Looking back at my resolutions from last year, which are also the same this year, I realized one thing about 2013. I realized that I actually did a lot more than I thought I had. There were so many times I felt like last year was nothing but one big obstacle after another for us. However, upon reviewing that list of resolutions, I began to feel proud of what I had been able to accomplish. I also felt sad at the same time because I had spent so much time focusing on the negative that I missed out on the true joy of the good.
For health and fitness, I started eating better, working out and running on a regular basis, and actually lost over 50 pounds. I tried a ton of new things, especially in the kitchen, including making homemade items like pizza, cinnamon rolls, bread, and a variety of cookies. Financially, we did become more aware of what we spent by writing down all of our purchases and keeping track of every dime that goes in and out. It has truly helped us make better decisions, especially when it comes to all those impulse buys we had been doing in the past. And lastly, we started attending church again. When Elijah was born, my fear of putting him in the church nursery, postponed us going for awhile. Awhile turned into almost 4 years. Our decision to go back has been one of the best things we could have done because Elijah is learning to be in a more structured setting; something he hasn't had at all up until now. Wow, 2013 wasn't so bad after all!
Last year I chose a phrase to stay motivated throughout the year as well. However, I took a rather sporadic blogging break and didn't focus on that much either. This year I chose two words I want to use to guide me through the year.
Productive: NOT REproductive, as in the sense of making more children! Heck NO! Productive in a sense that means yielding results. Although I am always on the go, sometimes I feel like I am just moving through the motions and not even really getting things done. This year, I want to actually get those to do lists done.
Dedicated: Actually setting goals and accomplishing them! Dedicated to improving my blog, improving my photography, continuing to eat healthy, continuing to work out, continuing to go to church, reading more, listening more, staying connected to family and friends more, and building an even stronger relationship with Jason and the kids.
The two words actually go hand in hand. And while I'm at it, I will definitely be reminding myself throughout the year not to get so wrapped up in the bad things that I forget to enjoy the good.
Do you choose a word or phrase to focus on each year? If so, I'd love for you to share it in the comments.
