Romans 12:2
I'm a summer girl through and through. If it were 80 degrees and sunny all the time I would tan like nobody's business (don't judge) and never complain about a single drop of sweat.
Winter is the worst. December is bearable with the flurry of social gatherings, Christmas, and my birthday. But after New Year, there's not much to look forward to and time creeeeeps alongggg.
So I tend to throw myself into New Year last-hurrah style. From elaborate NYE plans with sparkly outfits to an extensive list of resolutions for January 1st, I'm all about it. This year, a stomach ache kept me from executing my perfectly planned party. But it wasn't the worst. I actually used the downtime to edit my growing list of 2015 goals.
I'm not super strict about sticking to every detail of my resolutions, but I do try to keep them in mind as I make decisions throughout the year. Especially in the realm of health, I love to see how I can push myself harder as each year passes. Last week, my party of one on the couch led to an extra long list.
Zzz...yes, I'm well aware that I have now bored you to sleep. Stay with me! Resolutions aren't just for overachievers.
One of my favorite conversation starters this week has been, "Have you set any interesting New Years resolutions?" 75% of the responses include rolled eyes and a profession of hating NYE. I just don't get it. Why would anyone want to pass up the chance to improve their life? "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." I believe and practice that by reevaluating and setting yearly goals for myself.
Okay okay, I know that January 1st is just one day out of 365. I know that anyone could choose to alter their life at any point of the year. But I also know that humans, organized or disorganized in nature, are creatures of memorial and habit. We could celebrate St. Patrick any old day of the year, but instead we honor him (or green beer) on March 17th. So I see nothing "pointless" about renewing the purpose and direction of my life on the same day, year after year.
Here are some of my goals:
Personal
- blog every-other week (Tuesdays)
- travel at least three times (Chicago, Nashville, other Landor office, Michigan)
- read three books (started one last year but I'm still counting it)
Health
- workout 2x a week (ballet at two different studios)
- curb sweet tooth (read labels for corn syrup, eat sweets only once a day)
- eat several fruits and veggies every day
- drink a glass of water every morning
- quick sun salutation in the morning and evening
- begin bedtime routine at 11pm (instead of 12pm)
- audition for something dance-related
Emotional
- learn how to relieve stress and combat anxiety
- look into essential oils
- mantra: "You are brave"
Spiritual
- get up 15 minutes early for quiet time and meditation (instead of doing it before bed)
- explore Isaiah
- strengthen prayer rhythms and pray for my friends and family constantly (joined the Crossroads Clifton prayer team)
- learn how to strengthen my spiritual gifts
Financial
- stick to my budget (less eating out, less impulse buying, more thoughtful purchases)
- save for a laptop
- put all under-the-table earnings toward savings (babysitting and freelance)
Creative
- practice hand-lettering
- take more photos on my camera, not phone
- learn more braids
Friends
- prioritize others' birthdays
- share more about myself
- ask more about others
- deepen female relationships
It's not too late! I challenge you to renew your mind by setting a resolution or two. Make it concrete and practical. Give yourself grace when you fail. And look back on how it effected your year next NYE.
If you have any thoughts on the value of resolutions, I'd love to hear them!
xoxo
K
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