2017

We find ourselves here again, at the end of one year, with anticipation to the start of the next. And while the entire internet seems to have really hated 2016, I found it to be a year like every other, with peaks and valleys.

I’m not one for New Year’s Resolutions. I think they’re generally pretty vague and that’s why they’re often unattainable. But, I do think it’s good to set goals for the coming year. So here is what I have in mind for 2017, call it what you will.

 

I’ve decided to go with a few overall 2017 challenges, and then something for each month. I wanted to make it a mix of things good for the heart, body and mind, but that are also a combination of inward and outwardly focused.

2017
No soda for the entire year : a habit that has snuck up on me recently that I want to break
Actually use a planner for the whole 12 months : I always buy one and then quit quickly
52 week photo project: best of the week, using only my real camera, posted on Facebook

January: No Fast Food
For the purposes of this challenge, I define fast food as any eating establishment with a drive thru. Chick-fil-a and Del Taco have become my go-to places for a quick bite between errands and when I get them, I also tend to get a soda (Dr. Pepper at CFA and Cherry Coke at DT). This will help start the year off right for my yearly goal as well.

February: No Social Media Saturdays
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter… it’s so easy to get sucked in. For the month of February I will be unplugging from social media entirely every Saturday. I’m hopeful to spend that time really enjoying my time with my boys and being extra productive.

March: No Starbucks
A delicious, but no doubt costly habit, my love of the Cinnamon Dolce Latte shall be put on hold for the month of March. My sugar intake and wallet will be all the better for it.

April: Read 3 Books
I used to read. A lot. In 2012, I read 30 books. Since Jonathan was born, I’ve not read many at all. I definitely want to get back into the habit, but need to be intentional with how I spend my time. In April, I want to read 3 books. No particular genre, just reading for enjoyment.

May: Walk/Jog/Run/Hike 100 Miles
100 sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? It sort of is. According to the latest information coming from my Fitbit, I average about 2 miles a day, give or take, in incidental steps. 100 miles in 31 days averages out to 3.23 miles per day. This will be a challenge that encourages me to go that extra mile (almost literally) each day.

June: Take a Class
Learning something new is always exciting, but taking the time to do it is always the hard part. In June, I want to take a class that will further my knowledge of the world. I’ll probably take something free through Coursera or EdX. I’ve done a Coursera class before, but I saw a couple archived courses on EdX that are self-paced that I’m interested in!

July: Try a New Recipe Each Week
Those of you who have read my blog for a while (Hi Mom!) may remember my 30 Before 30 item to try 30 new recipes. That was a lot of fun and delicious, so I’m bringing it back for a month.

August: Read 4 Books
It appears that my reading commitments only occur in months that begin with A – just like April, but with one more book!

September: Handwrite One Letter per Week
I just finished watching Pride and Prejudice for the first time and I’m gonna bring back the art of the handwritten letter. If it’s good enough for Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, it’s good enough for me.

October: Participate in The Justice Run
The Justice Run is a local 5k and 10k that benefits various non-profit organizations that fight human trafficking. You can either walk or run the 5k, so that’s probably what I’ll do. One of the organizations that benefits is Free The Girls, which you may remember from a previous post.

November: Compliment Someone Once a Day
November is the start of the holiday craziness, and it’s really easy to get focused on everything that’s going on and less on personal connections. I hope to be able to bring a little joy to people’s days in November by spreading some love via compliment. Strangers, friends, family, whomever.

December: Thankfulness Journal 
Speaking of getting caught up in the busyness of the season, December can so often be about getting things done that we fall into bed exhausted at the end of the day. I want to spend the month remembering things that I am thankful for each day so that I can be mindful of my blessings and end the year with a thankful heart.

So there’s my game plan for 2017! I’ll probably check in at the end of each month with a progress report and let you guys know how it goes. Anyone who wants to join me for a month or who has any recommendations for the books I read, the recipes I try or the class I take, I welcome any and all.