I’m going to skip over the part where I freak out because we’re halfway through the year and get straight to it. So – welcome to the final post of May where I review everything that’s happened in the world of A Branch of Holly this month. I did think about scrapping this monthly series, but after some lovely words from my readers I’ve decided to keep it. I hope you can gain plenty of encouragement and inspiration from this, and also take a look at any behind-the-scenes action. Let’s see how we got on then!

May Goals Review

1. Keep up my exercise routine of 4 to 5 workouts a week [sort of done] - I always have good intentions to do this because I really enjoy exercising. It makes me feels strong and powerful. For the first two weeks of the month I did pretty well. But there are always things that get in the way. Like the stupid flu my mum caught and then I caught. But I’m still exercising and that’s good enough for me.

2. Set time aside to work on other projects [sort of done] - Again, I’ve had good intentions with this. I’ve been working on one other project, but it’s been in the planning stages since I first said about it on here. I guess I’m struggling to actually get it started, because I honestly don't know where to start. But that’s the reason for documenting these goals. To see what you’re struggling with and where you need to make progress.

3. Finally finish my bedroom [not done] - This was done in the sense that I gave it a really good clean and sorted my wardrobe out (with my mum’s help!) But there’s still a couple of things I need to organise and put up on my walls. The last few finishing bits always take the longest.

4. Revamp my wardrobe [not done] - Nope, this has not happened this month. I have started this project. And if I’ve bought anything, it’s been items that I need. Like earlier this month I bought a few pairs of shorts and a gorgeous tropical shirt dress for my holiday, all of which I needed. But I do need to dedicate a chunk of time to doing this properly.

June Goals

1. Take a Break - On June 19th, Tom and I head to France for a week. Just the other day I was trying to plan in when I’d get the content for that week written up. Then I thought, why do I need to publish content then? I’m on holiday! I can have a free week if I want! So instead of putting more work on myself, I’ll be taking a break. From the blog, social media – everything. We only get a week abroad once a year so I’m going to cherish every minute of it.

2. Sort Out Getting a New Design - The template you see right now on here is the template I’ve used from the very beginning of A Branch of Holly. But for where I want to take this site now, I know that a template just won’t cut it. This space needs to be branded, personalised and unique. So this is the first you’re hearing of it - A Branch of Holly is getting a new design!

3. Start Creating Something For My Side Project - I realise this idea is still referred to a side project. But this is just because I don’t know how to explain it properly yet. Even so, I need to stop being static now. Even if I write one chapter of a book or one lesson of a course, at least it means I’ve started creating something.

4. Document, make notes and cherish everything - I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed lately with the aspect of time. I don’t want five years to pass and for me to still be in this position. It’s a genuine fear I have. But I also know you should never do anything through fear. Every night, I always write bullet points of what’s happened that day and what’s made me laugh or smile. But I want to start writing down everything. Every task I do, the conversations I have, the food I eat. I cherish my life and that’s too important to not make a note of.

So all in all, this month hasn’t been very successful. I am quite disappointed. Sometimes it feels like you have so many plans yet nothing gets accomplished like you expect. But hopefully this next section will help me realise what I have achieved this month.

BLOG

When I looked back at April in Review and saw that I’d thought of increasing my posting schedule I did a little giggle to myself. There is just no way on this planet I could do all of that, alongside the side project I’m working on plus some guest posting opportunities. And after speaking to two lovely fellow bloggers and business owners about it, I have officially embraced slow blogging. This is something my VIPs found out more about in a recent edition of my newsletter – you can sign up in the sidebar (wink!). Basically, my posting schedule has gone down, but my word count has increased. I will be posting about topics a lot more in depth plus creating special freebies for the majority of my posts, which I’m really excited about!

I’ve now outlined four main topics that A Branch of Holly will be focusing on:

Social Media
Creating Content
Online Presence
Digital Marketing

I’ve got some big content pieces planned so I hope you enjoy reading them and actually implementing the tips I’ve used, as much I do creating them!

Posts published on the blog this month:

Buffer: Why Do People Love It So Much?
How To Create The Best LinkedIn Profile Ever (Part 2)
How To Create A Great Twitter Bio With These Key Ingredients
101 Of The Best Sites Online Right Now (Part 1)
Building Brands & traffic Training – A New Exclusive Series
How Guest Posting Can Help You Get Really Good Links
16 Blog Posts You Need To Read In May

SIDE PROJECTS

Where to even start! What’s surprised me most about this new venture is how supportive other people in the community have been. Everyone I’ve mentioned this idea to has said, “That’s so great, go for it!” But I guess it gets to a point where you start thinking, I would if I knew where to start.

That’s the biggest issue for me at the moment. I’ve signed up to two courses which I’m really hoping will help and I’m trying to work on these whenever I can. The problem is, I’m impatient. But I truly believe in celebrating every victory, no matter how big or small.

I realise this is very vague for a review this month! But until I do more concrete things with this, I don’t want to go on about what I might do. So watch this space for the end of June when hopefully I’ll have more to tell…

WORK

It’s been just over two months since I started my new job and I’m getting into the swing of things. I’m glad about the responsibility I’ve got. To fill you in a bit more, I’m in charge of six clients. I liaise with them, report for them and (try) to get them good results each month. Truth be told, it’s a lot of pressure. My clients expect certain things from me each month, and if I don’t do them? Well it’s up to me to explain it. I’m responsible for my own time management and making sure I complete everything that’s required of me within a month.

Is it easy? No. But when your client is happy that you’ve done a good job, it’s another box ticked every time.

FITNESS

This month, I’ve jumped back on the 30 Day Shred Train. Does anyone else find that it just doesn’t get any easier? I pushed through level one to level two, and there are times when I feel as if I won’t be able to do another rep – but somehow I get to the end.

Tom and I have also been trying to fit in a good long walk every weekend that I find really works for me. It’s one of the only big chunks of time we get together every week where it’s just us and the noise of nature, so we both really cherish it. Plus, we always burn nearly 1000 calories!

I’ve been doing really well with my healthy eating this month too. I don’t believe in dieting. My Dad’s boss is doing a no-carb diet and I just think that’s ridiculous! You’ve got to have a good mixture of everything to have a healthy diet, including carbs. Monday through till Friday are my healthy days, and when the weekend gets here, I treat myself. It’s all about ‘balance’, if it even exists.

LIFE

May has been quite an odd month with a lot of ups and downs. For good news, Tom and I finally booked our holiday. In June we will be jetting off to the south of France for a full week of sight-seeing, sunshine and relaxation. We can’t wait and the countdown is officially on! It’s funny how much else needs sorting out when you book a holiday. You’ve got the hotel, flights, airport transfer, travel insurance, euros, what to pack – the list goes on. Most things are sorted now though – I just need payday to roll around tomorrow!

As for negatives, at the start of the month my mum caught a really bad cold that she very nicely (not) passed onto me at the end of the month. I spent three days feeling pretty miserable but I’m finally getting back to normal. Isn’t it crazy how much the common cold can affect you? Anyway, it didn’t hinder my spirits for a trip down to London last Sunday. Preston football team made it to the play-off final and they went and won it, which means they’ve been promoted to the next league! I’m not a huge football fan, but I am a local girl at heart – it was an incredible experience and a story that Tom and I will be able to tell forever!

Even though May really marks Spring, which is all about new beginnings and feeling refreshed, it’s been quite the opposite for me. I’m hoping that June will be much more productive, positive and, come on Britain - let’s have some warmer weather!

How has May been for you? What are you hoping the next month brings in your life? Let me know in the comments!