stories from both Lana and Maggie from their police and fire fighting days, it's truly incredible that these strong women gave so much of themselves to serve and protect others.  I think it's important that I designate some time to get to know more about strong women and all they can and have accomplished. Here's to reading more about Maggie's adventure - and hopefully another visit where we can chat around the fire.

I'm also reading into a personal improvement exercise - "Becoming Self-Aware". Designating time to recognize my strengths and weaknesses, learning from my past (reflecting), trying new things and opportunities (say YES!), and evaluating each experience as I go.   Getting deliberate with my activities (keeping a list and schedule, and reviewing it regularly!) will help build this habit and help me be consistent.

As the busy fall months turn into the busy holiday season, I'm going to be focused on the ways that I can be my best self - even if that means finding the areas of my shortcomings and devoting time to finding someone to help me, taking time to learn and get better, or changing my focus so that those areas are not part of my plan moving forward.

There's always work to be done, and I'm ready to get down to it!

How do you designate what you value most? What steps do you take daily/weekly/monthly to get better? What are you reading? I really want to know! Share with me in the comments or hit me up on social media.




Ciao for now!
~ jen <3

September One Word Challenge: Designate

Happy September, Y'all!

Ok, so summer's nearly over (is over for all practical purposes) and what's so happy about that?  Some great things are on tap for the fall, that's what!

This new professional experiment I'm working on has been going for about 8 months now. I'm learning a ton about myself, how I contribute, opportunities that lie ahead, how self improvement and training never go away, how difficult time management can be if you lose your focus, and how amazing it is to have choices.

Having choices is what has lead me to this month's word: DESIGNATE.

Definition of designate

transitive verb

1: to indicate and set apart for a specific purpose, office, or dutydesignate a group to prepare a plan

I LOVE the purpose and intention behind this word. Sure, we all make choices every day, but do we make those choices with intent and purpose? Do we make those choices because it's what we've always done? Can we separate our emotional connection from those choices?

This is where I am in my journey. It's time to look at "what I've always done" and designate where my energy, time and attention are going. Making decisions on how to spend my time has come to asking: What are the benefits of activity? Is this a revenue generating activity? and Why do I love this activity?

No - everything doesn't have to be a revenue generating activity - but that's a very important question to ask when you are self employed. ;)

If it's not generating revenue, is it:

• building my network
• sharpening my skills
• bringing me joy
• part of my self care
• helping others

If the answer isn't one of the above - should I continue to invest my time and effort into it?

The short answer to that long question is NO. Bonus points if any activity covers more than one of those areas!

I'm working to apply these things to my daily activities, not just large events and activities outside of my home. Less time scrolling and more time reading about things that will help move me forward in life, business, and strong sense of self.  I'm even utilizing time while walking my dogs to listen to audio books and podcasts that get me thinking and inspire me to be the  most awesome version of myself (I'd love your recommendations for both - books and podcasts as I'm just starting my library!). 

More time doing things with family and friends - experiences that I'll look back on and feel that joy again!

I'm at the stage in life where DESIGNATING - choosing with purpose - is the key to living my best, authentic life. I'm getting away from the 'should' and piles of expectations, and focusing on who I am and how I want to grow. 

How do you live your best life? Do you leave choices to chance or do you have a system to DESIGNATE your next move?

I'd love to hear about your system for choosing (eeny-meenie-miney-mo?), your favorite pod casts, and the activities that are bringing you the most joy!

Ciao for now, friends!
<3 Jen