This is your year!

Happy 2012!

The “theme” if you will of my New Years Eve crowd was – “this is your year!” A friend’s mother so kindly had told him “honey, I really think this your year”. So of course with a few cocktails in everyone, we found this extremely hilarious and even more hilarious to keep repeating it to each other all night :)

But truth be told – I have been internally counting down the days to the end of 2011 because I do feel strongly that I can and will make the most of 2012. There is something fresh, new, and almost exciting about the start of a new year. It’s along the same lines as the feeling you get when you start a new job, move to a new place, moved to a new school, or attempt something new. If you have the right mind set, it can be a powerful self-esteem booster to make a list of all the things you hope to accomplish in the coming year. Forget what has happened in 2011. Be inspired that there really is truth to the saying “you can do anything you put your mind to”.

I personally have been inspired by a wonderful blog I follow, LoveAddictNYC, and her desire to make 2012 the year she learns to live. She comprised a list of 50 things to do in the coming year, some big, some small, but all are in stride to live, love, and be happy. I have comprised a list as well, taking a few of her's too, and I like to consider mine more of a bucket list. It is not a list full of changes, or huge accomplishments, though there are some; it is more a list of small things that will hopefully enrich my journey, my confidence and my relationships.

2012

1.       Loose 20 more lbs

2.       ½ marathon

3.       Triathlon

4.       Tattoo

5.       Daily Devotional (Thank you Emily!)

6.       Find a church

7.       Write more letters to friends and loved ones

8.       Blog at least twice a week

9.       Drink more water

10.   Read more, TV less

11.   Find a charity and donate more

12.   Find a volunteer opportunity I love

13.   Travel abroad

14.   Be the best Aunt possible :)

15.   Be more “thrifty”

16.   Approach dating with an open mind – and put myself out there

17.   Cook something new once a week

18.   Be a better friend to those I love

19.   Learn more at work – be the best I can be

20.   Take a “crafty”class..ie painting, sewing, pottery, etc.

21.   Take lots and lots of pictures

22.   Take walks alone – time to think

23.   Get a massage and a facial

24.   Make a dermatologist appointment

25.   Make my bed everyday

26.   Attempt to be more organized

27.   Go camping at least twice

28.   Hike often

29.   Rock climb with Ana

30.   Read more “ worldly” articles on CNN – be more in tune with the world

31.   Grow my nails

32.   Grow hair out for locks of love

33.   Donate blood ( until I get a tattoo)

34.   Plant a garden

35.   Every Sunday – reflection time

36.   MAYBE. MAYBE. Match.com or EHarmony

37.   Find a recreational sport league

38.   If and when I am back on facebook – minimize my time

39.   BE CONFIDENT

40.   BE INTENTIONAL IN EVERYTHING I DO

Five Truths:

1.       I am not expecting to accomplish everything on my list – but will be proud and happy with the ones I do

2.       Have not had any communication with him in over three weeks. I see him now driving when I go to pick Tinley up from daycare and it absolutely gets my stomach churning every time I see his car, but I feel stronger today than I did three weeks ago.  Progress.

3.       I just gave Tinley Benadryl for the first time, hopefully to calm her so I can cut her nails, and I am a  LITTTTTTTTTLE worried. LOL.

4.       I had a lovely Christmas – and was especially happy to see my wonderful friends, Erika, Sarah B and Logan! :)

5.       My ½ marathon is in less than two months and I can barely run 4 miles. EXCELLENT. Hope that adrenaline kicks in ASAP!