Five on Friday: New Year, Better You

So every year, Nelson and I sit down for a coffee or lunch date right before the New Year and discuss our goals for the upcoming year.  Not just our resolutions, but everything from how we can be accountable and encouraging in our walks with God to financial goals, to planning vacations, improving our marriage, focusing on our friendships, career goals, fitness goals, right down to things we aim to be more intentional about.  How can we better ourselves, live more in the present, and find joy in the midst of it all?  I make some concrete goals, but overall it’s about the big picture.

1.  Be ACTIVE.  Period.  This is a goal that comes easy to me, fortunately.  I would seriously cancel any plans to go workout.  I love working out and would do it all day if I could.  But we are also busy and I love our family and a social life, so I cannot get down on myself for missing a class or a workout.  So, even when I do, I just have to be active.  Whatever that means…a walk, a jog, a quick interval in my living room.  Bottom line, GET IT DONE. It all counts.  For us, this also means encouraging each other each day to get out of bed and GO before the Sun rises!
2. Be conscious about what I’m eating.  I am NOT a “dieter”.  I don’t enjoy “eliminating” things or cutting things out completely.  I LOVE food and love eating socially, but I also want to FEEL good.  So, when I know that more than 1 bite of something is going to make my stomach hurt, then just stop right there, before it starts.  Eat for energy and in moderation.  Be able to ENJOY what I am eating and not scarfing food down just to simply eat it and clear my plate.  Pay attention to what you are putting in your body.  As far as accountability goes, I can be the WORST, because I love to bring Nelson treats and sweets, but is that doing anyone any good? NO!  He honestly gets really annoyed with me when I do it, even though he surely enjoys the treat.  But, as of 2018, I am definitely going to stop this habit, so that we can positively encourage one another to eat healthier.
3. RUN towards the Lord.  It is so easy to put faith on the back burner.  My faith is always present, but I go through seasons of growth, as I am sure that many of us do.  But I strive to live my year running with and towards the Lord, instead of just standing stagnant in my faith.  Even though, I know that there are times of trial and laziness, I want to start the year actively SEEKING HIM FIRST.  One way I am doing that this year is by signing up for a winter Bible Study that begins next week that will get me in the Word.
4. Be present with my friends and family.  Since I started this blog (and before if we are honest), many times I can catch myself on my phone, taking pictures of the moments or even checking out what others are doing…comparing my life to the other bloggers or other families here in Greenville.  We all do it.  But I know that I have to stop to be happy.  I have a great life, but I won’t know it if I don’t stop to live it and LOVE it.  So although I may snap a shot of my kids or the activities we are doing or food we are eating, I am going to LIVE in the moment and appreciate what I have and who I am.  And not only this, but how can we recoup and be more present for our families? Vacation alone?  And vacation with family? etc…Intentional time with the ones that matter.  And most of all, be present for myself, love myself, and take time for myself, so that I can be better for my people.
5. Career….I have a few, but ultimately in all that I do, I want to do it for the Lord and I want to help others.  So whether it be through physical therapy helping children and connecting with their families, or creating relationships and encouraging my students at the gym or yoga studio, or sharing my life and passions through the blog, or helping someone with finding their style with Stella & Dot.  I truly love people and need to remember that is why I am doing these things.  I have my individual goals for each of these “jobs” in my life, and mainly all I seek to do is stay on top of things and find joy in what I am doing.  Even if I don’t ultimately meet my “goals”, remember why I am doing it, and if it isn’t serving me and my family, get rid of it.

These are just a few things we touch on.

In addition, this year I am joining Wendie of Pantry Dr. and Melissa of Melissa Adrian Fitness in their mission to educate and empower women to find Freedom & Confidence in our kitchens, our bodies, and our lives! They are launching a new program on January 8th that will run until March 31st.  Here are some bullet points and highlights for this awesome program!

• It is entirely ONLINE!
• 12 week program running from 1/8 – 3/31 (can’t make this one work? stay tuned for the next one!)
• Cost is $199, but EARLY BIRD special for $149 (until 12/31!! Just a few more days!!)
• Guide for nutrition, exercise, and self-care! Lots of suggestions and tips and SUPPORT!
• See more details and sign up HERE!  Use my link and enter code FFC10 at checkout for 10% off!

To jumpstart this program and in line with my “5 on Friday”, I have enrolled in their 5 Day Stress Less Healthy Holiday Challenge.  I had all intentions of starting this challenge a few weeks ago, when I truly probably needed it.  Oh, but the irony, I was “too stressed and busy” to even sign up.  So here I am, December 29th, still in the midst of the Holidays and I am diving right in!  So, JOIN ME…just do it, for yourself!  You have nothing to lose.  Stay tuned for more on the Finding Freedom & Confidence Program!

Happy Holidays and Happy Friday!

XO

Shana