I know, people think resolutions are stupid. But I've always been a list-person. Notebooks full of lists and planning and there is that joy that comes from scratching things off of your list. I usually keep such writings private in case I make laughable progress, but I'm curious to see how I will do with the added accountability of posting my list here.
So here goes nothing-
1. Eat more real food.
G and I have terrible habits. Not so much of the fast-food, but definitely the processed-convenience foods. We were able to justify it for awhile with me being in school and G starting a business and no energy to prepare anything, and isn't cereal just so much easier? But we want to teach the girls better habits than that, and we won't be in our 20's forever and this could very well catch up to us. Plus, we're not stupid. We've seen all the documentaries. So the plan is no fad diet or drastic move, but just to eat more real food, and eat for quality and nourishment, and not convenience.
2. Invest more in relationships.
Grad school really did a number on my relationships. With working full-time and classes, I had such little energy or time to spend with anyone! And that's terrible! I want to be able to have more real conversations versus quick texts or emails. I want more dinners and game nights and I want to really connect with the people in my life.
3. Read 15 books.
This may not seem like a lot to some, but with having to read tons of literature for my job, being able to read that many books for leisure sounds like a dream. But I'm determined! Less Netflix, more reading!
4. Go on more local adventures.
We do not live in a large city. We've gone through the list of local attractions. I want to be find the hidden gems. I want to discover things in and around my city that grow my appreciation for it and inspire me. I know they're out there! Now to find you!
5. Bike more.
I was pretty pregnant when we bought our bikes. Now I am so ready for the warmer (or I'd be happy with just drier) weather to be able to get moving with this family! Hopefully to help achieve goal 4!
6. Simplify and de-clutter.
The amount of stuff 4 people can collect over time is shameful. I'm not sentimental when it comes to those material things, so just taking the energy to purge and streamline is key. But it is so needed because I refuse to need a bigger home just to house this stuff!
7. Surprise G with a trip.
Garrett is my partner in all. It's nearly impossible to do Christmas and birthdays without consulting and working with him, so I think there'd be nothing better than surprising my love with a little exploring of our own.
8. Buy quality, not quantity.
I'm getting older. It was bound to happen. We work hard! Why not be able to get to enjoy some of it?
9. Save money.
I have a number in my head that I'd like to save for an investment (like maybe a new bedroom suite or appliances) which should be fairly easy minus the whole bills, student loans (ahhhh!!), child care costs, etc etc expenses. So cutting costs and being creative with our spending will be key.
10. Drink more water.
I know, so boring. But that's got to be the worst habit I have that is so easily fixable and has so many rewards. So why is it so painful for me to do? Who knows, but I've got to get better at it!
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It's not much, but at the end of the year, I will be a happier (and maybe better?) person after trying. So we'll see how this turns out, but now that I don't have school to use as an excuse, I'm hoping to get progress on the other aspects of my life that have been long neglected. Wish me luck!
