I have been so inspired by all of the 2014 goal-setting posts I’ve seen. My goals are a little simplified this year. They focus on the relationships in my life and on helping me streamline what is important to me. And creating white space where things aren’t as important to me.

In many of the goals, I’ve noticed a lot of women who are inspired to encourage this year. And I just love this.

I’ve spent a lot of time in the last few years swatting away the doubt.

“Someone else has already written that, so no one wants to read what I have to say.”

“Someone else already has that dream and they’re more creative/ambitious/talented than I am, so they should just do it and I’ll find another dream.”

“My time and resources are too limited, and I can’t change that.”

But I’ve noticed a shift. In myself and in the voices of others. Everyone seems to be shouting, “Go do it! You have a voice. You have talent. You have gifts. Do it!” And seeing that message really does make me want to just go do it!

There is no competition. Comparison can take a hike. Seeing women supporting the dreams of other women without feeling threatened is a major motivator.

I am so thankful that God knows the plans. He knows what He has planned for me and for you. It may be that my dreams actually aren’t part of His plan, but there is also extreme comfort in that. There will be disappointment. And there will be heartache. But there is so much freedom in knowing that my victory comes from Him alone.

So in 2014, I’m seeking Him first. The first thing on my to-do list for each day in 2014 is to seek Him. And then I will be cheering you on as you reach for your dreams, and also watching to see where He takes me with mine. Trying harder and striving will not set me free or make me victorious, but seeking Him will!

Cheers to 2014 and God’s perfect plan for each of us!

Okay, so I’m about to tell y’all something that may sound ridiculous to some of you. And I’m sure that others of you will relate.

I am a “get it done” kind of person. I don’t like to put things off. I want to tidy up right that second. Or run that errand before it slips my mind. But there is one thing that turns me into a procrastinator. And that’s washing my hair.

I will plan my week around the days that I need to wash my hair. And I typically don’t wash it more than twice a week.  (I do use dry shampoo. Don’t worry!)

It’s not so much the washing that is a big deal, but it’s the drying. I have a whole lot of hair. Long or short, it still takes the same amount of time to dry it.

Going to sleep with it wet doesn’t work because of it’s wild unruly ways. I’d have to start over the next morning. Air drying takes 4-5 hours. It’s just thick and coarse and needs time to be tamed.

But I feel so much better when I wash my hair. So I kind of plan workouts and my day around what it takes to wash hair. My hair routine isn’t even complicated!

I know. Are you rolling your eyes yet? Or are you nodding your head in agreement because you completely understand?

Before I had kids, I washed it every single day before school and then every day before work. But that all changed when I had kids. My excuse has always been that I shouldn’t take 30-45 minutes away from them to properly get ready. But the truth is that I need that daily physical refreshment to feel productive. Because doesn’t a blowout just make you feel more human?

Now my boys are old enough to entertain themselves in the mornings while I dry my hair. They can play together and watch a TV show while I hustle to tame the beast.

So here’s to 2014 being the year when washing my hair becomes a priority. I’m going to allow myself those extra minutes in the morning to focus on feeling a little more human and refreshed.

And, just for reference, these are my favorite hair products for every day styling. I dry my hair with a round brush to avoid that “wild mountain girl” look, and then curl it to smooth it rather than flatiron it.

1. Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo and Conditioner– I will try a new shampoo every few months because I’ll get bored with Color Conserve, and then I always come back to Color Conserve. I love it!

2. Olivia Garden Bamboo Brush– Olivia Garden brushes are fantastic for my hair type. Thick, coarse and wavy. The bamboo brush cuts down on drying time and really smoothes it. I section my hair off into four sections and dry it section-by-section. This brush is fantastic.

3. Remington Tstudio Hair Dryer– This is a super affordable hair dryer that I picked up at Target about six years ago. It gets hot, it is strong, and it doesn’t blow so hard that it tangles my hair.

4. Phyto Phytomist Leave in Conditioner– This is a spray-in, leave in conditioner. I use it when I take my hair out of the towel. It really helps detangle my hair is increases the shine.

5. Aquage Uplifting Foam– I can’t use this one every single day because it makes me have to wash my hair more often. But now that I’m aiming to wash my hair more often, it’s okay, right? I first heard about this uplifting foam from Kate from The Small Things Blog. It is fantastic for ramping up your roots!

6. Hot Tools Big Bumper Spring Curling Iron, 1-1/2″– I have purchased probably 10 Revlon or Conair curling irons over the years and they always break after about six months. It’s so frustrating. So about a year ago I broke down and bought the Hot Tools curling iron, and it is so worth it. I love this curling iron.

I’m linking up for Five on Friday (but it’s actually six things) and also with the eloquent Emily Freeman to share the things I learned in December. I love this link up of hers, and love reflecting on the serious and not-so-serious lessons learned.

1. I sure do love being the hostess.

We didn’t have anyone over for dinner for over a year. We were in someone else’s home and it wasn’t really an option, and I kind of went through a social drought. But, good gravy, I do love some hospitality. Since we’ve been in our house, we’ve had at least five neighbors stop by with goodies and welcome gifts. And we’ve had our entire family here for Christmas and a few friends over for dinner and to hang out with the kids. I love having people in my home. I want more of that in 2014.

2. The couch is the very best place to go to sleep.

In our first two weeks at the house, I fell asleep every single night on the couch watching TV. We were exhausted, but I was just so comfy. But, really, waking up from a couch snooze and having to make your way to bed, brush your teeth, and fall back sleep is not the very best.

3. It is possible to cry while watching Homeland.

I won’t say anymore than that. But, please, start watching this show from the beginning if you haven’t yet.

4. Your kids will always prefer the cheapest toy made out of plastic.

Despite their big “Dismey World” gift, the boys’ favorite toy this Christmas was a $12.99 Octonauts house. Or hut. Or underwater station. I don’t even know what the Octonauts are, but my kids love them. And the cheap plastic toy was a big hit.

5. I really do love my big coffee pot more than my Keurig

I’ve had my Keurig for a couple of years, and we use it every day, a couple of times a day. But when my parents visit, we use the big coffee maker. And y’all. I have missed that thing. Just knowing that there is a big hot pot of coffee waiting in the kitchen gives me the warm fuzzies. And I love the sound of the beans grinding. We’ll still use our Keurig every day, but I love that big pot!

6. Same Auld Lang Syne is the worst Christmas song ever. But Auld Lang Syne makes me weepy… in a good way.

The former sung by Dan Fogelberg has become a popular secular Christmas song, and it is awkward and sad and depressing. Why must we hear this all month?

But every year on New Year’s Eve, I sure do love to hear Auld Lang Syne. Reminds me of this scene from When Harry Met Sally. Who cares what the words are. Let’s just sing it and celebrate!