Level Up Year
And my list for living a little more intentionally.
At the end of 2024, John and I sat down at our favorite coffee shop in Avondale (we miss you Southern Grounds) and chatted while Shep slept in the stroller about what we wanted 2025 to look like. Something was very, very different as we anticipated the new year. The more we talked, the more I could finally put into words just how ready I was for the next year to shift the trajectory of so many things—in my life and in ours.
December 2024
We laughingly called it our “level up year”, chatting about goals and dreams for careers, family, personal growth, our faith…
We had no idea what was coming!
Eight weeks later, we were on a plane to move to New York City.
I cannot tell you how much back and forth of emotions I felt leading up to this move. I was a wreck for about a week, freaking out about Shep, thinking about all the changes that were going to come, wondering if this was the right decision.
Looking back at my anxieties, the only things I was actually worried about were assumptions. If we would’ve chosen not to move, it would have been from fear of change, hardship, and the unknown.
Oh, what a loss that would’ve been!
And to be honest, I have a habit of doing that sometimes: staying small because I’m scared to fail. I think that went in early and went in deep.
We have been here for 4 weeks on the dot, and doing this has made us completely depend on the Lord and each other, which has been what’s breathed life back into my bones. Sometimes we can get stuck in a headspace without even realizing it, and change can help zap us right out of it.
There’s something to be said for coming to the end of yourself and trusting that it’s all going to work out. It really does build confidence—and honestly, it’s good for us to learn to be adaptable every now and then. Funny enough, I think if this had happened any sooner or any later, we wouldn’t have been ready. The Lord’s timing is just so cool, thoughtful, and perfect.
Around when we were about to move, I took some inventory of what I didn’t like in my day to day and decided it was time for a refresh in some areas. Being a mom now too, it feels like time has sped up even more. So I’m trying to be more intentional with my life how I can. From material things like a new coffee pot, to heart things like finding a therapist.
So, here’s what’s been on my level up list!
Life happens in the details.
My Level Up List:
Personal Upgrades:
Getting a business coach + mentor. Wow, this is huge for me and something that’s been on my heart for so long. Whatever industry, I think investing in this is such a blessing to grow quickly. Especially in the social media world, there’s just not a ton of development like there are in other certain types of jobs. So I’m very excited!
John and I are going through a book called The Art of Parenting which has been so good already.
A small thing, but I got this planner from Amazon that I have lovvved. I used to try to make my to do lists on my notes app or Google calendar and this is just so much more organized, and helps to not be distracted by my phone!
Finding a counselor. <3
Saying yes to more invitations.
I keep a running list on my phone now of wish-list purchases so I don’t forget them, and also so I don’t impulse buy. This has worked wonders!
Home Upgrades:
Y’all. This coffee pot. She’s boujee but my DM’s were flooded about how great it is. I get excited to go to bed knowing I’m waking up to a cup of coffee.
New sheets from Brooklinen! The ads ring true- these are truly hotel-feel sheets. We have slept so much better.
I ordered a new plates set from Pottery Barn when we decided to move because I have had the ones we were using since we got married. It was beyond time! They are (still) on backorder, but I can’t wait to get them in.
Beauty Upgrades:
ZIIP lifting device. I believe my code still works, it’s MCEZIIP for 10% off! I do this every night for 6 nights in a row, and give my skin a break on the 7th. Make sure to get their specific electric complex gel. This is an electrocurrent device so it will shock your skin a little (and hurt) if you don’t use their gel! Ask me how I know!
Overhauled my makeup basics. I went to the Sephora counter to have them give me advice on what to get and how to use it, and it has made me feel so much more put together!
I put this under beauty because I started it in order to look less tired (hello teething 7 month old hehe)- these magnesium chews! Tastes amazing and has helped me sleep so much better. I have started waking up feeling and looking more rested.
I have a million more that I’ll keep sharing. I’d love to know what you do to ‘level up’!
That’s all for now, keep up with me on Instagram and message me there if you want to continue the conversation!
So thankful to share this with you.
XO
Mary Catherine