It’s common for many to look at the new year as a fresh start, a time to think about the past year and any changes they would like to make or improve upon daily activities already in motion. This particular new year feels even more special since its the start of an entire new decade. While a resolution or two seem fitting, I’ve never been one to follow or create them. Instead, I like to set up a few achievable goals, to start the new year off right. In doing so, I receive a feeling of accomplishment, which in turn (hopefully) leads to achieving even bigger goals down the road. Achieving goals, whether big or small, gives a huge boost of confidence, which is never a bad thing! Below, I listed a few of my smaller goals for the start of not only this new year, but also this new decade.
Drink More Water- I found a great way to incorporate more water into my diet is to drink 16oz as soon as I wake up in the morning. I keep some water on my bedside table in case I need it during the night, but also to drink when I wake up. This also helps prevent dehydration, which can make you feel tired. By doing this, I already have a good amount of my daily water intake done before the day truly begins. If your little ones do not like water, I’ve found sneaking some into their juice throughout the day helps or adding in a flavoring, such as this, to make the water tastier. It’s great to take on the go too. Adding some frozen fruit can help as well.
Shop My Own Closet More Often: Being in the blogging world now for almost six years, I’ve seen first hand the amount of overconsumption there is, which has a horrible impact on the environment. Last year, I started pulling out older items to re-wear and create new ensembles with. This year, I want to continually do this as much as possible to create new outfit ideas and inspiration from these older pieces. On the same note, I’d like to go through my closet on a consistent basis to see what I no longer wear, and donate those items.
Incorporate More Pink Into My Life And Smile: I mentioned this in my previous post, but pink makes me incredibly happy! Why not surround myself in something that simply makes me smile. It’s been shown that smiling can instantly put you in a better mood too.
Donate More To Charity: Recently, Ava and I have been going through our items and deciding what we no longer need or want. This not only declutters and makes more space in our home, which creates a more peaceful environment to live in, but also helps people in need. I found this to be a great learning experience for Ava as well. It’s a win-win situation.
Get Moving: I’ll be the first to admit that I’m horrible at exercising. I very much dislike doing it, though I do love taking walks/hiking, which is how I get my exercise in. Lets not forget chasing after a toddler all day long, LOL! This year, I want to make it a point to do even more walks/hikes, even when the weather is not ideal. The summer and fall are the best times for being outside where I live, but the winter and spring months can pose quite a challenge. Finding indoor places to go can provide a solution or even bundling up from head to toe to head out during the milder winter days. Make it like an adventure! Ava and I also like to dance, specifically to Michael Jackson songs now, which provide a great indoor way to get up and move around all while having fun and listening to some great music.
Be More Present: This includes less time online be it in the form of computers, phones, or even television. Society as a whole has lost the art of actually being in the moment or being face to face with people. My goal is to spend more quality time with friends, family, and associates as in face to face with actual eye contact! Technology has provided incredible improvements to our everyday lives, but we’ve also lost some of the niceties as well. I long for a bygone era before everyone was glued to their phones. Along with this, I want to start playing more board/card games with family and friends. This provides a fun time to be together in person, is something to look forward to, and is not located online.
More Me Time: Everyone can benefit from this one. It’s important for our overall health to include time each day that is solely for ourselves. Ideally, you should be doing something you love or that relaxes you. Think something leisurely that does NOT include anything that needs to be completed. Benefits from this are less anxiety, fatigue, and depression. The ability to sleep better and a greater resistance to sickness. I’m all for that!
To Say No: By nature, I’m a people pleaser. Always have been and always will be, well, hopefully not as much now. There comes a time and a place where you have tp stand up for yourself, gain your self confidence, and say no. This can honestly be for anything in your life. If you feel uncomfortable, if you know something is not right, do not have the time or finances, if something is not “on brand” for you, whatever it may be, do not simply say yes because you feel obligated or you feel awkward saying no. Saying yes, when you want to say no, puts unwanted stress on your mind and body, plus you lose precious time and energy that could have been spent elsewhere. Say yes to people and things that are relevant to your life goals. This also helps increase your overall focus.
xo, Amanda