When I was a kid, I had so many goals. 

I wanted to write books. I wanted to be a vet. I wanted to travel the world.

I have officially participated in all of those goals now. (I mean, can you ever actually be done traveling the world? And there are always more books to write!)

But the path to completion wasn’t necessarily smooth. 

At the beginning of this year (before COVID even hit), I was in a mastermind meeting with my coach. One of our goals was to clarify some of the things we wanted to work on or accomplish during the course of the year long program.

When it was my turn, I listed my main things. I wanted to heal my body (it’s improving!). I wanted to hold my first Happy Vet retreat (it’s now going to be virtual, thanks COVID, and will be announced in the next couple of months!). I wanted to manage my stress better (meditation and gratitude, anyone?). And I wanted to improve our finances (I’m a...

A few years ago, a friend recommended I read a book.

In the book, the author discusses the rough time he’s been having, and how he started repeating to himself “I love myself, I love myself, I love myself.”

He suggested I try it too.

I literally couldn’t get the words out.

A few years later, I picked up the book and this time, I also picked up the mantra.

“I love myself, I love myself, I love myself.”

At first, it was really hard to say it. So I just thought it.

When I could think it with minimal cringes, I made myself start saying it out loud until it felt better.

Then I started saying it out loud while looking at myself in the mirror. (Let me tell you how awkward THAT was in the beginning… even if it was just me!)

Over time, the mantra got easier.

And one day I realized something.

During the time I was practicing the mantra, repeating to myself “I love...

Boundaries.

One of the major buzzwords in our field.

“You have to set boundaries to be happier.”

Boundaries with your clients- you won’t answer your phone or emails after certain hours.

Boundaries with your boss- you’re only available x number of hours per week and not on certain afternoons for daycare.

Boundaries with your “friends”- if you haven’t talked to them in 5 years, you won’t answer their random “Hey can I ask you a question?” messages.

We’re all familiar with the need for those types of boundaries.

Do you know the biggest sign that a boundary is needed? 

Negative emotions.

That’s right. If you’re feeling angry, frustrated, annoyed… that’s a sign that a boundary may need to be put in place.

But here’s the piece that most people miss when they talk about this major subject…

The most important boundaries?...

Today, I’m talking with a little bit of tough love.

If you’re here and reading this, I’m assuming it’s because you want to be in control of your life again. Maybe you want to be happier, have more money, more freedom…

Maybe you’re ready to leave your job, or even your career. Maybe you still love where you are but just want things to be a bit different.

If so, here’s the most important thing you can learn this year:

Your thoughts create your reality. And you are in CONTROL of your thoughts.

Maybe you’ve heard me say this before. Maybe you’ve heard other people say it.

But have you taken it to heart?

When I first started in this job, I didn’t understand how true this really was. 

And I’ll be honest, I wasn’t willing to accept it.

“What do you mean I created this reality? I hate my job, my boss is a jerk. I don’t want this reality, I...

Wow, how is August already almost over?!

Seriously, despite COVID (because of COVID?), this year has flown. Is it just me, or has it gone that fast for you too?

Way back in January, as I do at the beginning of every year, I planned out how I wanted my year to look. The things I wanted to accomplish. The goals I wanted to achieve.

But, as we all know, the Universe definitely had different plans for all of us.

The first two months of the year were rocky (dog died, sick for weeks...), then COVID officially hit and life shut down.

So now, here we are, 5+ months later.

As I'm moving into my new position, I decided it was time for a reset. Instead of waiting until January again, a friend and I decided that we were going to reset our goals now.

So on August 17th, I started my new "one year plan."

However, this time I decided to do things completely differently.

Traditionally, when I start a plan and set goals at the beginning of the year, I start with the THINGS I want to achieve.

"I want...