Lets talk about those New Year’s resolutions. If you haven’t already written a huge list of goals for yourself to accomplish in 2020, then get to it! I love the new year, because it’s a time for a new chapter in our lives. While growing is essential in the new year, it’s important to be able to look back and be thankful for all the precious moments and struggles that presented themselves in the previous years. Yes, even the struggles. I remember one time accidentally calling my newly found boyfriend, “husband”. He just looked at me, eyes wide like, “who is this psycho?” At the time I was mortified and thought I would get over it. Turns out that newly found boyfriend is now my husband, see how things work out! We have to realize that life doesn’t always go the way you pictured it and that’s okay! We can create an overall goal for ourselves and that’s great, but I guarantee the path to that goal isn’t going to be what you expected. You’ll have challenges throughout this new year, but don’t let it discourage you. Keep those new year’s resolutions going and don’t give up! Be patient, because nothing good in life comes easy (If that isn’t the freakin’ truth).
My list of resolutions goes on and on and on. I’m not going to bombard you guys with all of them, but here are my top favorites:
1.) Start a grown up morning routine.
I realized last year it was probably time for me to stop rolling out of bed thirty minutes before I needed to leave for work and that I needed to start a grown up routine for the morning. I love it! So, I wanted to take this one into the new year with me. I wake up at 5am during the week now and usually start getting ready for work around 6:30am. That hour and a half is the most relaxing and beneficial time for me. I use that time to mentally prepare myself for the day and get a few things done. I’ll make my coffee and actually sit down and enjoy it instead of running out the door with it in a travel mug. I get to use my Bodum Pour Over coffee machine. It makes the best cup of drip coffee. I’ll also froth my milk or creamer with my hand held milk frother. Let me tell ya people, frothing your milk takes your coffee to a whole new level. I feel like I just drove through Starbucks. Not to mention, the frother I use is inexpensive and super easy to use. I’ll also do things such as plan my day, journal, read, do some laundry, or finish up a blog. This time completely sets the mind set for my day and helps me to enjoy my mornings more.
2.) Be more mindful
Most of my day is spent running around trying to get everything on my to-do-list checked off. When I actually get a free moment, my mind just spins in circles trying to think of the next thing that has to be done. Then before you know it, the whole day is gone. What kind of life is that? I’m all for being productive, but this year I’m taking a step back to make sure I enjoy life. The other day my husband and I were just getting home from a wedding we had attended; it was snowing that night and as I started to get out of the car and book it to my apartment door, I stopped. I just thought to myself, “more mindful”. I walked over to a huge field by our complex and laid down. Yep, in the snow. I stared up at the night sky as the snow was falling on my face and just took some deep breathes. It was beautiful. My husband thought I was totally nuts at first, but once I explained my being mindful resolution, he understood… Maybe.
Not sure where to start with the whole mindfulness thing? Give this book a read——> Mindfulness by: Tessa Watt
3.) Set aside time for me
I’m kicking butt in my school/business life. I’m working full time as a third grade teacher’s aid, enrolled full time in school to obtain my Master’s and license to teach elementary/middle school, I’m in the process of writing a children’s book, and a proud owner of a brand new blog! On top of all that I’ve had many things I’ve already accomplished and many accomplishments to come. Okay, enough bragging. The point is, the one thing I’m struggling with is giving myself time to relax. I’m constantly going and working and I love that, but I have to take time for myself. It could be something as simple has settling down 30 minutes before bed to read a book or doing a face mask. Fitting in more time for myself this year is a must.
4.) Create a healthy mindset
Okay, I feel like everyone has some type of diet or exercise resolution on their list and that is great! If you don’t have one already, then you need to update your resolutions list. These resolutions should be tailored to you and shouldn’t look like your neighbor Jane’s, that is up at 4:30 every morning running around your neighborhood. Good for Jane by the way! You aren’t Jane and that is okay! If your resolutions aren’t tailored to you, they aren’t going to last long. The best way to keep up with resolutions (especially diet/exercise resolutions) is making them obtainable. My resolution is creating a healthy mindset. I’ve gone through all the phases, hard-core gym junky, yoga fanatic, calorie counter, and the list goes on. Those are all fine and work for some people, but not for me. I have made and will continue to grow this healthy mindset. I’ll talk more about how I do this in a later blog, but it starts with listening to yourself and your body.
Don’t wait to create and start your resolutions list. Tackle this year head on and own your life!
Great advice! Especially the “grown up routine” I also implemented getting up earlier and it sets such a good tone for the whole day!