YAY! I love the beginning of the year! It’s a time when I feel a lot of clarity in my life and my business… which is always a good thing. It’s a time for renewal and starting over… venturing out on new paths, clearing out old bad habits and replacing them with new ones, and purposing to live life on your terms.

Now all of this clarity and renewal doesn’t come just because it’s January nor does it come easy. It takes a lot of thinking things through, prioritizing, and saying no to things that you don’t necessarily want to say no to. It’s tough… at least for me.

The Professional

This year I’ve decided to scale back a bit when it comes to the business side of my life. I’ve taken on more responsibility in being the editor of the Bulk Herb Store blog, but I still love and have a huge passion for Growing Up Herbal so I can’t say no to it entirely. It’s a part of me… even though it’s a business.

For the time being… I’ll be stepping away from the skincare part of Growing Up Herbal which is very hard for me to do, but I feel that it’s the right thing for me right now. It’s been very successful in my eyes, and I met the goals I had for my lovely little Etsy shop last year so I’m happy with where I’m leaving it for the time being. I hope to one day open up that branch of my business again. If you’re a fan of Growing Up Herbal skincare… thank you so much! You’ve made it all worth it!

As for new avenues for Growing Up Herbal… I have some simplified plans and ideas that I’m trying out this year so we’ll see where it leads. I’m excited to make this blog awesome for you and I, and I’m thankful for your support through your comments, sharing my posts, and telling others about this blog. This would not be as much fun without you!

I have some big things planned out for the year… spaced out so as not to overwhelm you or I. I think you’re really going to like these big things as will I. I have a blog redesign coming sometime soon, as well as some great stuff in between. I’ll also be relaunching my newsletter… er… I mean, my Letters To Natural Mamas emails. For the longest time, it’s been for shop info only, but I’ve been working on a fun freebie for anyone who subscribes and there will be some great exclusive content there.

The Personal

As for my personal life, our move has definitely helped to make some decisions easier for me. Moving into a smaller house definitely made me simplify and take on more of a minimalist outlook on life which is great. We’re still settling in. I’m surrounded by boxes that are slowly being unpacked. I’m working on stocking my kitchen with healthy foods and fun cooking gadgets. I’ll be working on my office closet soon… aka: the mini herbal apothecary… which I’m stoked about. Maybe I’ll do a whole post on it.

Getting finished settling into our house is a big goal for the beginning of the year. There are 101 different projects that need worked on around here it seems. One comes off the list and two more go on. It’s never-ending it seems. Wish me luck!

I also have a goal of trying to stay on track with our schooling better this semester. Homeschool co-op will start back at the end of the month which my kids love, and we won’t have as many holiday “interruptions” this semester. I’m still trying to settle into a good grove with school… making school fun while instilling a love for learning with my kids. It’s tough homeschooling and working from home, but hey, life is tough no matter what you decide to do. We’re gonna make the best of it… hopefully with smiles on all of our faces!

Oh yea… I also have a big goal of bringing this next little “visser man” into this world come late April or early May. I’m sure my blog is gonna get all babied out soon with how tos on baby type things, but that’s the great thing about life and business being so entwined.

Anyway… let me just say thank you again to you for sticking with me over the last year, for your kind and encouraging words, and for your support! This blog is not only here for me, but for you as well. We’re growing and learning together, and I’m looking forward to what 2014 brings!

Love to all, Meagan