2011 marks my fourth year of blogging. I’ve worked so hard to get the opportunities that I do but not without sacrifice. I ran on 3-4 hours of sleep a night, took 2-3 trips a month one year (away from my family), and basically put the things that I loved most on the back-burner. It took me a long time but I have seen what’s truly important. It’s not the trips, the free appliances, or even the money but instead, it’s having that time with family, taking those trips with family, and making myself happy & well. 
OWNing 2011 for me, will be about taking extra time on me & my family, getting a good night’s sleep so I can function the next day, and knowing that I’m the boss of my blogs. To be honest, it will be a lot about me. Healing my mind, my body, so that I can be a better mom & wife & friend. Having been a mom since I was 16, I’ve always had to put me last and just because I have kids, doesn’t mean I can’t put me ahead a little bit. I need to be well to take care of them and my blogs. I can say yes and no when I want and that’s a job freedom that most don’t have. I need to use that to my advantage; saying yes and no that is, and I have been. I’m making better business decisions and being realistic while still aspiring to that one goal or two. I’ve been sleeping more, hanging out less on the computer, and doing more of the things I love, like photography.
I hope to get me and my husband to the NFR this year and take mini getaways with him more often. I want to take my kids more places so that they can experience what’s unknown to them. I want to sit on my couch, watching a movie that makes me cry, while crocheting a blanket. I want to enjoy cooking again. I really want my parents to move closer to this area so that I can hang out with my mom, invite them over for a cookout, and let them be closer to their grandkids so they can see just how wonderful they are.
To make these things happen, I have to OWN it, and I will. Sometimes, it’s the simple things.
What are YOU doing to OWN 2011?
Disclosure: Inspired by the new OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). Find your OWN channel. I’ve been watching and am in love with it. This post is in participation of the OWN campaign being run by SheSpeaks.com/OWN to help promote. We’d love for you to join and share how you will OWN it.
It’s funny how the shine fades from things after a while. Two years ago I was traveling so much, having such a great time, having so many opportunities and meeting so many great people (including you!) but after a while the trips were chores. I was exhausted. I was away from home as much (and sometimes more) than I was there and a bunch of things started to slowly unravel around the edges.
Last summer, a couple of weeks before BlogHer, I had just had enough. I canceled my plans for BlogHer and started making some changes to my life. I ended partnerships I’d been involved in. I stepped down from some obligations I’d taken on. I said no to some very good opportunities that many others would have jumped at and started focusing on the things I really wanted for myself, for my kids, for my relationships, for my home life. I swear, as soon as I stopped and listened to what my inner Merlene was saying – everything in my life slid into place.
Bravo, Lori, on deciding to OWN 2011 (and beyond!) – just listen to what the inner Lori really wants & needs because I think it’s going to be a fantastic year for you.
Good for you! I’m trying to OWN my year as well!
Ps…LOVING the OWN Network!!
Loved this post Lorie. I too am taking a pledge to OWN 2011and myself. Not only do I owe it to myself, I owe it to my kids and husband. I am working on little things that I can do differently each day. If I take control of me I can better take care of them. I’m looking forward to great things in the future.
I too am loving the OWN Network!!
Good for you realizing it ain’t all about the bloggin’ fame and fortune! I’m right there with you devoting my time to bettering myself and family life.
Love your blog. I hope I can OWN in 2011 and wish the best for everyone else!
Love it! It’s not as easy as one may think to OWN it all ;)