I’m really not a fan of the term “resolutions”. Maybe it’s because I’ve set unrealistic ones in the past, or maybe it’s because they’re equated with something you only do for a month or so until you get bored. I’m a BIG goal setter. I write out monthly goals each month in my planner and get so excited about it. I much prefer setting small goals for myself that equate to one big goal, because I love celebrating life’s little accomplishments. Instead of writing resolutions, today I’m talking about things I hope to be better at and spend more time on in the new year.
Health
Having a positive body image is so important to me, because I’ve never wanted to get caught up in that feeling of not being happy in your own skin. God created me just the way I am, and I am SO grateful for a strong, healthy body that allows me to do so much.
Many years ago, I watched a video about a high school cross country coach who was diagnosed with MS (I think! It was some sort of degenerative disease). He wasn’t completely disabled yet, and said a quote that I will forever remember, “There will be a day when I can no longer run, but today is not that day.” I always think about that when I’m running and say a little prayer of gratitude that I have the ability to run.
That being said, my health goals for 2017 are about feeling happy and feeling strong! I don’t get up at 5 am to workout because I hate my body- I get up because starting my day with a workout makes me feel happy and ready to tackle the day. It gives me more energy and joy than any cup of coffee can. Here are some health goals I hope to accomplish in the new year:
- Do yoga 2x/week.
- Keep trying new workout classes.
- Run another half marathon.
- Work on my sweet tooth*
*I have the biggest sweet tooth, y’all. Like, if I don’t have dessert after dinner I feel like my day is incomplete. I’ll scan the pantry and fridge for anything sweet just to satisfy the craving, even if I’m totally full. This first week of January I’m doing a 7-Day Sugar Detox from Further Food and I’m thinking about continuing it through Feb 4th (a full month). You can click on that link to join and get a meal plan and all kinds of goodies. Here’s a guide on what you can and can’t have. Did you know that Chickfila sandwiches have sugar? This month may be harder than I thought.
Self
Before I get into the goals I have for myself, let me share a story that paints you a picture of the kinda gal I am. If you’re familiar with it, it’s the story of Mary and Martha from the Bible. Here’s a quick recap:
Jesus is coming over to Mary and Martha’s house. Martha is running around tidying up, cooking, doing the dishes (maybe not, but you get the idea). Jesus arrives and Mary sits at his feet to listen while Martha continues to run around. Martha gets a little irritated and asks Jesus, “Can’t you see she’s not helping me?” (not a direct quote but I can imagine that’s how she felt). Jesus replies, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41 NIV)
Jesus saw that Mary was focusing on what was really important. I am Martha. Just about every day I embody her almost to a T. There are many times I’m doing the dishes instead of sitting on the couch with my husband. I did laundry on Christmas Eve, y’all. It’s bad. I’m not saying I should never do the dishes or never do laundry, but tidying up instead of spending time with my husband is not the kind of person I want to be. Here are a few goals for myself that I have:
- Slow down and spend intentional, uninterrupted time with my family and friends.
- Make sure that I focus on doing the little things I love- a facial, bubble bath, cup of tea, etc. I know I can best pour out into others when I have a full heart to pour from.
- “Just do it” more often.
That last one may sound cheesy- let me explain. I’m a big planner. For example, I already have dinner planned out for tonight, so if someone unexpectedly invited us somewhere, I would feel frazzled. I would have to figure out what we’ll have for lunch tomorrow, what dinner will be the next night, etc. I’m not a spontaneous person. But one of my goals for 2017 is to be just that. Last fall, we decided to take a camping trip to a place almost five hours away for a weekend. The practical side of me said “That’s too long for a weekend trip” and “What if it rains?” But we went anyway. The sights were BEAUTIFUL. And it did rain. But we did it, and it’s one of my favorite memories since moving here. I hope to “just do it” and see more places and things this year.
Blog
Starting my blog was one of my favorite things from 2016! I’m so excited to see what 2017 holds for A Simplified Life. I’m taking a really in depth course starting in February, and I’m so excited. My ultimate goal is someday when I have kids to be able to stay at home and do ASL full time! I’ve learned so much in my first few months of blogging, and plan on publishing some resources to help other beginner bloggers. Here are some goals I have for ASL in 2017:
- Begin earning some moolah!
- Post more recipes.
- Be more efficient so I’m not working for hours each weekend.
- Find my target audience and really connect with my readers.
Odds & Ends
Here are some other goals I have for the year that don’t necessarily fit into the three categories above:
- Go on more dates outside of the house. We’re total homebodies.
- Find a church home.
- Join a small group.
- Go on more camping trips, and travel in general!
- Buy a home.
favorite moments of 2016
Sadie’s guilty dog face | marrying my best friend | picking out my college roommate’s wedding dress | moving day | caprock canyon state park
What goals do you have for the New Year? Share below!
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