12 Resolutions for 2012

Happy 2012!!  I really cannot believe it is 2012.  Can you?!

I have thought long and hard about New Year’s resolutions this year.  Last year, for the first time I actually kept mine – I lost weight.  This year I think I need to tweak that resolution a bit, and come up with a few new ones. 

1. Meet My First Fitness Goal:  According to calculations and my typical weight loss, I should be to my first fitness goal (loss of 100lbs since starting!) by no later than April 1, 2012.
2. Continue My Fitness Journey:  After I meet my first goal, we are planning to set the next goal as my ideal weight (additional loss of about 35-40lbs).  This goal will be met by my birthday August 5, 2012.
3. Go to Hawaii:  I fell in love with Hawaii on my first trip there for a friend’s wedding.  That same friend (who I have not seen in over a year now) currently lives in Hawaii.  I cannot let it go another year without seeing him.  A great excuse to go to Hawaii no?
4. Go to Spring Training:  This may be a little bit of a cheat since the plans are already in progress, but it is still something I want to cross of my bucket list this year.
5. Volunteer:  I used to volunteer quite frequently and have recently gotten away from that.  In 2012 I will volunteer at least every other month.  I know it is not a lot, but I want to make a commitment I can stick to and if I can do more, I will!
6. Get Outdoors: With my improved fitness level I have seen an increase in my desire to participate in outdoor activities.  In 2012 I want to spend at least one weekend day a month getting outside and doing something – hiking, swimming, walking on the beach etc.
7. Spend Time With Family:  I live with my family currently (both my parents and my sister) so this one would seem easy, but I mean nore than just seeing them in the living room at night when we watch tv or passing in the hall at various hours of the morning while getting ready.  In 2012 I will plan activities with each of my parents and my sister, at least every other month.  Not just an hour, but maybe not a full day – just an afternoon or a morning of something fun (going to a movie, attending a craft fair, going to the driving range etc. etc.)
8. Spend Less Money:  This is a common resolution, and a good one if it can be kept.  Because my salary is not what I had hoped at this point, and I have quite a hefty loan payment, now more than ever I need to be spending less.  In 2012, I will maintain a budget so I spend less, especially on things I do not actually need.
9. Talk More, Text Less:  This is inspired by my mom who absolutely abhors text messaging.  She does not understand why people cannot just pickup the phone and call someone.  Sometimes a text is just easier (at least for my generation) but it is some much less personal.  In 2012 for all friend’s birthdays, celebratory events, and holidays, I will pick up the phone and call people instead of sending a text.
10. Take Time for Myself: We all need a little time to ourselves, and this is something I have had a difficult time doing in the past.  I find time for work and for things other people need done, but often neglect my own needs.  In 2012 I will make time for myself including: going to yoga on a regular basis, reading more, and painting my nails at least once a month … you know … the little things.
11. Keep Posting:  Since my life got busy I have neglected my blog a bit, and believe me I realize this and I am sorry.  I cannot promise that I will post as often as I was, because that would be setting myself up for failure, but I can make a smaller commitment.  In 2012 I will enter a new blog post no less than once a week.
12. Enjoy Life:  For so long my life has been about school and work and achievement.  In law school (oddly enough) I was fortunately enough to find 2 amazing friends who really taught me the importance of enjoying life and really living.  I have been trying to be “all about being happy” over the last year and I have seen some improvements.  In 2012, I will carry this mantra with me and continue to “be happy.”

Feel free to take some of these resolutions and make them your own.  I would love to hear you’re your own resolutions are … maybe they will inspire mine for next year.  Making New Year’s Resolutions takes gumption.  Keeping them will take more.