Throughout the year of 2017, it was full of many hard choices that led me to where I am today. From quitting my full-time job to pursue my dream of blogging and being my own boss, to getting engaged and married within eight weeks (crazy right?!), and to working hard everyday to own my dreams for the sake of my mental health. I wanted to take my life back. When I was at my previous job, my mental health took a huge hit. Depression and anxiety took over my life and I honestly didn't know who I was. Once I decided to take my life back and own it, I began to live for a purpose. In the year 2018, I want to begin to cultivate and instill a sense of purpose for my readers in their lives and in mine as well. The word cultivate means: "foster the growth of". There are so many things we all can grow in to improve our own lives and the lives of others, and that's why I feel it's the perfect word to live by this year. Cultivating in 2018 // Cultivate Kindness // The world can always use a little more kindness. Whether you're helping someone out in need or you're simply smiling at someone in the grocery store, a little kindness can go a long way. A simple smile can make my entire afternoon if I'm feeling down. Be kind to others, it'll mean more than you know. Cultivate Confidence // As we're in a new year, there can be so many uncertain moving parts. Cultivating confidence in yourself and in others is a game changer. It could be the difference of someone going after their goals or giving up on them. Don't let someone give up when they just need a little push. Believe in yourself and believe in others. Pin Me For Later! Cultivate Community // Where would we be without community? No where. From the beginning of time, we've grown to depend and lean on others for help when we need it no matter how independent we might claim to be. Community is so important to help foster growth and we can always use a little support. For my blogger friends, help each other out. Promote each other and continue to build up our community. We all need each other--let's be the best community out there. Cultivate Dreams // Dreams are passions that burn bright inside of us and they are meant to happen. Don't let your dreams go to waste and don't forget to dream new ones. Life is always changing and so might your dreams, and that's okay. Never be afraid to adapt them as you go, but please, never give up on them. Dreams take hard work and dedication, but they can be done. Pin Me For Later! Cultivate Purpose // We all have a purpose and we are given different skills and gifts to achieve our purpose. Never go a day feeling that you don't have a purpose in life. There may be times where you're in a weird place in life and it may feel that way, but just know, your life has so much meaning and you were created for a purpose far greater than you can imagine. If we begin to cultivate these things in our everyday lives, just imagine where life will take us. The world is at our fingertips. It's our job to step out and grow.