Contentment Challenge :: Do's, Dont's & January Goals

I was thinking about the contentment challenge all day yesterday. Yes, it seems crazy and difficult and frustrating and wacky, but I think that's exactly why I need to do it.  I need to step outside of my comfort zone & really challenge myself.

I'm really excited for this journey with so many other awesome gals!  Seriously y'all -- if you're thinking about doing this, join the Facebook group! Already read some awesome posts and found some sweet new blogs :)   Contentment Challenge Do's & Dont's Okay, so here is what I'm allowed to buy: necessary food, necessary toiletries, medicine, gum, gas, mandatory grad school items (books, supplies for portfolios, etc.), anything I have been given a gift card for -- but once that's gone, it's gone. I will try and save those too.   What I'm not allowed to buy: clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry, NAIL POLISH, books, magazines, junk from Target, snack food, sodas at work, etc. Basically anything that isn't on my other list.   Exceptions: I have read through different rules and guidelines and agree that I don't want to come off rude to family or friends.  For example, one of my friends that I don't see very often has contacted me to get together with our boys this month and I absolutely will say yes. I make exceptions here because getting together with friends is good for you! Plus, we can probably find something free//cheap to do :) Gifts is the other exception. If it's someone's birthday, anniversary, etc. that is an exception to the rule as well! I will get them something small and personal, or think of something I can DIY :)

January Goals 1. Get ahead on my assignments. I want to start this semester STRONG! I'm taking 4 classes, compared to 3 last semester, and that is a tad scary.  I have always been terrible about procrastinating.  However, if I start strong, hopefully that means I'll finish strong.  My planner is already looking colorful & busy beautiful :) 2. Finish The Rescue. The other suggestion for this challenge is to read 3-5 books, however with grad school it is reaaalllyy tough to read for pleasure. I have so much to read, write and create for school in addition to work & interning that I barely have enough time to sleep!  However, over break I started The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks and I would really like to finish it. 3. See a new movie. Seriously, we own movies that I've never seen before! I'm going to have my own movie night at home & watch a movie that I own that I've never seen. 4. Make 2 new clean recipes. I am getting really interested in clean eating as a way to get healthy.  I've found some AWESOME recipes on The Gracious Pantry that I can't wait to try out! 5. Take water to work every day. I neeeeed to break my soda habit. It's too easy to go grab a Coca Cola when I'm feeling tired or crazed by the kiddos.  Today I put a slice of lemon in my water & found myself looking forward to taking a sip! Woo!     Holler if you think I left anything off my lists! And let me know if you want to join in on the fun! ;)   TGIF y'all!!

::Contentment Challenge::

Contentment.   Ever since doing some Instagram hopping - ya know how you're on one picture, and that takes you to another profile, and perhaps even another - and finding Dear Sweetheart Events, my heart and mind have been called to this challenge.   The Contentment Challenge is basically not buying anything unnecessary for 3 months. I am going to try my absolute best to keep up with this challenge the next three months.  I saw how fast the past three months flew by, so the next three won't be that hard, right?? I'm hoping this will create a lifestyle change for me. I need to teach myself to refrain from obnoxious Target purchases and trips to TJ Maxx "just to see what they have"...

Each month Kat is going to post a theme, a verse and a challenge to keep us motivated and occupied throughout the challenge This month's theme is simplicity.  It's time to realize that I am never going to be measured by my possessions.  Yes, it is fun to go out and raid the Target one spot & find cute new flats at Gap but does any of that stuff really matter?   Today, after work, I am going to work on my "do's and dont's" list -- basically what I find acceptable to purchase and what I am going to refrain from purchasing.  I am also going to write down 5 goals for January.
I'll share those with you tomorrow.   I encourage you to join myself and several other awesome women on this journey! Go check out Kat's blog where you can also find a link to a Facebook support group :) Also this post is really helpful. It's comforting to know I'm not alone in this -- I feel like I will be more likely to stick with it.   SO, here's to living life content with what I have, simplifying my life, doing what matters and knowing that there are other people out there who are living contently with much less than I have been blessed with.   Happy Thursday!