1. Accumulate experiences.

Last week, I blogged about valuing experiences over possessions. Rather than spend my time and money on material possessions, I want to focus on experiences. This past weekend was a perfect example: long brunches with friends, hot cups of tea in the kitchen, pumpkin carving, playing in the park like a little kid, hikes, making my own Chex Mix, painting days and homemade dinners with best friends. I want every day this month to be just like that. Experiences and good times always rule out great items.

2. Don’t take on other people’s problems.

I love listening to other people’s stories. I truly do find it helpful and soothing to listen to them and offer any advice or insight I might have. I’ve had so many people give me valuable advice that has really helped and challenged me! One thing I need to work on is not taking every problem personally and trying to “fix everyone.” It’s important to validate the person’s feelings, but not take responsibility for changing or fixing the issue. This month, I want to listen actively and speak in love – but not feel the need to make their problem or issue my own. Make sense?

3. Pride < Humility

We live in a culture that craves praise. Seriously, everyone wants to be recognized. This month, I want to work on staying humble. Being “successful” is not determined by how much money I make or how many friends I have or anything worldly of the sort. I’m reminded of Proverbs 16:18: “Pride comes before deception, haughtiness before the fall.” Humility also stems from confidence. I would describe myself as a confident person, but when I don’t keep myself in check it’s easy to fall down a slippery slope of pridefulness. In November, I need to work on remembering that everything I do is not for myself – but for something greater.

4. Organize

Clothes, books, desk, living room, kitchen everything! This November I want to organize my life. Also, why does closet organizing sound fun and kitchen organizing sound miserable to me right now?

5. Journal more:

I’ve been journaling since before I can remember. I usually journal at night (sometimes in the morning). I’ve found that journaling is a key to learning, growing, healing and moving forward with life. I also feel so refreshed and at peace after writing my rambling thoughts on paper. A few more benefits of journaling? Here’s 100.

6. Meet new and interesting people:

I LOVE meeting new people and feel like I haven’t been proactively getting to know more lately. Weird how that works? This month, I want to go out of my way to meet new people – and then spend quality time with them.

7. Never ending resolutions:

As you may know, the nine tasks in the image below are what I challenged myself to do at the start of 2011. Below are details on what a few mean to me specifically, but I highly recommend reading the full list here. In November, I specifically want to live out my goal of living fearlessly! I love this Taylor Swift queen quote:

To me, fearless is not the absence of fear. It’s not being completely unafraid. To me, fearless is having fears. Fearless is having doubts. Lots of them. To me, fearless is living in spite of those things that scare you to death.

This month, I want to live actively and joyfully despite the ups and downs. This month I want to be courageous!

Thanks for reading and enjoy this fantastic Friday! I’d love to know – do you have any resolutions/goals for the month? I’d love to hear! If you’re interested, here’s my October and September resolutions. xoxo

Love,
Andi