My November Goals
Hello from sunny South Africa! This month’s goals are a bit different, as I’m making a point of prioritizing rest, relaxation and just generally enjoying life while here on vacation. Looking back at the past year, it’s become obvious to me how often I’ve put my work before my health and wellbeing. That’s partially due to my coping with big life changes by just diving head first into work and not considering much else. It’s been hard to find the right balance and taking some time out for myself this month has been so necessary and revitalizing.
Last Month In Review
Last month was a busy one, juggling work with lots of unexpected events happening in my personal life. At times it was a struggle to maintain a positive outlook but I find that focusing on work does usually help me ride out these uncertain moments. Channeling my fear and anxiety into work is one approach that I’ve found particularly helpful throughout the year.
That said, the few goals I set for myself last month all but slipped through the cracks as my priorities changed. While I had planned to share more on the blog, I was just not finding the inspiration (or frankly the time) to sit down and write out posts. I was also planning to start holiday content, which I mentioned, gave me anxiety just thinking about back in October. I’m not sure if it’s my being in the very summery weather in the Southern Hemisphere, or the fact that I’m just not feeling it this year but I’m starting to rethink sharing gift guides. There is so much pressure this time of year to spend, spend, spend and I’m not sure if I’m comfortable joining that conversation. I do enjoy being able to support small and sustainable businesses but I’m rethinking how to do that intentionally this year.
One very rewarding goal that I managed to start working on is taking an online class. I started taking the Abundantia course created by YouTuber Sorelle Amour, who also shares some great finance-related content on her other channel as a sort of free introduction to the course. This course covers a wide range of topics from finance basics to building a business online, investing and setting yourself up as a digital nomad. I love the underlying message of freedom (financial, geographic) and creating a life you want, combined with very practical money advice from the perspective of someone living and working abroad. This is exactly the kind of investment I was looking to make in myself and my business, and while it is a personal investment and I’m not working with them in any capacity, they have provided a discount code to me and all others enrolled, so we can share this course with anyone else interested - JESSICA20 for 20% off if you’re keen. Now, let’s talk goals for the rest of November.
Tradlands Cardigan & Dress ( Jessica15 for 15% off) | Kate Spade Bag (similar) | Sandgrens Clogs | Ana Luisa Jewelry
Embracing Life In Cape Town
As I mentioned above, I’m not too interested in setting myself measurable goals to achieve this month apart from just being present and soaking in all the beauty that Cape Town has to offer. Travel is always such an eye-opening and whirlwind experience, so I’m just trying to go with the flow and fully embrace all the interesting and exciting things life has to offer now. This trip has already proven to be quite transformative for me, challenging so many preconceived ideas that I have about myself and others. I do have a long list of sites to see and places to eat, which I would love to share a little later on. I’m also still working while here, but I’ve found that it’s best to be more flexible with my schedule and just work when I feel inspired to rather than hold certain hours. I feel incredibly grateful to have this flexibility right now and I plan to make the most of it while I can.
So there’s my little November goals/ life update post for you. I realize we’re already halfway through the month and this is a bit overdue but sometimes blogging has to take a back seat when life is happening. Any exciting goals you’re working towards this month? Let me know in the comments or send me a DM on Instagram! I’d love to hear what you’re up to and help cheer you on if I can. I’m also sharing more Cape Town snaps in real time over on my Instagram if you’re interested in seeing what I’m getting up to. Sending you lots of love for the rest of your month!