Hello GlamFam! Cheers to a NEW DECADE! I wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU for being on this journey called life with me. YOU are the reason that I continue with Style of Sam. It is such a passion for me to share what I know or have discovered that can help YOU! Thanks for sticking with me even though my posts are regularly irregular! I love creating beautiful images, and I try my best but I am SO FAR from being perfect. Out of all the feedback I’ve recieved from y’all (including in person), the most complimentary thing I’ve been told is that I’m REAL! Thank you! Life is so unpredictable and messy, and that’s real. I’m sharing five life lessons from 2019!

I will be doing some more personal posts in the future (that will be password protected). Sign up for the newsletter to gain access to the password. This has definitely been an interesting and complicated year. I haven’t revealed too much on the blog, but I hope that sharing these posts will help those of you struggling with the same issues.

// Photography by Angie Garcia //

As we head into the new year, I wanted to share some thing that I’ve learned this year that hopefully help or inspire you!

EVERYTHING IS FIGUREOUTABLE

That sounds like such a silly saying, but it’s true. I read Marie Forleo’s book, Everything is Figureoutable, and I love the two main takeaways. When you are up against a struggle, think of these things. 1) What can I learn from this? 2) How can I make this work for me?

Basically, it all about mindset. I am all about a positive mindset and believe it makes a HUGE difference in EVERYTHING in life! I was really good at this mindset at work but never thought to apply it to my personal life specifically with the hubby and kids!! It has made such a difference!

A MORNING ROUTINE IS KEY

This has been instrumental for me getting things done this past year. It’s been very apparent as I have slacked off during holiday break with the kids that my days are crazy and a bit disheveled when I don’t start the day with my morning routine (in this post). If you want to try something easy for the New Year… Wake up 30 minutes – 1 hour before you normally do to get some “me time” (if you don’t have littles ones waking at night). You will find it refreshing! I’m NOT a natural morning person, but it has changed my life!

EAT FOR WELLNESS

I am totally a foodie and love all the sweet and savory things. Yes, I have a sweet tooth AND salty tooth! LOL! This year, I’ve had to adjust our family’s diet for health reasons. (It was spurred by the book Let Food Be Your Medicine by Don Colbert MD.) In the past, it was a habit to grab something sweet in the afternoon for a “pick me up”. All that resulted in was a sugar high and then crash with a big dose of crankiness. As a mother to two wild children little ones, this was extremely detrimental to ALL of us. This year, I started being intentional with what I (and the family) ate. We’re still working on it, but I have noticed a world of difference in Little M’s behavior and Baby M’s eczema.

PUT YOUR OXYGEN MASK ON FIRST

As they say on the airplane, put your oxygen mask on first. This year, I’ve realized how true this saying is while trying to “balance” life, work, motherhood, and being a wife. I realized there is no balance, but you can always strive for HARMONY. As women, it’s in our nature to give, give, and give. When you continue to do that without replenishing yourself, there is nothing left to give. You cannot support/love/help everyone else when you become a hollow shell. You MUST take care of yourself in order to help others whether that’s 30 minutes to drink coffee in the morning, going to a yoga class, or having lunch with girlfriends. Do something that fills your tank!

My morning routine is one that makes me happy AND I started saying YES to lunch/coffee with girlfriends this year. I used to think that I didn’t have time, etc. but I’ve found it to be therapeutic around my friends. Additionally, I started going to therapy this year. How could I help my family without fixing myself first?

GIVE WHAT YOU NEED

I just talked about taking care of yourself and “giving what you need” sounds so counter-intuitive. Another way to give back to yourself is by giving to others. If you see a friend who needs love and support, then give it to her or him. It will come back to you in multitudes. It’s a little bit about Karma but more about your own sense of fulfillment and happiness.

There have been studies to prove it! I found this to be true for myself. Mr. S has told me multiple times that I seem happiest when I was serving – like volunteering at the food bank in the past or helping others.

There you have it! WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST LESSONS FROM 2019?

Happy Friday Friends! I hope your week and start to the decade has been absolutely wonderful! I’m still fighting a lingering cold from the holidays. Unfortunately, I may have passed it to my son because now he is sick! :( We are finishing up the last of our Christmas vacation, and I am trying to keep the Little Ones busy. Since we need to take it easy, I’ve got a Lovey picnic and some art projects planned for us today! This weekend is clear of any plans! It’s so nice to enjoy some downtime! WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THIS WEEKEND?

♥︎ ♥︎ STAY GLAM, DO GOOD ♥︎ ♥︎

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