It’s that time of year where we take stock and reevaluate and set goals! Or when we think about our intentions for the next year. Or maybe you are in the camp of not doing anything of the sort. Either way, the end of the year is here!
I went back and reviewed the blog post from last year. Oh how funny and optimistic I was – not having a clue what “fun” 2020 would be. I had some goals – 350 miles on legs (running and walking), getting back to my fighting weight (working on that still), and to read 40 books.
As of right now, I’m on book number 99 so one more and I smashed that goal! I love reading and Goodreads makes it easy to review and set goals and get others’ reviews on current reads.
Goals for mileage were blown up and achieved in the latter part of the year when the Peloton arrived, although the walk/run goal was done throughout the year. Not too shabby for 2020, if I do say so myself. Looks like I will be upping that cycling mileage goal this year for sure!
What goals or resolutions do you set for yourself? How is your 2021 outlook?
Christmas got put away today, all the boxes loaded up and back to their spot in the garage for another year. It’s feeling fresh and clean in our space. The house is 99% uncpacked and is now home. The kids will be back to school and we’ll be in our full swing regular routine again. I love this refreshed feeling. Celebrations celebrated, visiting with family, meals prepared and savored….and now it’s quiet.
I admit it. I do love a new year. There is something about a fresh page turned in a journal, a new month, Monday, or another trip around the sun. I haven’t set resolutions for many years, but usually do a goal or two, and break it down into bite sized chunks so I don’t quit by January 5th.
I had two goals for 2019; read 30 books and walk/run 350 miles.
Hard to fathom 1000 miles on legs! Apparently I was on fire in 2016
I did not hit the goal I set for mileage on legs (walking or running) mostly because I would remember to wear my Garmin about 10 minutes after I left the house without it. (Insert eye roll here). I’m not disappointed though. I know I hit at least 300 and with all the walking with dogs we did over the last year – I’m happy with that. Not the ninja mode of years past, but did get in some biking and running in there while enjoying the California sunshine.
The reading goal I set was for 30 books. I have set reading goals in the past and barely got through half of what I’d set out to read or flat out didn’t record what I did read. I have an e-reader, love physical books and even Audible is fun once in a while.
This quote has stuck with me for a while and helps keep me motivated to read and continue to learn!
Other goals I’ve set in the past include not drinking, (but that’s more of an every day thing), weightloss goals, and arbitrary crap like “be a better person” with no plan of concretely putting it into action. I need concrete! Flippant wishes never get done. (The only area this doesn’t apply is cooking – I love not following recipes and flying by the seat of my pants in the kitchen!)
For this year, the mileage is set at 350, because it seems like a good do-able number, but enough to keep me foucused and off the couch. 40 books is the goal for reading. One more than I read last year – again, do-able but a challenge if I don’t stay on it. I’m also attending an online 12-step Recovery course. That’s sure to be scary and fun and all the other uncomfortable stuff. Lastly, I have a weightloss goal. Do-able, challenging, and necessary. The last 2 years were focused on health from the inside out; gettting a handle on depression/anxiety and getting my A1C numbers down out of the pre/diabetic ranges and lowering cholesterol. (Not to mention recuperating a dog post knee surgery.) Now it’s time to get back to a healthy weight again.
Here’s to 2020’s goals!
What are your plans and goals for the upcoming year? Any new things on the horizon?
I love this season. Reflections, taking stock of accomplishments, setting new goals, appreciating the good of the past while looking ahead with anticipation of what the next year might bring.
Lately much of what I hear at the gym is, something along the lines of, “Oh yeah, just wait until January! All the New Years’ resolution makers will be in here making the place packed…”
I love a new year. Why not make a plan to achieve a goal? Even if the goal isn’t completed, isn’t it better to make steps in the direction of your dreams than to not try at all?
How about this: instead of eye rolling the new members of the gym, why not smile? Why not give them a nod of encouragement? What does positivity cost you?
Nothing.
Maybe if we are kinder to people, they won’t find the gym such an intimidating place. Instead of complaining about a lack of parking, let’s be a community of encouragement.
Let’s make one of our resolutions to be welcoming rather than arrogant. Remember how scary this stuff was when you started?
Perhaps this really is the year.
Their year to make lasting healthful changes.
Your year.
2016. Let’s dream some big dreams and chase them with abandon!
As we gear up to move I find myself more and more excited. I love to move. Really. Yes, it’s a headache, yes, it’s even more of a trauma with kiddos, but I still love it. Taking the time to review belongings, purging what is no longer needed, cleaning and gearing up for the big day – I really do enjoy it. What I love even more is that “new possibility” feeling when we get to the new place. Finding a home for things, arranging the kitchen, feeling organized, refreshed – it one big ole piece of canvas on which to paint our life. Arranging furniture and decorating possibilities are so exciting. It may seem odd, but perhaps that is one reason we are well-suited for the military life. How awful would it be if we hated moving?!
Which brings me to my point – how often do we resist what is, and strive and strain for what was or what could be? I know I’m guilty of wishing certain phases of my kids’ were over. Only, I am sure, to realize that the next phase may be just as challenging, but in a new way. My non-New Years’ resolution then, is to consciously look for things to be grateful for. (I don’t usually make resolutions, as there is too much pressure and I end up breaking them completely by January 14th.)
Last Thanksgiving there was the Facebook deal where each day we said one thing we were grateful for. In doing that, I was surprised at how many days the things I was most appreciative of revolved around the kids. Or perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a negative rut where all I seem to see are the things not going right. I want to change that. And what better way than to declare it to cyber space!? So to put this “non-resolution” resolution into practice, I will do a week-in-review of things big and small in our little world that I am especially grateful for. Starting today. Wonder-full Wednesday.
This wonder-full Wednesday I am thankful for places to play like Jungle playland and Perch and Play:
These establishments offer a warm place for my monkeys to burn some serious energy! I am so thankful for these businesses especially in a region of the country that rains so much! Watching my son anticipate with wonder, then grin a HUGE grin all the way to his toes as the balls in the ball pit “rained” down on his head was simply bliss! I adore his smile and treasure moments when he is so joyful.
And finally, I am grateful for the weaning process. My body will soon be my own again. I know it is not something for everyone, but for me breastfeeding has been a very special bond, a thousand special moments, and needs that I alone could fulfill. While I am glad to have had the time to go this route with my babies, I am ready to bid a fond farewell to this season and welcome the next!
Lori's Life and Other Stuff 