Changes Afoot

With the new year comes new moments, new goals, new lives.  Changes can happen any time of the year but something is different when the calendar starts over.

I can feel it this year way more than others.  I remember last year trying so hard to make 2017 begin with some kind of magic that just wasn’t there.  I guess you just can’t force the magical moments.  You gotta just let it flow.

I’ve been on a tiny health kick since January 1 and it feels good.  It was not a big plan I set out to do but it’s been nice eating my vegetables again and not being so quick to add in junk.  (I say this after eating 4 pieces of chocolate but still, that’s better than last week!  Eeeesh!) Basically the whole month of December I had dessert every night, dairy in my coffee, sugar at evvvvery meal in some shape or form.  There was less sleep, more drinks.  Less meditating, more late nights.

Pic from my (free) Shady Maple birthday breakfast.  It was heaven.  Let’s not talk about how many plates I packed away…IMG_7237

It was fun in small doses but I’ve never been one for that lifestyle.  I’ve been going to bed by 9pm for as long as I can remember.  Seriously, my friends made fun of me in high school.  I never cared because sleep makes me feel amazing.

Finally, I feel the tides turning back to my norm.

Along with the healthier meals, I’ve always been reading before bed.  (Real live books!) I’ve missed that and even in just a few days I notice the calmness I feel when falling asleep.

I am completed excited and ready to manifest my goals but I’m only sharing a few here.  No shame whatsoever but I’m still working through the specific on some steps and I’d like to keep ’em close to the chest for now.

A smattering of 2018 #goalsss:

  • Read at least 25 books – self-development, fiction, whatever!
    • So satisfying and I learn massive amounts of great things from reading, no matter the genre.
  • Build my blog – I know it seems simple but I love it.
    • It’s good challenging and I have hundreds of ideas of what I’d like it to become.
  • Meditate and/or journal daily – no matter how little it is.
    • I love a good ritual.
    • I’m allowing even just one sentence jotted down or like 8 minutes of mediation if that’s all that happens one day!
  • Kick-box (and train hard again)
    • I’ve been talking about kickboxing for YEARS and never tried it.  No idea why but it’s time.  I see myself loving it and it fits in with my slightly obsessed Rocky, triumphant underdog fantasies.
    • I also need to get my semi-abs back and stronger than ever.
  • Speak up.  Put my true self out there.  Stand up and be confident.
    • It’s so easy when I stop “trying.” Trying to be perfect, trying to make someone else happy, trying to take care of things.
  • Be debt-free
    • One of those things I took for granted until I realized it was an issue.  I’m ready for financial freedom.  I 100% believe it’s possible because I’ve seen it.
  • Follow a mostly clean diet with indulgences I truly enjoy.
    • How I feel the best.  No time for eating junk that doesn’t thrill me anymore. You know you’ve eaten a cupcake purely because it was there?  It was dry, the icing was too sweet, and all of a sudden you feel gross.  Yeah, not happening.
    • One, amazing slice of peanut butter pie? Baby, it’s worth it.

A super flattering picture of me cradling my new matcha set!  I’m really excited to get into and even, dare I say it, drink a little, tiny bit less coffee this year. img_7249.jpg

  • Do a monthly check-in with myself
    • I’m using my beautiful Desire Map Planner that I highly recommend.  Check it out right here!  (I’m gong to do a detailed post about tit.  It’s not too late to get one for the year!
      • My planner actually has a check-in prompt at the beginning of every month so it makes it super easy for me. I’ve done the overall 2018 pages and obviously the January one.

And a snap of my planner and breakfast (real muffin pieces in this bar, people)!  Weird color, trust me, the actually shades are much prettier and ocean-esque.IMG_7320

Those are the “big goals.”  I have a few random to-dos like go to another Broadway show and learn to roller blade (I know, I’m 29.  I should already know how or I shouldn’t bother.  hah! A girl can dream…and boy, do I. Always have, always will. )

Think big or stay small.

Please share any goal you want to achieve this year with me!  I’m so curious how everyone is feeling about their clean slates, excited, anxious or anywhere in between.

Much love! You deserve it.

~Whitney Victoria

 

 

To Resolve or Not to Resolve

I am all about making resolutions. They keep me on track with what I really want to be doing for the year. It’s actually a comfort thinking about them throughout the months so I don’t end up in October wondering how I got there with nothing to show for it.  It’s easy to slide along every day not working toward anything because you don’t want to put even the tiniest amount of pressure on yourself.

There was a revolt a few years ago that is still continuing.  People seem to think making resolutions is a bad thing because you get disappointed when you fail.  But, I’m sorry, does that mean we should stop trying?  Does that mean we shouldn’t even attempt a turn-around? I see nothing wrong with jotting some things down that you know you want to change.  Sure, if there are things you resolve to quit or start because you think you should do them, well now, that’s when you get into guilt-laden territory.

It’s completely possible to have goals you love all year long and not get discouraged. There are small tweaks I’ve done every time I actually committed to completing a resolution.

My tips for happy goals:

  • Pair a larger goal with a “fun” goal.
  • Make it positive! Add in a healthy habit, instead of kicking a bad one.
    • i.e. Don’t quit sugar cold turkey.  Commit to eating one serving of vegetables with two meals/day.
  • Pick one generic, attainable goal.  This will make you feel great when you can cross it off your list! Plus, it will give you confidence in your greater goals.
    • I.e. Drink 8 glasses of water daily.
  • Choose one daunting goal.  Write out tiny steps that edge you closer.
    • I.e. Pay off credit card debt = Sell one item on eBay/week>Use an extra $50/month towards debt>Pay more than minimum payment/month, etc.
Best New Year Motivational & Inspirational Quotes Collection
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I’m including some revamped printable resolution worksheets I found around.  They aren’t your run-of-the-mill goal sheets.  I love tradition but I also love seeing things from a new perspective or slightly tweaking the original picture.  Kind of like when top chefs do a spin on a classic dish.  I love that.  Sooo, here are a few different ways to write down a few resolutions. (A few sources might ask for your email to get the PDFs sent to you.) Or check out Pinterest for your own ideas!

2018 I Purpose to. via source.

The Ultimate List of 2018 New Year Resolution Ideas

More of This/Less of This worksheet

Family New Year’s Resolutions

Two pics from the holiday weekend to close!

Christmas EveIMG_7130Christmas DayIMG_7172

I am not yet finished making my list.  I’ve had a very low-key New Year’s Eve for the last few years completely by choice.  It’s when I have a drink, sit down, and write from my heart.  I’m able to hear clearly what I’m supposed to be doing.

I would absolutely love to hear your resolutions and goals for 2018!

January 1 or not, remember, you always have a chance to start over.

~Whitney Victoria

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