
When I wrote yesterday’s post, I had today’s post in mind (anybody else do that, too?). See, I have specific things that I want to invite into my life going forward. For the first time in a long time, these things came to me quickly, easily, and oh so clearly. I didn’t have to struggle before they came, I didn’t have to wonder or debate. They were simply there.
I saw it as a sign, and I’m more than ready to put those intentions out there. So, in no particular order, here goes.
Prosperity
What a funny one to put on a list, huh? But I’m going to own it. I’m not saying I want to be Bill Gates or Oprah wealthy, but I’d love to be able to pay all of my bills and save some money for a rainy day and pay down my debt all at the same time. Right now, only two out of the three are happening, and I’d love to change that. It doesn’t seem like too much to ask for.
Also, universe, in case you’re listening, I’m totally ready to work for it. Let’s just be clear on that.
Serenity
I want a soul-deep sort of serenity. That kind of serenity that comes from doing good work that just so happens to be the work you were meant to do in the first place. Know what I mean? How does one go about achieving that – experimentation?
Knowledge
I’m a curious sort of person, and I want to know more – I’ve always been that way, and I hope the learning never stops. I’d love for this year to be the year of taking eclasses and learning new skills. I’m kind of already doing this, with ongoing classes in art journaling, photography inspirations, editing tips, marketing tips, and I just signed up for a poster design class. Time to learn! Bring it.
Confidence
I second-guess myself constantly. I’d love to get to a place where I feel confident in the work I do and the skills I have. I’m sort of there, but it’s a shaky confidence (if I’m totally honest about it). I think knowing more and learning more and practicing more would help boost up the confidence.
Patience
I’m not the most patient of people, both with myself and others, and I’d like for that to change. Even if it’s just a little. So, I’ve been reminding myself lately to take a breath before reacting or responding. No big changes yet, but new habits take a while to form, right?
Acceptance
I think this part of validation (feeling it and giving it), part just feeling comfortable in my own skin and with the work I do, part patience, and part open mind.
Passion
I’d love to get back to the place where I feel burning passion for work. I’m really close to it right now, but a little further would be nice.

Comparison
I’m as human as anyone else, and am prone to fits of jealousy and comparison that just aren’t that pretty. I manage to keep them to myself when they happen, and to breathe through them when they show up so they don’t happen that often, but I’m not particularly proud of that part of me. I’d love it if it got smaller or went away entirely.
Procrastination
For all of my organizing, you may not know that I’m also a wonderful procrastinator and that I do excel at the art of laziness. There are several big to-do list items that I’m avoiding (or have avoided) recently because I didn’t make them important enough to do. I think resting is good, but if you only knew how good I am at putting things off, you might be surprised (like the haircut I desperately need or the eye doctor appointment I’m five months behind in making). I think I organize so I don’t procrastinate (still happens, though).
Self-Doubt
I think other artists will especially know what I mean when I say that I am my own worst critic and my harshest judge. I can pick out the flaws in my work so quickly, and I’d like to develop the ability to be my biggest cheerleader instead.
What about you? What do you want to invite in or let go of?











Yep. Yep. And more yep. Can we make this a tandem list?
I once wrote a post called Not Good, but Great. It came from a place I was at at the time (and probably still am at standing on the corner of Doubt and Self-derision) where I was lamenting that I wasn’t good at something, no doubt when compared to someone else. But I knew that even if I wasn’t good at doing paperwork, I was great at making chocolate chunk banana nut crunch bread! Yum! I totally relate to you. I like that you invited Prosperity into your life. I would like him to pay me a visit, too. And yep. I am more than ready to have a make it work moment. Bring.It.On.
Enjoy the day.
Erin
Erin Prais-Hintz recently posted The Challenge of Music
We can totally make it a tandem list! I’d love a little company while doing it, to be honest – sometimes it feels a little lonely!
Oh my, I think you hand picked these from my brain. I nodded my head yes for every single one…being human sure is a challenge, isn’t it? lol
Sherri B. recently posted The Dancer
Being human is TOTALLY a challenge! Or, at least, adulthood is. Naptime and afternoon snacks I used to enjoy as a kid? I’d probably keep that, lol.
Inviting in with Love:
Prosperity
Peace/Serenity
Confidence
Patience
Clarity
Passion/Conviction
Focus
Purpose
Laughing in the Face At and Kicking to the Curb:
Comparison
Laziness/procrastination
Self-Doubt
Indecision
Fear
Wonderful post! Thanks for making me think and reminding me of things that are important!
~Shel~
Michelle Buettner recently posted BTW and Shows to Check Out!
What an awesome list, Shel! I especially love “focus” and “purpose” – those definitely resonate with me right now.
Oh my, you wrote those list so perfectly, and it’s pretty much what my list would be like if I ever make such a list (although mine would definitely contain more word vomit-lol).
On my invite list would also be taking more risks and simplifying. I have the tendency to over-complicate things in my mind. Hahaha.
Sweaty recently posted It’s Tuesday, Already?
Oh, there was word vomit, definitely, but it got filtered out.
I like the idea of simplifying – I also over-complicate things in my mind, too!! We’re twins, you and I.
When I read your personal list, I thought to myself, yep,yep, yep…and yep to that too!
….just as Erin did! You have a way of expressing some of the very thoughts that are going through my mind (except that I’m not as expressive!).
In:
Productivity
Proactive actions
Purposeful choices
Confidence
Business mindset
New skills
Out:
Negative self-talk
Murphy’s Law
Playing the backseat
…wow, didn’t know I had it in me but I could keep going! Now to hold true to these concepts throughout the year!
Cindy recently posted Bead Soup – the book!
I want to read more, Cindy! I think that’s an awesome invitation list, and thank you for sharing!
Can I just make your list my list – because I totally agree? Although if I had to add one I’d say I would like to let in moderation, meaning I tend to go full steam at one thing and neglect other things. I would like to let go of doubt, especially when it comes to my bigger goals. Wow – writing that down has made me feel a whole lot better – thanks Brandi.
Libby recently posted Web tip :: a word on web fonts
You can totally make it your list. I think moderation is a great one!! I feel like once an idea gets into my head, I literally cannot focus on anything else till I do it. Not sure that’s moderation so much as single-mindedness, though. Do you feel the same?