Those New Years Resos!

It's January 2014, which means there are lots of people out there trying to be better versions of themselves! Good for you! Some people need a fresh start and a brand new year gives a lot of people a sense of a clean slate. I think people get a little cray-cray with their 'resolutions' though. They make unattainable goals and deprive themselves of things they love; like food! I think you need to make realistic changes and goals and when you achieve them it will give you a boost of confidence to achieve something slightly bigger and you just work your way up to your ultimate goal, but you don't start with it! 

For me, one year, my new years resolution was to simply, floss. And I did it! Not every single day, but way more than I ever have before. I was proud of myself and stuck to it. Just pick something small and simple that helps your well-being. 

This year, I decided to just focus on things that would make me happy. It's a #bringthehappy year, of course. There are some physical active goals on there, but the words "work out," are not and that makes me happy and less stressed about it! I picked things that I feel will enrich my life and bring me joy and I'm excited about it. So for 2014 this girl is going to:

Look at the stars each night.

The stars put everything into perspective. It's a big ol' universe out there and your problems just fade away when you look up.

Go on Date nights. 

Preferably once a week, but to start, once every two weeks would be nice. James (my fiance) works Mon-Sat 7am until about 7pm and I'm always exhausted from the kids. But this year, we are going to make time to converse at a dinner table at an actual restaurant! How exciting!

Pray each night.

I have always prayed here and there. A lot when I was younger. I just recently rediscovered prayer and the peace it brings. Ending my days with a prayer each night.

Practice meditation.

I'm not sure what route I'm going to take with this one. An active meditation, like yoga, or a simple sitting near candles and emptying my mind. Somehow, though, I'm going to relax my soul and work on my inner peace.

Join a rec. soccer league.

I played soccer "back in the day" and have always been athletic, but actual organized sports have been out of my life for years now. To the point, where my fiance, doesn't even consider me an athletic person. Psh! He has NO idea. He'll change his tune when he's on the sidelines of my games. I'm going to put the ol' cleats back on and show him just how athletic I am. Plus, soccer is something I really enjoy. 

Spaghetti Sundays.

My oldest child, Ashlyn, is a little over 2 years old now. I want to start setting in some fun traditions. I think Spaghetti Sundays sound marvelous. I can experiment with making new pastas and eventually, I hope she's in the kitchen helping me make spaghetti on Sunday nights.

Go To a Concert.

Thanks to my Dad, I LOVE music, especially live music. I haven't been to a concert in what feels like forever, thanks to two little humans running my life (not that I'm complaining). This year, I would like to make it to one concert. And I can technically already cross this off, because I've got a StageCoach Ticket! Woohoo! 

Photograph...a lot!

I've always loved taking pictures. I constantly see snap shots through out my day. This year, I want to buy a nice camera and start learning the skill of photography.

Make a Book List and read ALL the books on list.

I've made a list, now I've just got to read them. I really enjoy reading, so I just need to make the time.

Blog; Create an Online Community full of Positivity.

Yay! I made the blog. Hoping the community grows :). 

Bake One New Thing Each Month.

I think home-made meals are the heart of the home. How many childhood memories do you have that consist of smells that came from your house? I have a lot! I want my kids to walk in and smell home. Cooking is still pretty new to me, so learning to bake one new thing a month will allow me to find out what I'm good at and stick to those recipes. 

Take James on a Surprise Trip.

With kids, this is probably going to be a one night trip to San Antonio or something (which is only an hour away). I have a whole year to plan this, so I'll figure it out. I just know, he deserves a surprise and we both deserve some one on one time! (Hopefully he doesn't read this!)

Do 3 One-week cleanses of ALL electronics.

This includes texting, people! I will accept phone calls and that's it. We all need a break from technology every once in a while. 

Along with these personal "resolutions," James and I made a 2014 Bucket List as a couple, which was really fun and I highly recommend it if you have a significant other. Some things on our list are: get married ;), go somewhere new and unfamiliar, find an awesome-trustworthy babysitter, eat at the Clay Pit, do a 5k together, see a movie on opening night, a couples weekend with Lauren & Andy, watch all the Rocky movies, and go line dancing in our cowboy boots! 

My resolutions have got me really excited about this year and I believe that's what they should do! You shouldn't be dreading your new-you and the changes you want to make. So if you are, change them! Cheers to you and 2014, go bring yourself the happy!