Happy New Year, my friends.
Whether you were out on the town or snuggled under blankets at home, I hope you welcomed in 2016 with loved ones and good vibes!
Part of me is sad to say au revoir to another year, but another part of me is more than ready for what 2016 has in store.
Bazooka had what I hope and pray was his last set of procedures yesterday morning (upper endoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy), so our New Year’s Eve was spent at home caring for him.
It was certainly not the best way to have spent the final day of the year, but I also think it was fitting. I’m wishing for a healthy 2016—and I want to leave the worry, the financial stress, and the doctor visits back in 2015.
The last few weeks, I’ve done some reflecting and pondering. I’m proud of my own and my little family’s accomplishments from this past year, but I always strive to do better. To be a better person—a kinder, more loving, and more productive wife, mother, child, colleague, and friend.
This year, I thought I’d choose a word to represent my goals and hopes for the year. That word is: action.
Year after year I set goals or come up with plans, but I too often sit back and miss putting them into action. This year isn’t about what I want to achieve—it’s going to be about doing—small things or big—to improve myself. To be an actor rather than a spectator.
Like most people, I want to eat healthier. My plan of action is to continue weekly meal plans, to begin meal prep on the weekends, and to purposely shop smarter.
Per usual, I want to be more organized. My plan of action is to utilize my new planner, to come up with a daily/weekly list of chores that Mark and I can do (vacuum on Sundays, for example, and scrub the bathrooms on Tuesdays…), and continue my “closet purge” that has pretty much been nonexistent.
After a year of deductibles, copays, and new monthly expenses (daycare), I want to come up with a budget—or, at the very least, start putting money into our savings again. This one’s easier said than done, but once we pay off some medical bills and my car (I am so close!), I will be able to set aside $15, $30, or even $100 every so often. My plan of action is to use what I have (makeup, hair products, nut butters, etc.) before buying new, to commit to couponing (or perhaps the app, Ibotta), and to make conscientious decisions on whether I need that new sweater or whatever. I’m already quite frugal, but I can always pinch a few more pennies.
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I also want to improve my relationships and revive some old friendships. My plan of action is to reach out to my loved ones. Instead of scrolling through Instagram when I’m bored, I’ll take a few minutes to make a phone call. I’ll send a text when something funny or cute makes me think of someone special or send a card in the mail. I’ll make it a point to visit friends and family when possible and schedule dinners or coffee dates.
I’ve long wanted to get into the habit of working out more regularly. Finding time truly is difficult, but we make time for what is important to us. My plan of action is to schedule my workouts as if I would a doctor appointment or meeting. Of course things will come up (and there will be days where I’m sick), but I will treat my gym time as a true commitment. I also joined a couple fun accountability groups on Facebook started by Becky and a college friend.
Perhaps most importantly, I want to be a better—and more present—mother and wife. My plan of action is multifaceted: to put down the electronics when Bazooka plays and seeks my attention; to plan and schedule regular date nights with Mark; to use deep breathing and other methods to calm myself when I’m about to lose my cool; to listen better; to compliment my husband instead of making passive-aggressive remarks if he spills something or doesn’t arrange the utensil drawer how I like it; and also to take time for myself. Blogging isn’t the be-all, end-all of my day, but it is important to me, which means I will make time for it and not feel badly about doing so.
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Lastly, I want to think long and hard about my career goals. I should be taking on a new role in my company soon, and I’m looking forward to the changes. However, I have these lingering thoughts about going back to school, pursuing some kind of certification (health coaching, in particular), and expanding this blog. It may be too soon for action, but its worthy of my attention and discernment.
In a (longwinded) nutshell, those are my goals for 2016. Let’s put our thoughts into action, shall we?
- What are your thoughts on New Year’s resolutions?
- Do you have a particular goal for 2016?
- What is your best tip for monthly budgeting/saving?
Phyllis Henson says
We will gladly keep Luca anytime ya’ll want a date night.
foodiecology says
Thanks! Y’all might have to fight my parents, hehe. 🙂
Phyllis Henson says
They can come. LOL
acbrandt says
Action is a great word! Happy New Year!
foodiecology says
Thanks. Happy New Year to you 🙂