What would you like to become? How will you create yourself this year?

I’m still not quite certain what I’d like to be “when I grow up.” I know I want to be a brave, kind, strong, loving woman, and I think I’m well on my way to becoming just that. So, I’m going to spend some time this year refilling my vessel so that I can pour into the cups of others. I’m going to take a little more time for creative pursuits — reading, writing, drawing, coloring, dancing, and so on. I’m going to spend time researching my interests so I can find my path once again.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16. Congratulations to Rowena and Tracy on winning the prizes!

Could you be missing important information by focusing too narrow? Do you see anything you’ve missed when you view 2015 in the bigger picture?

I missed the obvious — I needed to be financially prepared for an out-of-state move. I wasn’t. I thought I was, but I really needed to focus my efforts on cleaning up my credit. I was looking at the short-term rather than worrying about the long term. I need to take a step back and look over life a little more. I need to think about where we’ll be 2 or 3 years from now. I was looking to leap without really thinking about where we would be in the long run. I’m going to look at the world around me this year and plan accordingly. I’m going to keep my eyes open for secrets hiding in plain sight.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16. Remember to share your posts on the Simply Linked link-up to be entered to win one of two Rock the Butterfly Essence sessions with Teresa Deak. Winners will be drawn tonight at 8PM US EST via random.org.

Are you making the right choices that lead you to your spirit?

I’ve veered off the map altogether. To be honest, I once felt so clear on where I wanted to settle down. I remember dreaming of New Hampshire and building a life there. I dreamt of writing, tutoring, editing, and proofreading to make a living while enjoying time to cook, bake, draw, dance, and enjoy myself. I’ve taken so many detours that I’m completely, utterly lost once again. It’s time to sit down, get in touch with my spirit, and find my way back onto the map. It’s time to envision my ideal daily lifestyle, to envision where I am and what I’m doing. It’s time to get creative and find myself again.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16. Remember to share your posts on the Simply Linked link-up to be entered to win one of two Rock the Butterfly Essence sessions with Teresa Deak. Winners will be drawn tomorrow night at 8PM US EST via random.org.

How have your scars and past wounds made you stronger?

Much as I’m loathe to admit it, my struggles have made me much, much stronger than I could have ever imagined. I learned to make the most of any situation, and I found a wellspring of strength within my soul that I can call upon to help me power through even the most stressful of situations. I think it’s because I have my family to protect and nurture. I’m always reminded to continue informing myself and absorbing as much knowledge as my mind can possibly stand. I can identify when my vessel is empty, and I can identify when I must forge forward no matter how much I’d prefer to hide under my blanket. My scars may be bad memories, but I’m thankful for the lessons that came with them.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16. Remember to share your posts on the Simply Linked link-up to be entered to win one of two Rock the Butterfly Essence sessions with Teresa Deak. Winners will be drawn on January 20th at 8PM US EST via random.org.

What mistakes did you make last year? What lessons did you learn from these portals of discovery?

I planned a move and put vehicle replacement on the back-burner, and before I knew it our van was sputtering around the beginning of each month, and the moving funds become repair funds. During this time, I began to realize that I had it all wrong. I wasn’t planning a move to enrich my family — I was planning a move because I felt the strong desire to flee after all the strife of 2013 and 2014 had finally become bad memories. I wanted to run away from my problems, and I guess I thought it was the right thing to do. In hindsight, I wish I had replaced the van last year so we could work on repairing our credit this year and make an interstate move a little more reasonable. Instead, I’m coming to terms with the very real likelihood that I derailed myself by at least a year. However, these mistakes were not without their lessons.

I learned that I need to evaluate my priorities better and look at all facets of my situation realistically. I learned that it’s better to prepare yourself financially before making big leaps. While I realize that our move from Florida to Georgia was one based on a calculated risk that appears would have worked out even if we had stayed behind, I did what I felt was necessary given all the information I had available. Unfortunately, hindsight really is everything, and this is the lesson I learn over and over again. But the discoveries aren’t wasted on me. I’m going to take my time to make sure all affairs are in order before making big changes from now on.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16. Remember to share your posts on the Simply Linked link-up to be entered to win one of two Rock the Butterfly Essence sessions with Teresa Deak. Winners will be drawn on January 20th at 8PM US EST via random.org.

What do you need to hold onto? What do you need to let go of?

I need to hold onto my values and dreams. I’m a family-oriented woman dreaming of a comfort lifestyle in which the finances revolve around my way of life — not the other way around. I want to hold onto the precious memories of my children as they grow into their own. I want to hold onto my happiness and gratitude practice. I want to hold onto my youthful attitude. I need let go of my fears and the opinions of others. I’m always afraid that taking risks will hurt us. I’m afraid that my dreams will never come true. I’m always worried about how others perceive me. No more. I’m much too old to worry about such silliness. And for the love of all things digital, I will let go of my desire to design my sites from scratch — it’s time to move into the new era and update this old thing!

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16. Remember to share your posts on the Simply Linked link-up to be entered to win one of two Rock the Butterfly Essence sessions with Teresa Deak. Winners will be drawn on January 20th at 8PM US EST via random.org.

How are your thoughts and actions holding you back from making changes to your life?

My past and my present lead me to believe that my future cannot possibly be as rich and fulfilling as I dream. As a result, I think in terms of making ends meet and settling. It’s time to remind myself that it simply takes a shift in perspective to change my life. As we venture forth into 2016, I’m going to take steps to effect change. I’m going to write myself reminders in my planner and journal. I can choose either to settle for mediocrity, or I can choose to aim for my dreams. I’m choosing my dreams.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16. Remember to share your posts on the Simply Linked link-up to be entered to win one of two Rock the Butterfly Essence sessions with Teresa Deak. Winners will be drawn on January 20th at 8PM US EST via random.org.

What needs to be asked? Are you afraid of hearing no?

I’ve always been afraid of hearing “no,” but as I’ve aged, I’ve become more willing to ask. I need to ask more questions during 2016, even if I’m afraid of hearing a negative response. If I want to change my life, I have to be willing to ask questions. From something as simple as “can you swap this ingredient for something else that my body can digest,” to “can you work with me even though my credit isn’t ideal,” I’m going to ask them all.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16. Remember to share your posts on the Simply Linked link-up to be entered to win one of two Rock the Butterfly Essence sessions with Teresa Deak. Winners will be drawn on January 20th at 8PM US EST via random.org.

When was the last time you unplugged from your devices? Could you benefit from a digital break?

Have you heard that new acronym “FOMO”? The Fear Of Missing Out? That’s me. I plug in because I want to keep up with my family and friends. I want to grow my audience and prompt series. I feel like unplugging would undo all the hard work I’ve put into everything. But, I spent much of last summer off my blog. I went weeks at a time without signing into Twitter. Do you know what happened to my readership and email subscriptions? Nothing. People understand. I’m thinking about taking a break for a few days during February just to get my bearings. I might decide to schedule regular digital breaks afterwards.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16. Remember to share your posts on the Simply Linked link-up to be entered to win one of two Rock the Butterfly Essence sessions with Teresa Deak. Winners will be drawn on January 20th at 8PM US EST via random.org.

How can you better manage your time? What would you like to do in your spare time to enjoy it more?

Shhh! Want to know a secret? I suck at time management. There, I said it. Oh sure, I can manage my time well when I’m on the clock for my employer — but once I clock out, it’s usually a different story. Time passes by faster than I’d prefer. That being said, it’s time for me to start examining what I do at work so I can bring those habits back home once again. I’d like to have more time for reading, writing, drawing, coloring, playing games, cooking and baking new dishes, and spending time watching my kids grow. I try to squeeze everything in, but there has to be a better way. That’s on my list of goals for the year.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16. Remember to share your posts on the Simply Linked link-up to be entered to win one of two Rock the Butterfly Essence sessions with Teresa Deak. Winners will be drawn on January 20th at 8PM US EST via random.org.