I love scrolling through Instagram just as much as the next photo-loving girl. As much as I adore seeing styled photos of wedding goodness, travel snaps, and fun color combinations, I also love seeing thought provoking questions. These are most often courtesy of Lara Casey and her #LaraNotes series.
A few weeks ago, she asked such a great question. It’s one that’s caused me to completely change my answer from what I originally said. And it’s one I would love to ask you.
Yes. I would love to know. What’s your number one goal?
Originally, I said I wanted to run my own creative business (or work with an amazing entrepreneur!) one day (very soon :). While that’s completely true, my number one overarching life goal is much simpler.
I want to serve others with joy.
I cannot stress enough how much I adore having the opportunity to be nice to others and maybe even make their day. It’s an opportunity and an attitude I try to embody as much as possible because it truly changes my outlook. Sometimes it makes me feel like everyone is playing for the same team.
Last night, someone asked me for directions because she was new to town, and I happily told her where to turn without any indication of the name of the road. I can never remember intersection names even though I’ve lived in the same town my entire life. HA! Then when I was backing out of my parking spot, I realized I was surrounded by SUVs, which prompted the man standing by my car to guide me out of my spot. People being nice to others is seriously the coolest. :)
Serving others with joy is also extremely important when I’m working a wedding. Wedding days are fun and pretty and happy…and really long. We’re talking working for upwards of 15+ hours (I just did this a few weeks ago!). When my day is that long, I tend to get really tired in between completing the setup and preparing for the ceremony to start. The time left in the day always seems overwhelming. That’s exactly the moment when I remind myself that the day isn’t about me. At all. Ever. It’s about the couple who are so thrilled to experience what they hope will be a dream day and their guests who are usually excited to see the couple, enjoy an awesome dinner, and dance a ton. My purpose is to serve, to make sure questions are answered, and smile when I see the bride’s dad jump onto the dance floor as a band plays live. Watching others have a wonderful time and receiving a warm thank you from family and friends as they leave fuels me to do it all over again.
I live to love others and (hopefully) serve them well.
So, what is your number one goal? It doesn’t have to be glamorous or even that elaborate. But I truly hope it brings you joy and makes you determined to live it out as often as you can.
Stay tied to Carly is Inspired…
My number one goal has already been accomplished: I raised an awesome daughter!
My number one goal is planning a tour with my parents recently.
My number one goal has been accomplished. I have seen my children, grandchildren and niece grow into responsible people.