New Year's Resolutions 2014

Now, if you are new around here, you will need to know that I try to live like every day is a new day. That means every day is New Year's Day.  Forgive. Love. Believe. Live. Laugh.

This also means that I set goals for myself throughout the year and I re-evaluate goals as the year goes on as well. I have to write them down, otherwise how could I remember what to re-evaluate? I keep a little note in a journal-type composition book. I can look over old goals and see how far I've come. Neat, huh?

I write goals in different areas, like: children, marriage, health, travel, financial, and career.

I don't always have time to plan out my goals in steps or stages. Often, writing them down keeps them at the forefront of my mind and therefore, by actively thinking of them, I do them, or I find ways to accomplish them.

For example, last year I pledged to myself, "No more fast food." By keeping that in mind, I was able to repeat to my husband, a.k.a. partner in crime, and hold myself accountable. I would put up a fight, so to speak, if we needed to eat and he suggested a fast food establishment. "I don't want fast food, I promised myself! It's yucky!" You get the picture.

Did it work?

Yes.

Did I stick to it 100%?

No. He brought home Long John Silver's and Burger King a couple times. I went to Chick Fil A with my sister once.

However, eating it a couple times was A LOT less than the year before.

This year I want to increase my health. My husband and I both had blood drawn in 2013 and it came back within normal range. We are not unhealthy already. But there are things we are not doing that can improve our health.

1. Drink more water.

Order water when eating out at restaurants all the time. I usually go for a clear soda like Sprite or Sierra Mist, lemonade, or raspberry sweet tea. Do you actually look at the prices of drinks these days?? Most places do not charge for water. So not only will I save calories, but I will save money.

2. Exercise more.

I began consciously moving my body more this summer. The weather was nice, I wanted to be outside, and there were things to do. Then in late fall/winter I start to get lazy. I work, which includes movement, but also includes stress. I come home exhausted mentally, do my college coursework, and veg out at night. What my body needs is to MOVE. I noticed positive results to my psyche, attitude, and energy levels when I was walking the dog in the evenings in contrast to the evenings when it has been too cold to be outside for long. We just bought an elliptical, so the 'move more' goal is ready to go.

3. Save money.

I'm not even sure how much or what for. I thought maybe for Christmas next year, have a nice little nest egg.. or a road trip maybe even further down the line.. or maybe just to buy myself a new wardrobe when I get skinny and can't fit in my pants. :)  I was able to save up a nice little 'rainy day' fund last year and I spent it on back-to-school time because I had a classroom to get ready, two sons to get ready, and the money had run out from that contract by August. I have a different contract this year, so if I could do it last year, I can do it again.

I'll spend some time reviewing my personal goals and those for my relationships and my family. No rush. Since every day is a new day, any day can be a new start.