Don't Let New Year Resolutions Overwhelm You
Hey Sweet Friends,
As we step into the dawn of a new year, I find myself filled with hope and excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead. The beginning of the year is often associated with setting ambitious goals and making grand resolutions. Only or half, if not all, of them to be out the window by March. While the enthusiasm to achieve remarkable feats is commendable, it's crucial to strike a balance between ambition and realism. After all, the most meaningful changes often stem from consistent, attainable habits that align with our unique lifestyles.
For me, 2024 is not just another year; it's an opportunity to create a life that reflects my values and aspirations. I'll be honest every other year hasn't gone how I planned on those new year resolution boards. I took steps toward discipline but I didn't have a PLAN. This year, I'm getting serious. In this spirit, I've chosen a handful of realistic and sustainable habits that I believe will pave the way for personal growth and fulfillment. And guess what? You can do the same! But I may be the first to tell you, you don't have to. Chances are our loves aren't copy & paste. We don't have the same time, schedules, lives, family dynamics, or goals. So, when you're going to set those NY resolutions make sure you take into account YOUR life! For me making a goal of palates classes 3 times a week isn't doable- most classes happen after 6am and by them im making breakfast. So, getting up (extremely) early to go lift weights at 4am works for me! it may not work for you. That's okay! But here are a few of the thing Is am taking with me.
1. Rise and Shine:
One of the most transformative habits I'm embracing this year is waking up at 3:45 am to hit the gym before my kids wake up. Now, I know what you might be thinking - that sounds insanely early! Trust me, I felt the same way initially. But the key is to align your goals with your personal rhythm. If early mornings don't work for you, find a time that does. The goal is not to fit into someone else's schedule but to create a routine that fits seamlessly into your life.
2. Home Reset Ritual:
Every night, before I go to bed (this year I'm not allowing anything after 10pm), I've committed to a simple yet impactful practice - the home reset. This involves tidying up my living space, putting things back in their place, PICKING UP TOYS, and creating a serene environment for a restful night's sleep. It's amazing how a clutter-free space can contribute to a clutter-free mind. This is huge for Josh and I - when we wake up it is really hard to be patient with the kids when the kitchen is a disaster, no plates for breakfast, everyone is hungry and we have to wash the pan for eggs- you know?
3. Clutter-Free Car Commitment:
Speaking of clutter, let's talk about our cars. As a busy working mom, my car often becomes a mobile extension of my life. Keeping it clutter-free not only makes my drives more pleasant but also saves me from the stress of searching for lost items amidst the chaos. This is sort of an extension of my home life, when my car is cluttered I don't feel like I have as much room to think.
4. Daily Journaling Journey:
Journaling has proven to be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth for me. love it when I do it! but then I miss a day, and a day become a week, and then it becomes a month, you get the drill. While the idea of committing to a daily journaling practice might seem daunting, I've learned to keep it flexible. Some days, it might be a few sentences, while on others, it could turn into a small novel. I'm choosing not to limit myself for this exact reason. I know daily I'll push myself to at least fill out a paragraph or so, but it may not always happen. My goal would ideally be a page a day.
5. Spiritual Nourishment:
I am sick and tired of being illiterate with my Bible, I've learned and read SO MUCH these past few years. But I'm still not where I want to be (will I ever be? lol ) So I'm carving out time each day to read my Bible. This daily ritual serves as a grounding force, providing me with strength, wisdom, and perspective as I navigate the challenges and joys of life. These words of life, bring me life. I need it. And too often it sits on my dresser unopened for weeks. I want to note that I am no longer participating in the Bible in a year . Too. many new years I've proclaimed that I wanted to do that. Then it becomes a chore. My God's words should never be a chore for me. It should be a desire. And not only that but I want to learn what I'm reading- take the time to study it and understand. I am past the stage of reading to check a box.
6. Essential Vitamin Routine:
Self-care is non-negotiable. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, I've made it a point to take my vitamins consistently. as someone with ADHD - I confess, I suck at this! I take them for a week and then completely forget or just straight up avoid them (no idea why). Super B is my LIFELINE, no idea why I forget it. I feel so much better and so much more energy!
I just want to give you some encouragement as you embark on this next year (2024, holy crap, how did that happen?). I encourage you to set goals that resonate with your unique aspirations. Take into account your schedule, your preferences, and the ebb and flow of your daily life. The key is to be ambitious yet realistic, acknowledging that lasting change often comes from small, intentional actions.
Consider finding an accountability partner who shares similar goals or aspirations. Having someone to share your progress, challenges, and victories with can provide the support and motivation needed to stay on track. Remember, you have the power to make 2024 a year of growth, resilience, and fulfillment.
So, here's to embracing the potential within each day, setting realistic goals, and making it happen.
May this year be a chapter filled with accomplishments, self-discovery, and the joy of living a life true to you. need an accountability partner? Message me on instagram!!
Also, here are two freebies! One is a printable planner, the second is a whole PDF file (30 pages) of trackers, budget planners, monthly planners, weekly planners, mental health trackers, habits, cleaning lists, deep cleaning lists, to-do lists, and daily planners! just pick and choose what you want to use for this year- no excuses girls. this is OUR year!
With warmth,
Cass
