I’ve really never been one for New Year’s Resolutions. I never understood the point of using the first of the year to start on a goal when the rest of the year could easily work. However, as I get older, I am beginning to understand the purpose behind the overwhelming concept of New Year’s Resolutions. Some years are tough, and what better way to move on than a new year so fresh and clean? The calendar is beautifully blank and the darkness that was once everywhere has been replaced with bright possibilities. I get it. I see the opportunities and feel the contagious optimism that is rampant right now. I am viewing this year with trepidation, not wanting to set my expectations too high yet feeling confident life can only improve. My goals for 2015 aren’t unrealistic stereotypes I know I’ll never keep (cut out sugar completely! save every single penny! be amazing every day!), but are habits I hope to turn into commonplace in my life in order to improve my body, mind, and soul. Oh and maybe a few other goals too:) Here’s what I hope to work on/accomplish this year:

• More thoughtfulness. I don’t mean thoughtfulness regarding sending handwritten notes and remembering birthdays, but thoughtfulness about little everyday decisions. I want to examine the purpose behind actions and determine if they’re necessary. I hope to eliminate things like mindless snacking and spending by putting more thought into the little things.
• Throw more dinner parties.
• Choose happiness. I used to think happiness was an elusive state of being that I would one day enter into by virtue of age alone. I now feel that being happy is as much a choice as it is one’s destiny. I hope to put extra effort this year into choosing happiness and making the best out of current situations.
• See the Northern Lights.
• Handle situations the way I would encourage my daughter to. Sometimes I’ll catch myself wanting to throw a fit myself for something that, in the grand scheme of life, doesn’t matter (someone left their shopping cart in the parking lot! L’horreur!). I realized that I exhibit behavior I would not tolerate her portraying…hypocrisy at it’s finest!
• Limit weeknight wine. I don’t know if it’s the darkness of Alaska or what, but ever since we’ve moved here I have been much more apt to consume a glass or two on weeknights whereas I used to completely refrain during the week.
• Travel to Europe for Nate’s and my 5th wedding anniversary. How convenient that my best friend is moving to Germany next month!
• Get dressed in more than glorified workout wear. One of the easiest ruts to fall into (for me) after transitioning to staying at home is forgetting how to be my former self. I miss the routine of getting ready everyday for work outside of the home and how it forced me to be a presentable person.
• Cook more to cook less. I want a freezer stocked with leftover soups and casseroles so I can spend less time cooking dinners every night and more time for meaningful activities with Waverley.
• Work more fervently towards my goal of writing a children’s book.

Phew. That seems like a lot. Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? What are they? I’d love to know!