I firmly believe in goal setting and constantly striving to better oneself, all the time, every day. I regularly set myself daily, weekly and monthly goals. I’m not even joking. Me and my lists. My dozens and dozens of lists. I make OCD look awesome, I know!

Anyway, since I am a resolution setting list-aholic, setting New Years Resolutions is obviously a big deal for me. It’s the MEGA LIST. The list of all lists. The, “Do This Or Forever Fail At Life” list.

Now every year I try to set resolutions for the Mind, the Body, and the Spirit. Just like having a balanced diet, any goals at self-improvement and wellness should take the whole being into account, not just one aspect.

Now, normally my resolutions tend to be Mind and Body heavy, accompanied by a token Spirit resolution. But this year has seen a switch. This year it’s all about the Spirit and the Body with a token Mind resolution. I keep seeing huge changes in my person and my perspective, all while being more genuinely “me”, ever since having Tessa. My, how being a mommy changes you!

Anyway, enough of my blabbering. On with my resolutions!

Mind

Begin writing down inspirational quotes. – I did this once as a teenager, and I was amazed at how taking the time to hand write down quotes – whether they were funny, profound, spiritual, political or just plain cute – helped me to absorb, enjoy and inadvertently memorize the things I wrote. In debates and apologetics, I had statistics and dates ready at hand. Scripture references were suddenly memorized. And inspirational, feel good tidbits were a ready pick me up. So I am going to make a point of doing this once again.

Body

Go on South Beach Diet till I reach my ideal weight. – When I first met Jonathan I was 50 pounds overweight. He introduced me to the South Beach Diet and as a true best friend, joined me in the diet even though he didn’t need to lose any weight himself. As my accountability buddy, he removed all diet roadblocks from my path and together we lost my 50 pounds in just 8 months. Now, after having my first baby, I’m back to needing to lose 50 pounds. Starting January 1st, I’m going to get serious about getting back to a healthy weight!

Start a daily stretching routine – I downloaded a stretching app and it basically randomizes 5 minute stretching routines for you. You can specify if you want to focus on your legs, back or whatever and it gives you a new routine each day. I rarely purchase apps, because I usually find them to be duds, but this one is worth every penny. I’ve used it sporadically over the past month or so, but I want to fully incorporate it into my bedtime routine every day.

Start walking and hiking at least 3 times a week – So when I lost the 50 pounds the first time, I did it without working out. Like, at all. Zero workouts. Since I have heard the horrors of pregnancy weight being a bit more stubborn to lose than normal fat, I’m going to make a point of hitting the local trails (or, ya know, the apartment pavement) at least three times a week. We’ve already visited a number of trails since moving here, but now it’s a requirement!

Spirit

Keep a prayer journal. – Throughout our relationship together, Jonathan and I have seen the unmistakable hand of God working in our lives. Whether it’s answered prayers, unexpected blessings, or just plain old examples of God’s every day faithfulness. But ever since having Tessa, I’ve felt the need to chronicle in writing my communications with God. Not only will it help Jonathan and I recognize when God answers our prayers, but it will help us to build a testimony of the Lord’s faithfulness, grace, and power through prayer.

Begin tithing regularly. – With all of the moving around from place to place, we haven’t been putting down roots in a “home church” for some time now. With this church homelessness, comes sporadic giving on our part. We donate to causes as they arise, but it’s by no means regular. One month we’ll be super givers, the next we don’t see a penny of our income going to any cause whatsoever. While I personally do not like the 10% tithe concept and I instead prefer the widows mite approach, I want to begin to establish solid giving habits so Tessa grows up seeing obedience to the Lord in regards to finances.

Start daily devotions as a family. – Jonathan and I do our Bible studies separately, and then come together to talk about details (mostly apologetics, we looooves us our apologetics), but we’d like to start coming together as a family to dig into Gods word. We bought a daily devotion for couples book that we intend to read through, along with some baby Bible board books to begin reading to Tessa every night as part of a new bedtime routine, followed by family prayer.

And that’s it for my 2014 resolutions! What resolutions do you have set this year? ^_^