I love a fresh, new year, don't you? The new year arrives at the perfect time, right after we spend the week between Christmas and New Year's in limbo. It's an odd time, when most of us don't know what day it is, what we should be doing, when to take down Christmas décor, and the tough decision of whether or not to throw out the last of the holiday treats.

In swoops a fresh January one, and all begins to settle back in place. People set new goals, clean out closets, get rid of the old to make room for the new; and some people choose a word of the year. A focus word. I couldn't narrow it down to one, because these two words have been ringing in my head ever since our Christmas break started, and it is clear that they belong to me. Make space.

These two words have haunted me the last couple of weeks, in the best possible way. While the shop was closed there was so much that I got to do, that I haven't had the chance to do in so long! Let me tell you, leisure feels good from time to time. Recently I've noticed a trend when I see people. The word "busy" always sneaks it's way in to the conversation.

I don't want 20 years to go by and just be known by being "the busy friend". I feel like "busy" is a bad word. Sure, it can be unavoidable at times. We have families, and kids, and things to do, but the way that I've heard "busy" lately has had a different tinge to it. Without actually adding the word to it, it can sound like too busy. I don't ever want to be too busy for a coffee date with a friend. I don't ever want to be too busy respond to a message. I don't ever want to be too busy to send a thank you card. I don't ever want to be too busy to cook meals for my family. Ok, sometimes I don't want to cook! Ha!

You get the idea. Space needs to be made. If I'm too busy to do normal parts of life, then I am ready to hire help. I don't want to throw in the towel, I want to continue to grow my business and make space to prioritize the people around me.

The other thing I need to make space for is simply my health. I was so stressed out during the Christmas order rush that I was walking around with knots in my shoulders. Brandon was nice enough to schedule me a massage and during that massage, the therapist asked me if I do any other exercise or stretching, other than mountain biking. I had to say out loud that I used to go to yoga classes, but that I hadn't been in quite awhile. What I didn't say out loud is that I gained 25 pounds since starting this business. There has to be space for health. If I don't take care of me, there won't be any business to take care of. I'm not quite sure what that looks like, creative people aren't exactly known for routines, but I'm determined to make space for it in 2018.

What does it mean for me to make space in 2018?

Caring for me.

Caring for others.

Without anyone ever thinking that I'm too busy for them.