13 Goals for 2013!

We spent the day today at my favorite beach.  It was a huge breath of fresh air (literally) - and it gave me time to reflect on my goals for 2013.  I know a lot of people don't like to do resolutions, but I am not one of them.  Haha.


No really, I like to start off the year with a little reflection.  Here's what I'm working on for 2013:




1) I will not visit People.com or Perez Hilton or look at any gossip magazine (online or in print). 

I know this sounds kind of funny, and really I'm so much better about it now than I was years ago (when I ate that stuff up!)  The problem is that 1) it leads me to compare myself to others in an unrealistic and awful way, and 2) that stuff is just garbage.

If I have downtime, I want to focus on things that matter - things that are real.  Things that uplift me.  Things that contribute to my wellness and happiness.  Things that are affirming and connecting.





2) I will not compare myself with others.  Period.

It is true what they say:  Comparison is the thief of joy.  I find that I am so much happier when I focus on the wonderful things I have right here in front of me and not focus on what I don't have.





3)  I will want what I have.

Since I'm throwing around aphorisms, another one is true:  The grass is greenest where you water it.

My life is not perfect, but it is perfect for me.  I don't need to waste energy wishing things were a different way. The life I have built is enough - it is beautiful and while it's not always ideal, I won't waste a moment wishing it were different.  It is my life and it is enough.  :-)





4) I will take one family photos of all five of us once/month (12 photos/year).

This one takes a little planning - it means either asking someone to take our picture or getting out the tripod and using the timer.  It will happen!  I especially cherish all the photos I have of all five of us together - so I want to make that a priority. 






5) I will continue to pare down uneccessary possessions - simplifying, decluttering, and de-owning. 

We live in a little beach bungalow.  We have five people and a big doggie.  I used to think I wanted a bigger house.  But now I realize I really don't want a bigger house.  I love us being cozy and close in our little cottage.  I don't want the hassle of a big house. 

The only reason we'd get a bigger house is so it could hold more stuff.  The more stuff you have, the more you have to clean it, take care of it, maintain it.  I don't want to spend my life as a STUFF manager.  I'd rather spend my time doing other things...like going to the beach! ;-)

 


6) I will be mindful when I'm buying new things - because there's no point in simplifying if you just buy more STUFF.

Enough said.




7) In my interactions with my kids and husband, I will take the path that strengthens our relationship/bond.

This is something I already work on a lot - and it's something I want to strive to do better.  Basically, when I am in a tough spot with one of my family members, I will  take the road that strengthens rather than denigrades our relationship.





8) I will focus on being healthy and balanced.  So, I will enjoy food responsibly (haha) and not worry about a number on the scale.





9) I will be present in my life.

I won't spend time ruminating about the past or worrying about the future.  I will be in this moment - living every second (the good, bad, hard, and joyous times).  I will not wish a second of it away for another time - because every moment has an equal value and once it is gone...it is gone.






10) I will not worry about what other people think about me, my kids, my parenting, my house, etc.

I will dance like no one's watching, and if people want to judge me or make fun of me, then that's their business.  I really can't waste one second of my precious life worrying about what other people think.






11) I will be authentic and vulnerable in my relationships.

I will risk, put myself out there, and work to connect with others - even though it won't always work out.  I might be cast aside, made fun of, ignored, and ridiculed.  It's okay.  Really.  See  #10.

The upside is that if I am authentic and put my true self out there, I have the chance to make incredible, real connections with others.  And isn't that what life's about anyway?
 




12) I will cast aside fear and choose JOY.  Always.

I will find joy in this moment. These moments add up to a year and these years add up to my life!

It's true: Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy." -Guillaume Apollinaire





13)  Eat more veggies.  Drink more water.

You knew I was going to say that, right?!  Haha.

Happy 2013!

The End.