Photography by Rebekah Burder for Honeysuckle Life.
I tried to come up with a catchy title for this type of posts, but nothing really worked. I want to bring back just a little bit of the goal-setting type of posts I did a year or so ago, with a mental health twist. Mostly because it holds me accountable to my goals, but also because I realized in the last few months that I am skilled at making and achieving goals.
That’s not something I ever thought I would say about myself. To explain is going to require a bit of vulnerability on my part. 
You see, for most of my life I’ve believe that I was a failure. I started believing this in 5th grade, when I wasn’t able to complete a school project. And I collected evidence along the way to say to myself, “See, you’re right, you ARE a failure.” Evidence like failing college courses, then dropping out of school, or difficulties in relationships and with co-workers. When mostly it was that I wasn’t perfect. I was human.
And then, something happened this fall, maybe it was my grandmother’s death, or my nephew’s death, our move to Ireland, the counseling course I’m taking, whatever it was, I realized that I’m not a failure, and I started gathering evidence: financial stability, quitting my job to volunteer and freelance, six months of training and a decent time at a half-marathon, moving to Ireland, changing my diet, a great marriage, planning my nephew’s funeral. I’m more successful than I thought, and I’ve accomplished more than I expected.
It’s because I have a good “team” behind me, a combination of my husband, family, friends, and supporters. But also because of who I am, of who I’ve become.
Last year, my goal was to increase traffic on my blog by 250%, and I did that. This year, my business goal is to make Honeysuckle Life a place not just for inspiration, but for dialogue. So I’m starting the conversation now, and I’ll try and post every Friday on a mental health or goal setting topic, and end with a question for you to ponder. I hope you enjoy!
Also, a special thank you to Tracy for her support via comments. The bridges are for you!
What negative self-belief do you need to give up this year?
My negative feeling to give up has to be that I constantly need to lose a few pounds (yawn!) Instead 2013 is the year I’m going to focus on being healthy. x
Aggie 
Founded in 2009, Honeysuckle Life® is your source for lifestyle inspiration with a focus on vintage modern decor, simple recipes, stylish entertaining ideas, and beautiful travel destinations. Edited by Rebekah Marenda Burder and published by D2L Studios, LLC.
