Finding yourself in 2019: #Inspired50

In the month of January, the world is set ablaze by long lists of things people hope to change about themselves in the coming year. Things, inevitably, most people won’t do—won’t even come close to doing.

In 2019, I’m going to lose weight.

Go to the gym more.

Spend more time with my family.

Spend less money on junk.

The resolution roundup is heavy with things people think they need to change about themselves to be happy, but deep down, everyone knows that these resolutions hold no magic key to joy or prosperity.

It’s not resolutions that we need, but resolve. Not resolutions, but action. Not immeasurable, nonspecific ideas floating in space, but those good ole-fashioned SMARTs—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based goals. But even then, it’s more than smart goals that get us where we’re going.

It’s rhythms. Practices. Habits. Accountability.

It’s not the turn of the clock to a new year that gets us to change—if that were the case, the resolution market would have dried up long ago.

Last year, I set one main objective for my year (that is, aside from graduating college and avoiding debtors’ prison)—read 50 books in 52 weeks and then blog my thoughts on each one.

It was hard.

There were things I thought would work that didn’t, books I thought I’d read but couldn’t, and times I was sure I could never read another word…but could.

I didn’t set out to change myself; I just wanted to learn to love reading, and I thought blogging would keep me accountable. It did—and what do you know, but the necessary rhythm it takes to read 50 books in a year meant that, by the end, I was a different person than when I’d set out. Reading 50 books forced me to expand my worldview and see perspectives so unlike my own.

What if we halted mindsets like “new year, new me” and replaced them with practices that actually helped us and actually shaped us toward the people we want to be?

And what if 2019 wasn’t about forgotten resolutions and ignored goals?

Instead, what if it was about reawakening your spirit, enlivening your mind, and energizing your body through the pursuit of those things that make you feel alive?

That’s what #Inspired50 is all about.

For me, the #Inspired50 challenge means another magical year of 50 books and blogging my thoughts about them (only this time, I’ll only blog about those books that really catch my heart).

For my friend Noel, who oh so cleverly named the #Inspired50 challenge, it means pursuing the same challenge I set for myself last year.

But for you?

It means anything and everything you want it to (and if that isn’t books, read on, I beg!).

I cannot encourage you enough to pursue reading 50 books this year. If you’re thinking, “But, it’s already February…” — think again, because there are 48 weeks left this year and nobody said it was 50 500-page books!

If you want to change your life and have fun doing it, then start right now: pick up a book, any book, and get reading.

Sometimes you might find yourself in the self-help section, and other times you’ll be nose-deep in a fantasy or science fiction novel. Sometimes—sometimes all you can give is a children’s chapter book.

And all of that is okay.

Because #Inspired50 isn’t about self-shaming, and it isn’t about missing the mark or feeling bad about what you are or aren’t accomplishing. I should know; I failed my own challenge the first time I tried.

#Inspired50 is about way more than just reading books. It encompasses everything it I envisioned this blog would be when I named it Our Inspired Hearts.

This challenge is about community, sharing in our laughter and tears. It’s about uplifting spirits. It’s about you, my friend, getting in touch with who you are meant to be and the things that inspire you to pursue your best, most full life overflowing with purpose and meaning. #Inspired50 is about believing you are allowed to live abundantly in the here and now.

Even if your #Inspired50 isn’t reading books, I want to challenge you to think about what might wake your soul up again, what might shake you from your 9-5 coma—what might make you believe in your most abundant life once more.

And then, don’t just think about it.

Make a plan.

Seek community (hello, I’m right here waiting!) and find accountability.

It’s hard work.

But it’s so, so fun.

And absolutely worth your time.

You deserve to be joyful.

What’s stopping you?

Leave me a comment below and let me know if you’re taking part in the #Inspired50 challenge! And when posting on social media, be sure to use the hashtag so we can follow along!

I can’t wait to see what you’re doing and how you’re jumping in. If you want to talk more, head on over to my contact page and send me a message!

If you need further inspiration, check out some of my book reviews or read about three things I learned by reading 50 books last year. May you find inspiration within my little corner of the web.

I’m genuinely so excited to walk this journey with you, and I can’t wait to get talking! 🙂

Nikki