I hate the phrase New Years Resolutions - it's a phrase cursed with bad joojoo.  I much prefer to look towards a sparkly New Year with dreams, visions and goals. It might be just a play on words but I think the connotation is much more motivating!

So as I do every year, I'm putting myself out there and sharing my GOALS for 2016. I hope by doing this, that I inspire you to do the same. 

Exercise at Least 3 Times a Week - Focus on Yoga Strength 

I have struggled with my weight my entire life so the word "diet" is  very depressing and unmotivating for me. This year, I'm simply working on strength, balance and flexibility which I want to come from recommitting myself to my yoga practice. I hope that positive changes will be a natural result of me hanging upside down on a regular basis:) I'm also going to try out several different studios so I don't get bored. 

Attend Church More Regularly 

I was never a church goer until my life circumstances led me to Northstar Church when I was about 40. Thanks to the Northstar pastor Mike Linch, my approach to life has completely changed and I have a relationship with God that I never had growing up.  Life got in the way this past year with my Sunday routines and I'm looking forward to those special mornings again.

Save and Plan for a European Vacation in October 2018 

In the Fall of 2018, Riley will (hopefully) be graduating from Ole Miss and Emory will be graduating from post grad work at Creative Circus so we will have lots to celebrate as a family.  Ever since I went to Milan and Venice for Modenus Blogtour, I've been obsessed with going back. My daughter Emory studied abroad in Verona and Riley is about to study abroad in Florence so it's a must that we all go back with my husband Mike! (We all want him to get some skinny jeans for the trip so he fits in better). 

Grow the "Guatemala with Kelly Kole" Program

This year will be my 10th visit to Guatemala and my 5th time leading a team to build houses for the poor.  2016 is my largest team yet which I have capped off at 24 (and we have a waiting list).  What started as a challenge trip to myself with Northstar church years ago has turned into a full blown hobby for me. I am completely humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead people on a life changing adventure. In 2016, I will be laying the foundation for additional trips and new activities and projects for my teams.

Drink Wine Only on the Weekends

I love wine. It is the ritualistic ending of my day. It's a great companion to my laptop for late night work, for my sushi dinner, for cozy time watching Scandal and Homeland - oh I could go on and on. But alas, the calories are making a difference in the 'ol waist line and I'm going to have to save this ritual for the end of a hard worked week.  Sigh..... 

Practice Positive Self Talk in Regards to Body Image

Oh the internal conversation that goes on in my head when I look in the mirror is BAD.  It's just not healthy and so counter productive.  Gotta stop that chitter chatter and just do somethin' about whatever I'm bitchin' about.... 

Finalize a New Will be the End of February 

Mike and I have a will but it's old and it needs to be updated. It's just one of those pain in the butt things that I have to get done. I'm so terrified of not having an updated Healthcare Directive in my will (PULL THE PLUG) that I'm sure I will complete this task! (Helpful hint: Putting it in writing and announcing it to the world is one way to do that.)

Cook Fresh New Recipes at Home with Mike

My husband is a Food Network addict so we might as well put this energy to good use. Me - I'm happy with cheese and crackers and wine for dinner. Once again, a habit that is not so good for the 'ol waist line. Ina Garten here I come... 

Reduce Paper at K&K - Put all Documents on a Shared Drive

We are pretty darn organized and efficient at Kandrac & Kole but we don't have all of our documents on a shared drive so that our entire team can access them. Time to do some research and get this figured out.  We've procrastinated long enough. (Again - now that it's in writing - it can't be ignored!)

Design Photographable Spaces ONLY 

This is a loaded goal. It represents (2) main ideas. First being that I want to make sure that every single project I work on is my very BEST work - that each project has my full attention, 100% of my creative energy and is thorough down to the finest detail.  Thus the design is worthy of expensive professional photography. Secondly, that we qualify our clients at Kandrac & Kole such that we are no longer taking on mediocre projects or projects that don't incentivize us to do that BEST work. This will be tougher than it sounds because we hate to turn down a paying job but not every client is a perfect fit (I hear lots of Amens from our designer friends out there). 

Photography byEmily Followill Photography

Cheers to a fulfilling and fun New Year!

Kelly