December 31, 2014- Achievements

Looking back over this year, write down three achievements. Three things you feel proud of. Celebrate these.

The thing I am most proud of this year was when I went on my work trip to Toronto- by myself!! This was the first time I ever did anything like this myself. The best part was, this was the first time in almost 2 years, since I started having problems with anxiety and depression, that I spent a night away from my home and my family. To me, that was HUGE!!

I am also proud that I was able to cross off more items on my bucket list this year. I didn't do too many, but I still did some. I saw people in concert I wanted to see, I saw the Rose Parade in person,  I planted a vegetable garden, I wrote in a journal for an entire year, I got a facial, I got a massage, etc.

I am also proud that I bought 99% of my Christmas gifts this year without having to put it on a credit card. My debt has stayed pretty low this year, which has been nice.

December 30, 2014- Feeling Different

Another year has nearly passed. How do you feel you've changed? Do you feel different now to how you felt exactly a year ago?

I feel like I have changed this past year. I feel like I am more comfortable in my own skin and truly like myself much more than I did last year. I feel happier overall and excited about all the things happening next year. I still have my moments, but I feel like I am farther away from the anxiety and depression I've dealt with the last few years. I am more confident in the things I can handle. I did things this year that I haven't done before. I feel a little more grown up that I did last year. Overall, I feel better than I did last year.

December 29, 2014- Relationships

Think about the year that's just been and think about the relationships in your life right now. Who has come into your life and what friendships have drifted apart over the last year?

For the most part, the majority of my relationships have stayed the same. There are some friends that I don't see as often or talk to as often, but that doesn't mean we are any less close. Life sometimes changes our availability, but as long as we are there for the important stuff (which we were this year), that's all that matters. Some of my friendships have grown stronger, others have not. I am pretty happy with my group of friends right now. Sure there are some I would like to see more often, but I know in a bind, I could still count on them. The same goes for me as well.

December 28, 2014- Learnt

Write down three things you've learnt this past year.

This past year I think I've learned so much and so little all at the same time. My first work trip ever I took by myself. It wasn't even anywhere close. I went out of the country, and I was able to do it all on my own. I learned I am able to do things on my own again and be alright. I also learned how much I enjoy watching hockey on television. I've always been a hockey fan, especially of my Anaheim Ducks. I use to only truly enjoy going to the games, but now I enjoy it just as much watching it on television. Finally, I learned how to curl my hair. I know it is small, but something I have wanted to do for awhile. Now I know how.

December 27, 2014- Truth

Write down one truth in your journal today.

The truth I am going to write today is actually something I realized a few days ago. I don't know how or why I was thinking about it, but it was so obvious the second I thought it. The feeling I got from the realization was even better. It was the first time in a long time, if ever, I felt this so strongly. The truth is I really like myself and I am proud of who I am.

The truth is I am extremely confident in myself, and why shouldn't I be. Sure, I have my faults and there are things I can work and grow on, but overall I really like myself. I am smart, hard-working, and kind. I value my relationships, I truly care about people, and I enjoy helping others. I am reliable, loyal, and someone people can count on. I have been through a lot, and a lot of it hasn't been great. Somehow though I have learned to be positive and not let it ruin me. I have become someone that I would want in my life if I wasn't me. 

December 26, 2014- What's Next?

Answer this question...What's next?

Next year is going to be a crazy, but very fun year. I already have so many things going on. In February I plan on going to visit my cousin and her new baby all the way in Canada. In April I am going to my friend's bachelorette party in Vegas. In May she is getting married in San Luis Obispo.Over the Summer myself and 3 of my best friends are turning 30 years old. We are not sure what we want to do, but we plan on doing some kind of trip. Then in October I am in one of my best friend's wedding. That means there will be another bachelorette party and lots of activities. In addition to this, I plan on trying to come off my anti-depression medicine. I think it's time and I think I can do it and do well. 

So what's next? A lot. 

December 25, 2014- Merry Christmas

It's Christmas. Today is about happy moments with loved ones wherever you are. If you like, you can write about the day later, but if not, just write GOD JUL in big, bold letters. That's Swedish for Merry Christmas.

GOD JUL

December 24, 2014- Christmas Eve

It's Christmas Eve. What do you do? How do you feel? Is there magic in the air? Will you be leaving cookies and milk out for Santa tonight? Write it all down.

My family typically doesn't do anything for Christmas Eve. For years my dad, my brother, and I worked in retail so we were always working on Christmas Eve. Even growing up, we never did anything on Christmas Eve. Today my brother and I both got off work early. We will just be watching movies this afternoon. We might even go look at Christmas lights. Unfortunately cookies and milk will not be apart of the agenda. I am excited and can't wait for tomorrow.

December 23, 2014- Christmas Wishes

What are three Christmas wishes you have?

1.) This is one of the first years that I am more excited to give than to receive. I truly could not get a single gift this year and be fine with it. I am especially excited to give my nieces and my brother their gifts. I think they will be so excited and surprised. My first wish is that they will be as excited and as surprised as I am hoping they will be.

2.) This is the first year that I will be spending my Christmas Eve with my older brother, my sister-in-law, and my nieces. We plan on baking, going to see Christmas lights, and just hanging out. My wish is that it can turn into a tradition. Not necessarily a Christmas Eve tradition, but a Christmas season tradition.

3.) This is one of the first Christmas seasons in almost 10 years that I am actually excited and happy during the Christmas season. I am not working in retail, I'm not in the thick of my anxiety or depression, and I have had time with my closest family and friends to just celebrate and have a good time. My wish is that this happiness and excitement continues on through the new year.

December 22, 2014- Christmas Traditions

What are your Christmas traditions? List them in your Journal today.

We only have 2 traditions for Christmas. The first we are doing tonight. My family and I watch the movie The Holiday every year. We try and get it as close to Christmas Eve as possible. The other tradition we have is on Christmas morning. My brother and I always take our picture in front of the Christmas tree. The catch is we are always in our pajamas. Growing up the only real tradition we had was my brother and I would sleep in the same room. We would take turns listening for Santa. Before we went to bed each Christmas Eve night, my mom would read The Night Before Christmas to us. This tradition is one I hope to pass on and do with my children if and when I have them.

December 21, 2014- Food and Drink

What food and drink do you always have at Christmas? Which delicious plate do you look forward to most?

For as long as I can remember at Christmas we always have sparkling apple cider to drink and a ham for dinner. Those seem to always bee the consent. Over the years we have changed up our appetizers, our side dishes, and our desserts. My sister-in-law always does desserts. Th last few years she has done large pretzel sticks with chocolate on the end. From there she coats it in nuts, peppermint, m&m's, etc. This year my mom and I are going to change up our appetizers. We are going to try a veggie pizza and a potato wedge made out of tatter tots. As far as drinks go, I'm planning on having a warm cup of hot chocolate in the next few days.

December 19, 2014- Still Not Feeling Well

Still not feeling too great. My throat is still very sore and now my back and head ache too. This is why it is 8:50pm on a Friday night and I'm in bed. Hopefully a long good sleep will do the trick. Goodnight!!

December 17, 2014- All Done!!

Tonight I finished all my Christmas shopping!! All that is left is to wrap this weekend. In the meantime I'm going to rest up. My throat has been sore the last few days. The last thing I want is to be sick on Christmas Day. 

December 16, 2015- Evoke Christmas

What evokes Christmas for you?

When I see snow it always evokes and brings Christmas to mind. Even though where I live I have never had snow on Christmas, it still reminds me of it. For me, snow only comes at winter time. Winter time from me is December to February, which means Christmas falls in that time period. 

December 15, 2014- Reminds Me Of Christmas

What reminds you of Christmas?

Any time I see the color combinations of red and green, I am reminded of Christmas. It doesn't matter what they are on or why they are together, but whenever I see those two colors side by side, it reminds me of Christmas.

December 14, 2014- Instant Christmas

What instantly brings thoughts of Christmas to your mind?

I've been away for a few days. The last four days have been nothing but Christmas activities. I  had 2 nights of the annual girls dinner with my closest girlfriends. We go out and go to dinner at a place we don't get to go very often. I also had my work Christmas party that was a lot of fun. Finally, last night I got to hangout with my brother and his friends at a housewarming/ugly Christmas sweater party. It was nice to have a few festive days in a row.

The thing that instantly brings Christmas to my mind is….CHRISTMAS TREE COVERED IN LIGHTS!!

December 9, 2014- Happiest Christmas

What are you going to do this year, to make this Christmas your happiest one yet?

One thing I have wanted to do the last few years, but have not been able to is something so simple. I have wanted to bake gingerbread cookies. I really like gingerbread, but I never get to eat it or bake it. I really want to not only bake them, but I want to decorate them. Preferably I would love to to bake and decorate with my nieces and any other family member that would like to join in. By doing something different and something I have wanted to do for awhile, I will make this Christmas happy.

December 8, 2014- Snow Globe

In front of your is a snow globe. You pick it up and shake it softly. When you look inside what do you see?

Every time I shake a snow globe, I think of this scene for The Santa Claus Movie.

December 7, 2014- All Things

Write this quote on your page - 'Do All Things With Love'. Remember it throughout the festive season.

Do All Things With Love.

December 6, 2014- Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday to my fur baby Tyson. He is 5 years old today. 

December 5, 2014- White Christmas

Have you ever experienced a white Christmas? If you have, describe it or add in a photo or keepsake. If you haven't, imagine what it would be like and write it down or add in images that represent the magical time for you.

I experienced a white Christmas the year that we went to Montreal, Canada for the holiday. Apparently when we were there it was the calmest winter they had in years, but to my brother and I it was so cool. It was the first time we had ever woken up to snow on Christmas. I remember my mom yelling up at me to not only wake up, but to look outside. When I did, I could see snow falling. I can't remember if we played outside that day, or much else from that day. I just remember how excited I was to wake up Christmas morning and seeing snow falling outside my window.

December 4, 2014- Snowflake

Put a snowflake in your journal today. Frosted and magical.

December 3, 2014- Christmas Ribbon

Style your page with gorgeous Christmas Ribbon today. Your color choice.

December 2, 2014- Christmas Movies

What are your favorite Christmas movies?

There are 3 Christmas movies that I love. One reminds me of Christmas of elementary school since it was the first place I saw it, one reminds me of Christmas growing up, and one is a new tradition my family and I started a few years ago.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The Santa Clause

The Holiday

December 1, 2014- Meaning Of Christmas

What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas to me means happiness and love. It is a time to spend with people we love, both family and friends. It's a time for doing things together. Somethings I always do with others during the Christmas season is go see Christmas lights and watch Christmas movies. It's about showing the people we love how much we love them. Often during this time is through gift giving. Now that I am older it totally is the thought that counts. Taking your time to give someone something you have not only taken your time to get, but that you have thought about getting them. It is just a time to celebrate and feel the love.