Holy moly it just recently hit me that it's the end of 2016 and the New Year will soon be upon us... 28 days to be exact! I am looking back like most of us do on all of the things I didn't get to this year and will be keeping on my list for 2017. So many things I want to accomplish!

I encourage you all to look back and reflect on this past year, the good and the bad, and be thankful for those experiences that have built you as a person. Here are some of the easy things on my list that I still want to do in 2016! Join me?

Deep clean your place (AND CLOSET). Getting rid of clutter makes me feel like a new person. Clean your closet out of clothes you're never going to wear, if you haven't worn it in the last 4 months, lets face it, it won't be worn! Scrub the bathroom, clean out your inbox (this might take awhile), and clean out your car!

Donate. Donate! DONATE!! This is something near and dear to my heart, donating is a great way to get involved in the community! Not only will this make room for new things you will be recieving during the holidays, but it makes you feel good too. I'm a frim believer in do good feel good! Many people during this season are in need of extra warm clothes, can't afford gifts for loved ones, or need food on the table. Help support your local charities or even just drop off at a Good Will.

Travel somewhere new. Doesn't have to be anywhere fancy, it could even just be a resturant or adventure spot. Go out and experience something that is new to you.

Start planning for 2017. Didn't get to everything this last month? That's okay! Make plans early this year to check off items on that ever-growing bucket list. Having a plan and schedule always motivates me to get things done, I just need to stick with it!

Good luck with your 2016 list and new 2017 one! I hope everyone had a great first few days of December and is chipping away at all their Christmas shopping (I'm so behind this should be on my to-do list).
XOX Haley

I'm getting deep today you guys! I often take even the simplest things in my life for granted. With Thanksgiving coming up this week, I set aside some time to look at what I am truly thankful for in this season of life. Living a thankful life is a life-fulfilling one, seeing the good and appreciating where we come from. I have my moments, not proud, in life where I don't appreciate my blessings, on bad days and good. I want (and encourage you all!) to work on seeing the good in all things. Doing so helps so much! With stress, anxiety, and even envy. There is always SOMETHING to be thankful for! Find the boost for your happy! "Be thankful for everything that happens in your life; it's all an experience!" - Roy T. Bennett

Thankful for loved ones. Friends, family, and pets of course! Where would I be without those who bring love and joy into my daily life, supporting me everyday even if I do not realize it?! Spread the love you recieve for those that might not always feel it. Write a distant family member who may be lonely this holiday season, or make a point to show that you notice others care for you.

Thankful for our homes. Technically I have two homes, one in Fatyetteville and in Bentonville. Not everyone has that or can find comfort in their homes. Give thanks for the home you live in by supporting your local shelter, through giving something as easy as time or donations to declutter unwanted things. Help is always needed in the community.

Thankful for opportunity. I sometimes, okay often times, take school for granted because I get so tired of rolling out of bed in the early AM just to sit and listen to a powerpoint of (somtimes) common sense. Then I look around and realize that so many people don't have the support or finances to go to college, let alone have a wonderful job as well! Go out and thank your teachers, study buddies, and bosses for their contribution in your life.

Thankful for health. A healthy state of mind and body is definently at the top of my list! Volunteer at a hospital, food drive, or help a friend out with their walk through sickness or diet struggles. 

Thankful for the little things. This morning (Monday mornings at 7:30 are not my finest) a little old man beside me at a stoplight waved with the cutest, happy smile I have recieeved from a stranger. Thanks to him I started my day with a laugh and smile as I shoved my peanut butter bagle down my mouth. Spread happiness wherever you are like he did! "The little unremembered acts of kindness and love are the best parts of a person's life." - William Wordsworth

Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving week and Holiday season! Thankful for all my readers!
​XOXOX Haley