2023- Late to the Game

Y’all…..

I am really late to the game on posting my New Year’s resolutions. I’m a whole month late!

The horror!

However, I really needed to feel this resolution thing out. I mean, how can I top last year? I finally had my European honeymoon, made Cava in Spain, started my dream job, and grew my side business.

It’s taken a minute (and maybe a bottle of wine) to figure out where I need to focus my energy. I realize not everyone sets resolutions for the new year. However, I LOVE a goal! And I’m in this with both feet!

The Why

Before I share my goals, I’ll remind you that I do occasionally overshare on my blog. If you know me, you aren’t shocked. This is why I pay for a blog. It’s my personal space and it ain’t cheap! So please bear with me…

This year, someone actually asked me why I overshare. Although the comment was probably meant as a criticism, I took it at face value. I understood the question. And I get it. Some people are private. In a lot of ways, as an extreme introvert, I am private. Writing and interacting with my readers is one of the few things that makes me feel more like the extrovert I’d love to be, although in a different life, obvie. (Just had to use that!)

This year, I read a book that stated that in order to be a classy person, you have to under share and become a mystery to all.

Here are My Thoughts….

That’s not worked well for me. I’m not a person that people like on first impressions. I come across as cold and awkward. I so want people to be comfortable around me, but I put people off. I really don’t understand. It hurts my heart a little. I’ve found that the best way to make connections is to be honest and transparent. I pride myself on sharing the good and the bad. It’s helped me to form very special relationships.

Years ago, when I was going through my darkest times (the eating disorder and the divorces), I promised God that I would try to help others if He were to only get me through those hard times. That’s why I share. He got me through all of those hard times. He grew me. And He put it in my heart to share.

The Goals

So now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about this year’s goals…..

I broke my goals down into categories. I will be blogging about those categories throughout the year.

First, I’m a Firm Believer in Setting a Financial Goal.

Y’all, this ain’t easy. I like to spend money on nice things. However, I looked at my savings. I might have cried. After I recovered, I did set a reasonable goal for growth, and I’m going for it. To get there, there will be sacrifices. I need to sell some things I don’t use. I need to question myself before purchasing if I really need those things. Will those purchases improve my life every day? As far as clothes go, I could easily go a year without buying more things and I’d be ok. However, being someone who loves fashion, I know that won’t happen. So, I set myself a clothes budget. I will contribute to that savings account every month ( I have at least ten savings accounts- it works for saving!!!!) I can bank it or spend it at the end of the month. But before I purchase anything, I will wait at least a week before purchasing and I will ask myself if it fits into my lifestyle and if I will love wearing it three years from now. Also, I’ll ask myself if it wrinkles. That’s a no-go. Maybe I’ll even sell my darn iron….

Second, I’m a Firm Believer in Setting a Health Goal.

Yeah, I know I’m an eating disorder recovery patient and I shouldn’t be concerned with weight, except that I am. It’s programmed in. I’m ten pounds over where I was last year, and I’m not good with it. I downloaded a free trial for Noom. That’s a psychological-based eating app. I have the free trial for two weeks, and so far, I love it. I’ll share more later. From Noom, I’ve learned to weigh every day, to hold myself accountable, and to track every calorie I eat. Some of you will disagree on any of those things. However, I’ve tried every diet under the sun. Trust me. It all comes down to calories in/calories out. I’m looking forward to sharing my progress with you all! And I’ll share tips. Calories in/out and tracking are always a good start. You can fine-tune your eating to your body type after you establish good habits. Did I mention I’m a certified health coach? This is my thing.

Third, I Believe That One Needs to Prioritize What is Important in Their Own Life.

You really need to get the most out of your own life. It’s so easy to constantly think about ten things at once. You get to the point that you just exist 90% of the time. Personally, I don’t want to live my life mindlessly. I want to make the effort to make it all special. I want to be present at the moment. I want to do the extra things. I want to take pictures and make my life feel glamorous….on a budget, of course. This takes work and training. A LOT of work. But it can be done. I’ll share some of my favorite books later. You can never find enough inspiration to live a better life! This also includes personal relationships. Tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone. Always leave things as if it were your last day. Would this day be important to you? Did you receive the blessings that were offered? Did you bless someone else?

I’m looking so forward to blogging about my experiences this year! I’m going to keep oversharing. I’m going to keep trying to be my best self while finding myself and growing.

My wish for you is to find inspiration, wherever you find it.

Be Your Best You!

Figure out what is important. Write it down. Hold yourself accountable this year. And please feel free to share. As always, your comments are private and are a judgment-free zone. I value you!

Lots of love and best wishes for 2023! Thank you for following my everchanging life journey!