Remember that list you write at the beginning of every year?
You know, those resolutions?
They may be big dreams and lofty goals, or perhaps maybe some are practical but you just haven't had the time?
At the beginning of this year I thought really long and hard about my resolutions. I made a list (and lets face it, I do every year but end up forgetting about it) and decided that I would stick to it. And truthfully, I have kept this little list tucked in my mind throughout this entire year! Here is an update to a few of my resolutions (the update is in bold italics):
Resolution #1: Read 25 books.
Again, we all know I am a self-proclaimed nerd and I am completely unashamed! I absolutely love to read and considering that last year I really only read parenting books, I think this is the year to dive back into reading some fun books as well as some challenging books by Christian authors. I received several great titles for Christmas, including "Unglued" by Lysa TerKeurst, "Yes Please" by Amy Poehler, and "Hands Free Mama" by Rachel Macy Stafford.
I have actually REALLY stuck to this resolution. I have read 16 books so far and am currently in the process of reading 3 more. I think I will achieve this by the end of the year!
Resolution #2: Get into a workout routine.
I know this one is so cliche, but I really want to create a work-out routine that I can stick to. I used to work for a gym in my pre-baby days and finding time to workout was a piece of cake. But since little E girl came into the world, working out has been the last thing I want to do (I mean really, who wants to run when you can snuggle a cute baby?!) The baby weight has yet to completely fall off, so I would like to work on losing that as well. But ultimately, just looking for a healthier lifestyle change! Strong vs. skinny here, people ;)
I will say that this year, Ethan and I have focused on health more than ever. In March, we did the Whole30 for the entire month and lost 10 lbs a piece. We gained it all back this summer and then we tried the 21 Day Fix in September which helped jumpstart us back into healthy eating. One thing I will say that I have come to terms with is that I am not a workout person. I'm just not. It's not a priority to me in this stage of life and I'm learning that is OK. I would rather focus on eating healthy and being active in the everyday (like taking walks, exploring parks, etc.) One day, maybe I will have time to go to the gym but for now I am perfectly content snuggling my baby girl at home.
Resolution #3: Save more & give more.
We started doing
Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University Program this summer and it has changed our lives in so many ways. This program has helped us to budget our money as well as save money & pay off debt. We did fall off the bandwagon a little bit in December with the holidays, but we are back in full savings mode now that January has hit! If anyone wants more information on this program, let me know. I cannot recommend it enough for preparing for your future and being released from the bondage of debt! On top of just saving, I want to give more. We are so blessed to be apart of a church that loves to give and I want to be able to contribute even more than we already do this year.
We have done really well with budgeting every month. Sure there are times when we go over budget, but overall we have had peace in our finances this year thanks to Dave Ramsey. We have also been able to give more this year than ever before. I cannot recommend this course enough!
Resolution #4: Create more "me" time without the guilt factor.
This one is probably going to be the hardest for me. As many of you mamas can probably relate, it can be very difficult to schedule some alone time away from the littles- let alone it can come with a huge weight of guilt. This year, I hope to get better at planning a couple mornings/evenings to myself to just unwind, relax, and do the things that I love to do. In my mind, a re-energized, happy mama makes a happier home! I also think that if I set aside one or two days a month to meal plan/cut coupons/review our calendar/create our budget- I would be much less stressed than trying to do all that during the week.
Emersyn's Mom's Day Out has really allowed me to have a day to myself and I am not ashamed to say I LOVE it. Some days I hit the mall for hours, some days I clean the house top to bottom, and some days I just stay in my comfy clothes and read and drink coffee. It's great knowing I have a day to do whatever my little heart desires and I have found that it really helps me be a better mama when I fill my own tank too. I have also been better about letting Ethan know when I need some alone time and he will watch her while I take a long shower or run a quick errand if I need an escape.
Resolution #5: Clean the whole house & purge what we don't need.
Self explanatory! I would love to start the year off with a squeaky clean house and a huge trip to the Goodwill. Especially now that Christmas has come & gone, it's out with the old and in with the new!
We have gotten rid of SO MUCH EXCESS this year. The online garage sale has been my best friend and we have sold tons and made extra cash, so much so that it paid for our trip to Florida that we are taking in a few weeks. We have found such contentment in not having a bunch of stuff we don't need and enjoying the things we have that we love. We also found joy in donating what we didn't need to those who do need.
Resolution #6: Grow my business.
Last year was my first year running my own business and I have absolutely loved it. It has been so much fun meeting new people through this venture who have really become some of my best friends and I have loved leading my team of girls. I hope to grow it even more in 2015!
This is funny because just this last month, I have closed up my Thirty-One business. However, I have really found my passions this year. I have been blogging more than ever. I have been apart of several book launch teams which I have really enjoyed. I realized that these things are of more value to me and that they are really what my heart beats fast for. I am thankful for this discovery!
Resolution #7: Grow in my faith.
I want to read some new devotional books this year that will challenge me in my faith. Last year, I read a couple wonderful books and took part in two awesome bible studies and I cannot wait to see what more I learn in study this year. Currently, I am also LOVING #365daysoftruth by
She Reads Truth. This is a 365-day plan that takes you through the bible all of 2015. I have the app on my phone and I love the progress tracker that shows me how much I have completed. You can also print the reading plan out online. Highly recommend it to everyone!
My faith has definitely grown this year through numerous bible studies and conferences I have attended. Of course, I will always be growing in my faith no matter what but this year I can definitely see the areas I have grown in.
Resolution #8: Date my hubby more.
With our busy schedules, I am not always the best at penciling in date nights and getting a sitter. I hope that we can atleast squeeze in one date a month, preferably even twice a month. It's so important!
We have definitely gone on more dates this year than in the past years. Thankfully with Ethan's new work schedule it is much easier to pencil in a date night. We enjoyed many great patio dinners this summer and tried several new restaurants. We are looking to plan some fun dates this winter too with all the holiday activities going on in our city.
Resolution #9: Plan more family outings.
We do go out as a family a lot, but I would love to schedule some little family trips especially this summer. For example, a day in Duluth, a trip to Stillwater, an afternoon at the Children's Museum, etc. We are pretty good about getting out and about locally, but I'd like to expand our horizons a little bit ;) Family date days are my favorite!!
It's so fun for me to read this because we have done ALL these things! We went to Duluth in June, Stillwater in September, and have been to the Children's Museum a couple times with friends. We have made family days a priority and I love to set aside a special day each month that we know is dedicated to doing something we enjoy together as a family.
Resolution #10: Let it go.
As a wise Frozen character once said, LET. IT. GO. This one is also not easy for me. I have always struggled with worrying about things, overthinking things, and considering far too many options or opinions when making a decision. This year, I want to let it go. I want to embrace what God has for me without doubt. I want to fully trust in Him and not worry about the unneccessary things of life. Much easier said than done, but really do want to challenge myself to this.
Wow. I really have let a lot go this year. I'm surprised even as I read this that I haven't struggled with worry, anxiety, or indecision nearly as much as I used to. I truly believe God has healed me of this this year as I used to have such a hard time with these things. I have learned to let go of what others think, let go of what my preconceived notions are, and most importantly to let go of my control and give it to God. Of course, this is an ongoing process but I do feel that I have made great strides in these areas in 2015.
WOW! That was so fun for me to look back on.
I can't wait to even update these more come January 2016. A lot can change in 3 months!
I encourage you all to try this next year as I have seen that this really helps me to recognize what the Lord has done for us in a year's time and to give Him appropriate praise for all He has done!
With a grateful heart,
Xoxo,
D
