LOOKING AHEAD AT 2017

My plan was to write this post yesterday, you know, on the very first day of 2017, but a little thing called champagne shots from the night before kind of got in the way of that plan, or any plan that required a smidgen of brain function for that matter. But thankfully with a good nights sleep and enough water consumption to end the largest drought, I am back to functioning like a somewhat normal human being today. I am hoping though that 2017 is the year I actually listen to what I've been telling myself for the last few years which is, "remember you're not 21 anymore!". I guess I'll be adding 'listen to your own advice' to the very top of my list of resolutions this year.

But here we are, already two days into 2017. Gosh I love the feeling of a brand new year! How is it that something can feel so different when nothing even really changes at all? I guess it's the feeling of a clean slate and the idea of endless possibilities that can come along with that. While I truly believe that we should be working towards resolutions or goals no matter what month or year it is, I do love the idea of starting from the "beginning" and the feeling of hope that a new year brings.

As I'm looking ahead and thinking about all the things I'd like to accomplish, I feel so absolutely ready and determined to tackle this new year with a vengeance. The first step in helping me do so is writing down the things that I want to focus on over the next year. If you like setting resolutions and you work better with lists, like I do, you should go ahead and do the same. It will serve as a reminder, it'll keep you more accountable, and it'll be so fun to look back to see what things were important to you at the time. Even if it's just one thing, still get that pen to paper (or hands to keyboard!!). Here's some of the things I'd like to make a priority:

Goals That Can't Be Measured

- If 2015 and 2016 has taught me anything, it's that I need to start showing more compassion towards myself. Someone once told me that we should be just as gentle, kind and compassionate towards ourselves as we are towards others, and I'm pretty sure all of us can use this great advice at some point or another. Isn't it so much easier to be hard on ourselves though? To put blame, extra guilt or feelings of not being good enough on our shoulders? While this whole post is centred around self improvements and working towards goals, I want to remember this one first and foremost.

- 2017 is going to be such a big and exciting year, mostly because it's the year we're getting married. I want to be more present, to not let myself get caught up in insignificant things, and to really soak up all of the exciting and meaningful things that lay ahead.

- No matter what this year has in store for me, I want to express more gratitude because I have so much in my life to be thankful for. We all know that when you focus on and express positivity and gratitude, it really changes the way you look at things in your life. It's all about your attitude, mindset and energy (as well as that of those you choose to surround yourself with).

- Doing more things that scare me. I hope that by working on my confidence, not focusing so much on others opinions or worrying about failure, and just taking a leap of faith and going for whatever it is that I truly want to do, I can step out of my comfort zone more when I need to.

Goals That Can Be Measured

- 2016 was probably the worst year I've had overall with my weight and good habits since my initial weight loss in 2011, and I'm determined to get back into a better routine of healthier eating and exercising. My weight tends to really affect my mood and how I feel, plus, have I mentioned this is the year we're getting married? I'm also not wanting to buy a full new wardrobe, which is what's going to happen pretty soon if I don't nip this in the butt right away.

- Do things I've been wanting to do. Whether it's going on that weekend trip I've been talking about, painting a room in our house, or signing up for that class I've been wanting to try, I want to make more of an effort to actually go and do them. Basically, less talking and more doing!

- Continue blogging. It's something I truly enjoy and am proud of, most days ;), so I'm going to aim for 2 posts a week. If I post more, that's great, and if it's less, well, that's okay too as long as I don't give up altogether!

- While I don't know exactly what this one will entail, I do know that I would love to do something that's both selfless and fulfilling, such as volunteering or giving back somehow. Did anybody else just hear those words and automatically think of the episode on Friends where Phoebe believed that there's no such thing as a selfless good deed?

Do you like setting New Year's resolutions?

Happy New Year, everyone! I really hope this year treats you well with health, love and happiness! Cheers to 2017 and making the most out of every single day!!!

Until next time.