Cardigan: The Flourish Market(Use code “stillbeingmolly” for free shipping) | Shirt: Elegantees via The Flourish Market (Use code “stillbeingmolly” for free shipping) | Jeans: Paige Denim via Shopbop c/o | Booties: The Root Collective (Use this link for 10% off) | Necklace: The Giving Keys c/o | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban via Shopbop c/o | Watch: Wristology Watches c/o (Use code “45” for 20% off) | Cuff: Branded Collective | Earrings: Nickel and Suede

My 2016 word of the year is “Purposeful” (or “purpose” – I’ve been using them interchangeably), and in the last few years, I’ve actually taken the whole “word-of-the-year-thing” pretty seriously. Because of that, I like to do periodic “check-ins” with myself to see how I’m doing or how my “word of the year” is holding up and if I am holding up MY end of the deal… or something.

And, so now that we’re well into the fourth quarter of the year, I have been thinking back to all that’s been going on for the last ten months and thinking, “How am I doing?”  

In some ways, this year has been really hard. One of the hardest ever. And in other ways, it’s been one of my favorite years ever. I realize that sounds crazy, and it’s because it is. It’s truly been a roller coaster of a year in so many different ways. But one thing is for sure, “purpose” was the perfect word for this year. This year has been one of refining and challenge and growth for me. I’ve really been thrust into really thinking more about what I need to be saying yes to and what I need to be saying no to. I’m learning that I’ve got to stick to things that really, truly, and ultimately align with my purpose.

Launching my Business with Purpose podcast was a huge passion project for me this year and I really am so proud of it. The feedback I’ve gotten so far from readers and from listeners has blown me away. But what has fueled me most is hearing from listeners how the podcast is leaving them inspired to support businesses that are creating a culture of kindness in this world and to shop differently and to check labels and to do whatever THEY can in their own professional careers to leave a lasting, positive impact on the world.

My necklace from The Giving Keys says “purpose” and it’s one of those thing that I love being able to wear all the time and have as a tangible reminder of what I was created for. I was created, we all were created, with a purpose, for a purpose. And ultimately, fulfilling that purpose is something I’m doing everything that I can to focus on.

I certainly do not have it all figured out and I certainly do not have it all together. Life is a whole lot of trial and error and I have learned that especially this year. 

What about you? Do you have a “word of the year”? Do you do quarterly check-ins with yourself? What tangible reminders do you have to keep you focused?

Now, one more thing.  Carly and I are teaming up to do more than host our link up.  We are teaming up to share brands that we love……brands that give back.  Each week we’ll be collaborating with one of our favorite brands to share the cause they support, and their amazing products.  If YOU have a post (new or old) that features a brand that give back…..please include it in the link up.  We’d LOVE to see it!

This week we are teaming up with The Giving Keys.  The Giving Keys are…..keys.  Words carved on keys, and worn as jewelry.  These keys are reminders of what we need, and what we can give.  The Giving Keys headquarters is in Downtown Los Angeles, and they employee individuals transitioning out of homelessness to make their amazing products.

See more of the Giving Keys Story from founder Caitlin Crosby:

Want to see Carly’s take on the Giving Keys? Check out her post here!

This week, we are loving:

/ bomber jacket / plaid and ponchos /