2019: Goals Update for Q2

July.

I cannot believe that we’re in JULY. Where is the year going?! Better question, where did Q2 GO?!

I feel like I was just wrapping up Q1 in my blog post here, but alas, three months have come and gone.

Q2 was a strange one.

It’s a hectic quarter work-wise, and personally it was really busy, too. There were a lot of events and a lot of home projects. I read quite a few books (more on that later) and finally (FINALLY) launched the new website, Coffee With Keri. (YAY!)

At the beginning of 2019, it felt like I had SO much time to accomplish everything I wanted to that year. Now that the year’s halfway over, I feel a bit of a time crunch. I like writing these quarterly updates because it helps me step back, reflect, and realize that even if it doesn’t feel like a lot, we accomplish so much every day. We have to give ourselves a break once in a while!

Here is how Q2 went.

Focus

At the beginning of the year, I aimed to spend less time on social media and more time focusing on relationships and personal habits.

This quarter, I can definitely say I’ve taken a step back with my personal social media usage. Although I am still active on social media (it is my job, after all), I try not to aimlessly scroll. Instagram’s “Activity” feature opened my eyes to the amount of time spent on the app every day. It was way more than I thought it was. I’m far from perfect but every time I have the urge to scroll, I remind myself it’s not worth the time wasted.

Focusing on relationships as an adult is hard. Remember the days where you had “play dates” with your friends? Or summer afternoons hanging out at the pool without a care in the world? Those days are gone as adults, and I never realized how lucky I was to have those quality moments until they’re few and far between now. Adulting comes with its challenges, some of which pertain to maintaining consistent friendships. I’m not that good at it, to be honest. I really do try, but I’m not perfect. However, it’s the little things that show people you care. Texting a friend randomly to say hi, grabbing coffee for an hour before church, writing a snail mail letter. This quarter I’ve tried to focus on doing the small things, as well as the big things, for those I love and going into Q3, I hope to continue doing just that.

A few personal habits I’ve also focused on this quarter: writing more (whether on the blog or in my bullet journal), bullet journaling, reading daily, exercising consistently, and drinking at least 64 ounces of water every day.

Learn

I’ve learned so much this quarter, it’s insane.

Professionally I attended Social Media Week in New York City (a professional goal I’ve had for years!), as well as, led a few sessions during a local social media conference.

Personally a lot of learning has been through trial and error. Take the new website, for example. I’ve been working at it for over a year and learned a lot about design and website layouts by trying things out behind the scenes. This quarter, I finally launched Coffee With Keri, and I’m beyond excited to finally share it with you!

I’ve also continued making reading a top priority this year. Admittedly, I didn’t read as much as I wanted to since things got really (!!) busy. However at the end of June, I finished 26 out of my yearly goal of 35 books so I’m definitely on my way to beating that goal (hopefully by the end of summer). Check out my bookshelf here.

I’ve also learned a lot about marriage this quarter. It seems weird to say, but that’s life! You’re always learning, and I’m thankful for that. Marriage is absolutely incredible and I learn so much every day…about myself, my husband, our marriage, God’s sovereignty, all of it. Three things I can say for sure: Communication is key, flexibility is a must, and laughter is critical. Even on the stressful days, it’s important to find things you’re thankful for! (And there are many things to be thankful for.)

Love

I never know how to quantify this section of my 2019 goals. Love isn’t something you can “check off” and be done with. It’s a process, and it never ends.

A few ways I’ve tried to show love to others: write handwritten cards, buy someone “just because” coffee, text back quickly (a little thing but super important).

A few ways I’m learning to find and love the good in the every day: 1-Second Everyday challenge, be thankful for the little things (like sunshine or a good hair day), listen to worship music throughout the day.

Things' I’ve learned to love this quarter: exercising (elliptical and running, specifically), cleaning right before the weekend so Saturday morning feels extra awesome, and washing dishes by hand (to name a few).

It’s insane to me that 2019 is halfway over. It’s important to take time to appreciate each day, because the weeks and months fly by quickly. Don’t give up on your goals and dreams. Let’s make Q3 a great one together!