New Years Day---Letter to 2019

Dear 2019,

I am grateful for how I have grown this year and the changes and strides that I have made professionally and personally. I know that 2019 will be amazing and I am looking forward to expanding on this initial letter as the year goes on and I am able to fill in some of the blanks on things that happen as the year goes forward. This year I turned 30 and began the next decade of my life which I know will bring some exciting things into play. Thank you for being a wonderful year and I look forward to seeing just how wonderful you are.

Sincerely,

Amanda 

Follow me on Instagram @adavis0493 and I will try to be consistent in adding to this blog throughout the year to chronicle my personal journey. 

Bridge to the New Year---What am I looking forward to in 2019?

What are you looking forward to in 2019?

In 2019, I am looking forward to seeing what the year will bring. I know of some things that I would like to happen and I am curious to see if 2019 will be the year. I also know that the things I can be in control of that I will do my best to get to where I want to be or even exceed where I want to be going forward throughout the year. Two places I wish to travel in 2019 are New Orleans and Harry Potter World in Orlando, Florida and those are two things that I am definitely looking forward to making happen in 2019. 

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Follow me on Instagram @adavis0493 and you will see some of my 2019 journey. 

Bridge to the New Year--New Habits for 2019

What habits do I want to start in 2019?

Not exactly a new habit, but this year I would like to be even more consistent and try to plan out my days and weeks better to get more things accomplished. I used to be pretty good at that when I was in college, but since entering adulthood I haven't always been good about setting my own deadlines for things in my personal life so I will have to be better about that going into 2019. 

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Bridge to the New Year--Local Hangouts

Favorite Local Hangouts

I don't really have any particular favorite hangouts. I do have some preferences when it comes to restaurants that I will eat at and I would say that those would be the closest to my favorite hangouts. When I decide I like a restaurant, it is because the food is good and because I don't have any problems there. One place that I like that is local to me is a local pizza place that has pizza fries that are to die for. I also have some favorite places to visit when I am on vacation in the Outer Banks (since I go there every summer) and we tend to stick to going to some of the same places when we go to visit there. One such place is a restaurant called Millers Steakhouse. They have delicious food and to date we have so far had good experiences there. 

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Bridge to the New Year--Who do I admire?

Who do I admire in my personal sphere of influence?

In my personal sphere of influence there are several people that I admire for different reasons. The main one that sticks out is my grandparents (now grandma) on my dad's side. My grandparents built their wealth from the ground up to where in my lifetime they never had to worry about money. I admire that because I would like to get to a point in my own life where I know I am making enough money that I don't have to live paycheck to paycheck. While my ultimate path will be different than the path my grandparents took, I am passionate about reaching that goal of making a substantial income for myself. I see the path to that goal being through my Avon business. 

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Bridge to the New Year--Inner Critic

What story do I tell myself when I don't reach my goals?

I am a person that when I do not reach my goals, I look at what I did accomplish along the way. I try to find the positive in everything. The big thing I tell myself is that it will happen when it is meant to happen. Another thing I say is that I am where I am meant to be right now. And again usually if I am going towards a goal even if I don't reach that specific goal I still manage to accomplish smaller things. I try to be reflective when I do not reach a goal. What did I do that worked? What did I do that didn't work? What could I do differently next time? What could I do differently to try to reach the goal a different way? Has my goal changed? I think one reason I am that way is that when I was in college I was taught to be a reflective practitioner as an educator and I think I carry that over into other areas of my life. I don't always write the answers to these questions down but I do try to think it out in my head as I move forward.

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Bridge to the New Year--A-ha Moments

A-Ha Moments

I will be honest, I can't remember any specific A-Ha moments from 2018. Lol. I often have A-ha moments, but I don't always take note of them. I guess the closest thing to an A-Ha that I can think of right now is realizing that I am the only one that can make things change. I wouldn't say 2018 was the first time I experienced that A-Ha but there were definitely occasions in 2018 when I realized that unless I made moves to make changes those changes were never going to occur. One place in particular that this happened was with my career. We are totally in control of what we do for a career and when we are not happy we are the only ones that can make moves to find something that makes us happier. Along with that I know that the only way my Avon business will grow is if I make moves to make it grow. 

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Bridge to the New Year--What would I do if money and time were not an issue?

What would I do if money and time were not an issue?

If money and time were not an issue, I would travel more. To this point, I have traveled very little. There are so many places around the world that I would like to see. One thing I am doing to make a step towards that is working to grow my Avon business. In 2019, I have plans to try to travel to Florida and visit Universal Studios Orlando and Harry Potter World and I also plan to make Avon RepFest in New Orleans in August. I am going to do everything I can to make these two trips happen. 

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Bridge to the New Year---News stories from 2018 and their impact on my life

What news story from 2018 affected me the most?

I'll be honest. I don't really watch the news. For me news stories do not affect my day to day living because typically they have nothing to do with my life specifically. Yes, I realize that our lives are affected by things like who is in office, etc but really how much is your individual life affected by that? In most cases, not much. I'm all for doing what you can to make changes in the world, but for me I don't base those changes on what is going on in the news. I focus on how I can make an impact through my presence. What can I do to make a difference in the lives of others? One main way I make a difference is by working in early childhood education and making an impact on literally hundreds of children throughout my years teaching and the years to come. That for me makes a huge difference in my life. I know I am making a mark on the world as an educator and that is one reason that I entered the world of education. 

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Bridge to the New Year--New activities, etc

Did I try anything new in 2018?

Now that I think about it, I'm not sure I did try anything completely new in 2018. LOL. Activity wise I tended to do my regular activities and same with work out and food. I feel like I probably did try a new food in 2018 but I am blanking on what it was right now. I am not big on trying new things when it comes to my normal life. When it comes to business, I do try to do new things and new approaches to things. Something new I did in business this year was I subscribed to an online business card app. I wasn't as consistent with it as I would have liked but I did see enough results from it that I plan to do better in 2019 because I do see the potential of this app. Something else for 2019 that I would like to try is find new experiences that my boyfriend and I can experience together. Maybe we will find some new food and new things to do. 

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Bridge to the New Year--What has someone told me that I have never forgotten?

What has someone told me that I have never forgotten?

I feel like I have had these moments a few times in my life where someone just says something and you don't forget it. The most recent moment for me, when this happened, I was at a vendor event this fall. Someone stopped at my Avon booth and he asked, "Do you know what three things get people to buy from you?" And I told him, "People have to know, like, and trust you." He asked about my goals for my business, so I told him and he said, "You can do that. You have the personality to be successful." Someone who I had just met and they literally only knew me like 5 minutes and to get that reading of my personality as well as affirm for me that "I can do it!" was awesome! I think that will stick out in my mind for a long time...at least until the next moment when someone comes along and tells me something that sticks out in my brain. LOL. 

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Bridge to the New Year--"Big Idea" for 2019

What is my "Big Idea" for 2019?

All I can think of to answer this question is growth. In 2019, I would like to continue to grow with my Avon business and continue expanding my reach helping new people as customers and team members. In January, one thing I am going to do to launch this idea is to do some goal setting and planning and begin to implement ideas that will lead me on the path to growth. 

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Bridge to the New Year--Blessings in 2018

Describe a Blessing from 2018

Describe a Blessing from 2018. Did you know it was a blessing at the time? In the second half of this year, I went through a rough patch with my full time job. I was upset and frustrated but through everything I knew that what happened was for a reason and allowed me to be where I am now which is in a much better place at a new job. I have high hopes for the future and I am excited that I have been given the opportunity for my current position as we enter a new year. 

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Bridge to the New Year--2019 Career Goals

What are some career goals for 2019?

Currently I work a full time job as an early childhood educator and I have my direct sales businesses on the side (primarily my Avon business). One goal for my JOB is that I want to find joy in what I do and I believe my newest and current position will allow me to do that because not only am I helping the children but I am helping the teachers as well in a leadership position. When it comes to my business (particularly my Avon biz) I would like to increase my sales over last year and continue to increase my online presence and sales. I would also like 2019 to be the year that I start building a more of a team of representatives so that I can coach others to be successful (a combination of my two passions--education and my Avon business). 

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Bridge to the New Year--How has spirituality affected my life?

How has spirituality affected my life?

I was born and raised a Christian. I have always believed that what is meant to happen will happen and that what has happened in my life has led me to where I am today to be on the path that I am on today. God's plan if you will. One way that this shifts my perspective on life is for me to find the positive in everything. I celebrate small successes and I try to find happiness in the moment. While I do have things that I want to happen in the future or one day, I try not to get caught up in the things I cannot change and I try to be patient. 

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Bridge to the New Year--Regrets

2018 Regrets

I will be honest, there isn't much I regret from 2018. The biggest thing that I regret is procrastination. While I feel like I did a little better at getting things done in 2018, I hope to do even better in 2019. Something that I plan to do to be better is to keep a planner and try to stick to the goals in that planner. 

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Bridge to the New Year--Ride or Die People

Who were my Ride or Die people in 2018?

Who were the people that I went to for life advice in 2018? Will I add people in the list in 2019? In 2018 and always my main people that I turn to for life advice are my parents and my boyfriend and family. In 2018 I also turned to some coworkers for advice and to vent. Since I have a new job, those people will actually come off of my list in 2019 but I may end up adding some current coworkers to the list to take their place. Ultimately though I will always go to my family, best friends, and boyfriend and his family. 

Bridge to the New Year--Resiliency

How was I resilient in 2018?

In 2018, I was resilient by staying determined to reach my goals. No matter what happened in 2018, I kept going determined to be successful and reach my goals. Ultimately, at the end of the year I reached 2 of 3 goals for the year so I see that as a success! 

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Bridge to the New Year---Favorite Entertainment of 2018

Favorite Entertainment 2018

Favorite Book: From Knocking on Doors to Making Millions: Top Strategies for Direct Sales Success by Elizabeth Demas Chritton

Favorite Movie: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald 

Favorite Song: Imagine Dragons - Whatever It Takes

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Bridge to the New Year-Gratitude

What I am most thankful for in 2018?

1) The Growth of my Avon business. I am so excited with how far my Avon business grew in 2018 and I know it is only the beginning. I am so thankful for my customers and team members that made it all possible as well as for the support of fellow Avon Representatives and our leadership coaches.

2) My friends and family. As always, I am thankful for my friends and family. Maybe this one should have been listed first. lol. I know I could not get through life without the support of those that love me.

3) Making it through the year without losing anything major. When everything is said and done, in 2018 I had a warm home, clothes, food, and overall good health. That is truly all that matters...the little things that aren't so little. 

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Bridge to the New Year-Tolerance

Make a list of things you tolerated in 2018

My list is pretty small on this as there isn't much that I feel that I "tolerate" when it comes to my life. I think the biggest thing I tolerated in 2018 was my job. I mean, it was a necessity and I needed the money. As much as I was unhappy, I knew I could not just quit so I would try to make the most of it. In the Spring of 2018, I did start looking into other career options but I didn't want to just jump into another job because I wanted to find THE job for me. The journey was long and took longer than I hoped, but finally at the beginning of December I did get to start a new job that I believe will be the beginning of a new career (that is still related to my field of education) and I am enjoying it so far. 

Bridge to the New Year---Social Events

What was the best party or social event I attended in 2018?

I really do not get out very often. The favorite event that I will have to go with is the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk that I was a part of in October. I enjoyed raising money for the cause leading up to the event as well as being a part of the cause with some fellow Avon representatives. We represented our local Avon Representatives with the local Making Strides organization and that was huge being that Avon was the first National Sponsor for the American Cancer Society Making Strides walks. 

What event do I plan to host in 2019?

Not host. BUT the biggest event that I plan to attend in 2019 is the Avon Representative conference RepFest which will be held in New Orleans in 2019. I know this event will be huge, empowering, and so fun and it will probably be the best experience ever so I am going to do everything I can to get there and get there on my Avon money! 

Bridge to the New Year--Best and Worst Experiences of 2018

What were my best and worst experiences of 2018?

My best experience of 2018 was by far watching my Avon business grow over the year. In 2018, I was honored to be a part of three pilot programs offered by Avon for growing your online business. I doubled my online sales in 2018 from what they were in 2017. I also reached our prestigious top sales level of President's Club when I sold over $10,000 in Avon. I earned several incentives based on sales and as a result I got a few prizes that I am proud that I earned. With all of the growth during 2018, I am super excited to see what 2019 will bring when it comes to my Avon business. 

My worst experience is a little harder. Overall, I feel that 2018 was a pretty good year. I don't look back on it and have a lot of negative thoughts. I will say though that my primary job throughout 2018 was quite stressful and while I made it through and that stress fueled me to work even harder in my Avon business it definitely didn't make things easy. The good news is by the end of 2018, I was able to start a new primary job and so far I am loving it and starting 2019 off on a great foot in that area! 

Bridge to the New Year--Rituals

What are my favorite rituals?

Do you have rituals that you follow daily? Weekly? Monthly? I personally don't have any that I feel I do weekly and monthly. When it comes to daily I do have a typical daily routine especially in the morning. Every morning, I wake up and I scroll through Facebook and Instagram while eating my bowl of cereal for breakfast and drinking my cup of coffee. My morning routine to get ready for work is pretty consistent as well. 

What was my favorite Self Care practice?

When it comes to Self Care, one of my favorite practices was taking a bubble bath at least once a week. Being able to just sit and relax instead of the normal quick shower routine a couple times a week is nice to just sort out your thoughts. Sometimes I would even read while taking my bath or watch a self development video. 

Which ritual was most beneficial in 2018?

I would say that my bubble bath ritual was my most beneficial in 2018. Like I said above, I would read and watch self development videos and that practice definitely helped me to formulate ideas for growth in 2018. I set aside time every week for self development watching videos on Facebook and YouTube and sometimes Periscope or Instagram. I follow a lot of influencers and I learn little things from each and every one of them. 

What would I like to implement moving into 2019?

Going into 2019, I would like to continue my bubble bath practice as well as setting aside time for watching development videos. I would like to take more time to read since I have gotten away from that in recent years. I would also like to implement a gratitude jar and write down things I am thankful for every week. 

Bridge to the New Year--Projects

What projects have I completed in 2018?

When I look back at 2018 and projects, I am honestly not sure that I completed a specific project in the sense of the word. I am famous for deciding I want to do something and starting it and then not going back to finish it. When it came to school and school projects I didn't have this problem because there were deadlines that had to be met. I don't have this problem with work either for the same reason. So going into 2019, I would like to set deadlines for my little "projects" and be better about being organized to get them completed in a timely manner. The other thing I need to be better about is not trying to do too much at once. While I may have many ideas, I need to pick one idea at a time to focus on so that I can be more productive. 

You can see all of our Bridge to the New Year prompts on Instagram @newyearbridge