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I'm not one for New Year's resolutions. I kinda think if you are going to start something, start it today!

But what better time to set a direction for the year and reflect-so here I go.

I'm all about not setting these vague goals. Give me practical application. How do I accomplish this day in and day out? What specific things can I do to make this happen? What does a certain goal look like to me? What has prevented me from being who I want to be or accomplishing goals in the past? What does such and such really mean?

It's good to take a look at, "Where have I been, where am I now, where would I like to be?" Figuratively. Literally. 

I make sure I have short term and long term goals. I  always have some lofty ones but I call those dreams not goals.

What's the fun in life if you have no dreams!

Knowing that my goals aren't contingent on anyone else or anything else gives me both a sense of responsibility to myself to see them through and accomplishment when they are reached. No one can take those away from you!

Sometimes I think if x, y, and z all align then I can accomplish my goal but this is malarkey! Start how you intend to go on. If I'm waiting for everything to calm down or for all the factors to be just right it will never happen. If I have learned one thing lately it is this: life is cuckoo and some thing will always come up. Life is life and it is a crazy ride at that!!

(*Jumps off soapbox*)

So here I go (take two) with my resolutions.

Myself

Be healthy, both physically and mentally.

Practical application-

Workout at least 5 times a week. 

This helps with my attitude. Gives me some me time. Gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment that only physical goals such as running or doing a Bob Harper workout can give. All around my mental and physical health are greatly improved. The better me I am, the better wife and mom I am. Simple but true.

East breakfast. 

OK, I should be more specific....eat a healthy breakfast something that does not include a sugarfest* or skipping it all together.

Take time to be quiet.

No phone, FB, Twitter, TV....filling every moment with some thing. Take a moment to breathe. Maybe journal, like with an actual pen and paper.

Family

Enjoy the moments-just be.

Stop thinking and thinking and over thinking everything. Make a meal plan so dinner isn't such an ordeal every night. Know that it's OK for life to be messy, the house, the kid, the dog and the husband. Know that the time I have with R is so incredibly precious and short. Having this mindset daily will have such an affect on my attitude.

Marriage

Live up to my wedding vows.

(So much easier said than done)

Communicate, communicate, communicate.

Know that the world will not end if what I want done doesn't happen right at this very minute-the dishes can stay dirty for an evening.

Listen way (OK way, way, way) more than I talk.

These don't seem too hard to me. But, doesn't everything always make more sense on paper-ha ha ha!

I've had this thought rolling around in my head lately:

This is it in life. One life, one body. No do-overs, no second chances. I'm not suddenly going to wake up one day and be 20 again.

I feel like I'm in a limbo of sorts, like I'm waiting for life to really begin. What am I waiting for? Cause it started a loooong time ago!

Am I waiting for all my ducks to be in a row?

Who knows!!???!

But I'm going to start off this year with the mindset of living. Not just surviving or making it through or being on autopilot here and there, really living. 

Taking an active role in enjoying the beautifully messy life I have. It's the only one I have but at least it's mine.  Taking responsibility and control to work on the aspects that need improvement and delight in the wonderful, joyful moments. Giving to others, investing in myself, family, marriage is how I want to live.

Well, let's get going. Bring on 2012!

*Yes this is a word, and yes I defined it as a food group.