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It’s almost the end of January—how are you doing? Are you feeling overwhelmed yet by all of the expectations of the new year?

At the beginning of this year, I intentionally didn’t make any New Year’s resolutions. I want 2019 to be a year of becoming the person God has called me to be instead of a year of fulfilling items on a to-do list. In order to do this, I know that I need to have my priorities in order.  And I thought it’d be fun to share a handful of things that I am choosing to not do in order to live a life that is intentional, free and bold.

1. I do not bring my phone on date nights.

I started doing this last November and it has been going very well. I leave my phone at home if we are going out or I leave it in the bedroom if we are hanging out at home. I find myself more engaged with my husband and I absolutely love the distraction-free environment.

2. “I do not compare my beginning to someone’s middle” — Rachel Hollis

I learned this from Rachel Hollis. She has said that most of us are afraid to start things “because we are comparing our beginning to someone else’s middle”. If we do that, we naturally feel behind and inadequate. Most of our dreams don’t come to fruition overnight, and chances are it took other people a while to achieve their successes too. This reminder has been life-giving to me and I hope it can be the same for you. Whatever your dream is, go for it! And stop comparing yourself with others.

3. I do not count my followers and likes.

These days, I focus on people who actually comment on my posts or DM me with their questions or sweet notes of encouragement. I am so grateful for my online community, but sometimes it can be deceiving. I have learned that I have to fix my eyes and mind on what matters the most. As cheesy as it might sound, the opportunity I have to serve the one person who reads my content and finds it resonating is more important than how many followers and likes I have.

4. I do not do DIY projects.

I used to have the desire to be creative with my own hands, but I am just not gifted with physical objects. I can design graphics and websites all day and everything will be fine, but when it comes to crafts or handmade jewelry, I am out! I don’t force myself to try DIY projects anymore, I buy instead which is totally fine. I don’t need to be good at everything. I just need to focus one or two things and do them well. In order to do that, sometimes it means saying no to things that I know I don’t fully enjoy.

5.  I do not workout or eat a certain way because of my appearance.

My hubby is a personal trainer and he always says getting a “fit” body is the bi-product/bonus of having a healthy lifestyle. Losing weight should NEVER, ever be the goal. Losing weight will happen if we maintain a healthy lifestyle, not the other way around. If you are struggling with your body image, stop beating yourself up just because you missed one workout session or you ate that brownie! Give yourself some grace. One of the most loving and freeing things that I do for myself is that I no longer beat myself up if I don’t fit size 2 clothing.