And just like that the year is over. Did you catch it? Did you make it worth while?
This year brought a lot of growth. Not only with our little one blossoming before our eyes, but also in terms of spiritually, financially, and relationally.
We all know that New Year's Resolutions never last. And we know why. When life gets tough or busy, we give up. It's so discouraging. It's in those moments of perseverance when we grow. In workouts, it's when you push a little harder. In life, its when you reach a little higher. Sometimes we need accountability.
Okay, we always need accountability. We are human. We will fail, but it is in those moments of "failure," that we make it a hurdle that we CAN get over.
What trials did you face this year? What issues are making their way to the surface and can no longer be ignored?
It's time!
This is the moment that you are to shine! To be bold and confident.
It really isn't about how you finish this year out as much as you decide to start next year. What is holding you back? Your fears are waiting to be met.
Define this year as one that will be memorable and life altering.
I really love this idea, setting a goal to focus on and making it one word. Of course I will still post my "resolutions" for the year, but I like to seek out a word that may represent the next year.
Last year we chose the word intention. This was mostly for the purpose of my inability to leave my phone. Social media is my weakness. I am constantly on it. So this year I wanted to seek out intention and be purposeful with my actions. I'm happy to say not only did I forget my phone but many times I left it and would forget about it. I do miss networking but I know that there is a time and place for it and it is not 24/7. Maybe 24/6 :).
We were, as a family, seeking to develop deeper relationships with our friends and seek out a church. I am so lucky to have found a church family and am grateful for those around me. This year was a bit tricky as I went back to work and my schedule became very busy. I'm was blessed with a part time teaching job that will be able to clear my credential.
In April, we began to be intentional about our finances, taking Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University class. We buckled down and with 'gazelle intensity' we were able to pay off my student loans!! This has been such a blessing.
So this year, we decided on the word THRIVE because of where we were and where we will be. That sounds odd!! I mean that we were in such a pit the last few years, it's awful to have debt and how that manifests itself is different for everyone. For me, I found it to be depressing, suffocating, and had a dragging effect on me. Not having so much of it releases it. Changing our lifestyle was hard, but well worth it! We are doing more now than we did with credit cards. Sure it's different things, but the biggest was donut and knowing where the money was coming from and going.
So this year, I hope we will thrive: in our faith, our family, our relationships, our love, and in our roles as parents and in our jobs.
I little cuite ready for her shows at Gymnastics!! She was obviously thrilled in the beginning!
Rudolph also came but it was an unsuccessful visit. Lilly was upset and wanted nothing to do with him. Wish I would have seen that as a forewarning for Santa, but I didn't.
This year has been an incredible fitness journey for me. As I was just coming out of having a baby and moving into my new role as mommy, while struggling to get back into shape, I found how much I LOVE fitness. My passion for healthy eating and living blossomed and although I haven't mastered it, I have found ways to eat a more balanced diet. I began working more on eating well and incorporating more toning and weights. This was all very new to me. I just thought if I out ran my excessive eating technique, that I would be 'skinny.' This couldn't be further from the truth. What I may look like on the outside, does not reflect what is going on on the inside. I'd rather have some 'not-so-proud-areas' and be healthy, than be very 'skinny,' and starving. Good is too good, it's my medicine. Why take vitamins when a delicious kale salad is waiting. And YES kale can be tasty. Don't believe me, ask my husband :).
I really took an interest in health when I first got pregnant. Caring for a little one was of upmost importance. It was my turn to try to be the best mommy and give EVERYTHING I could to this little life, even before she was wiggling and kicking in my arms.
Here was my week in fitness:
Saturday: 10k, run to and from work
Sunday: 5 mile run, 5 minute plank
Monday: Hot yoga
Tuesday: Hot yoga
Wednesday: 5k
Thursday:8.5 miles
Friday: Tone it Up workout on my new Beach Babe DVD
I really feel so encouraged where I am in life now. I know that it doesn't have everything to do with health and fitness, but it really makes my life easier. Here is why I exercise:
1. Me-time
2. Helps me cope
3. I am a better problem solver.
4. I am more patient on days I workout.
5. I am less fatigued.
6. I am setting an example to health to those around me.
7. IT'S FUN!!
8. It is both communal and solitary.
9. It benefits me wholly.
10. I draw nearer to God (especially on my runs and during yoga).
I challenge you this year to take your fitness to the next level. It may just be walking a mile, or eating less sugar. It may by riding yourself of an unhealthy habit. DO IT! It's time that you took a moment for yourself because in the long run (hehe) you will be better, stronger, and more confident that you have accomplished a physical task.
Comment below how you WILL be resolving to make a change in your health/fitness.
This season turned out to be full of memories. Last year I pushed and pushed, only resulting in my frustration with all that we DID NOT do, instead of appreciating the moments of joy.
Oh my sweet girl. You have grown so much in this last month I can hardly believe it. We are so blessed by your sweetness and love your gentle personality.
LOVES GYMNASTICS!!
Can now say: auntie, applesauce, ball, papa,
Loves to dance and move
Uses her hands to direct you where she wants you to go (by pointing or physically moving you)
Learning independence
Wanting to talk
Gets frustrated when she can't communicate
Likes to take her shoes off
Falls asleep on mommy's chest and transfers to bed
Getting her molars!!!
Had some restless nights
Doesn't like baths, but likes the shower.
Loves to walk and explore.
Loves the park.
Not a huge fan of the stroller.
Likes to give kisses.
Holds your face sometimes and kisses you.
Doesn't like onions or meat.
Can't eat tomatoes and dairy
Our sweet Lilly Love. We pray that you will be a gentle spirit but one with a bold voice. We love you baby girl!!
