January 2, 2018

2018 New Year Resolutions

Every year I write these out on my blog so that I have a place to look back at them and remind myself of my goals and to see the progress I am making.

A lot of my resolutions are actually goals, but behind those goals are the actual things I want to resolve whether it’s to not procrastinate, etc.

Here are my 2017 Resolutions and whether or not I achieved them:

Breathe and let go of any thoughts that do not serve to build me up or grow me in any way. – I definitely worked on this. I think that I was able to stay more focused on what was important to me.
Only invest my time in people who reciprocate the same. I will not chase after people anymore. If they don’t care to be a regular part of my life, then our relationship will be very simple and cordial. – I would almost say that I did this 100%. I have learned to let go of relationships that aren’t genuine.
Focus on building myself up mentally, physically and spiritually. Get healthy in every way. – Well…I do feel mentally and spiritually stronger. I feel like I was better able to deal with things this year.
Indulge in any passion that I may have. – Yes. I can’t list any specifics, but I definitely gave my all to things that I enjoy.
Build a career or find one. – I actually developed my shop more with certain products that helped me out financially, but this year I am going to devote my focus on what will last.
Regularly contribute to A Coastal Cottage and Modern Day Moms. – In order for me to build A Coastal Cottage, I realized that I had to step away from Modern Day Moms. I may post from time-to-time, but I really have to dedicate myself to my own venture in order to be successful.
Be the best friend and mother I can be. Aidan does not need to grow up developing my negative habits and traits. He needs a mother who shows she can handle herself through anything. He needs strength and guidance, not someone who appears out of control or disorganized. Don’t be the friend who is a nuisance or always has problems to discuss. Show love and support and focus on talking positively. Nobody likes a Negative Nancy. – I can say that I made gains in this area, especially as a mother. I have gotten to a point that Aidan and I talk about it and he helps me when I slip.
Read more. Spend my free time divulging in good books! – This did not happen aside from reading new recipes from recipe books. I actually looked at new books recently, so I will get back to it eventually.
Go on adventures and have lots of family time. – Family is everything to me and being together and having a good time is best for all of us. Aidan especially needs to see that his parents can be friends and get along.
Cook more homemade foods. Find new recipes. Eat better. Drink more water and ditch the damned soda! – Absolutely! I can’t even begin to tell you how many new recipes I made this year. One of my favorites is the Creamy Garlic Tuscan Shrimp. Italian Baked Eggs is another.
Get my butt in shape, once and for all. My life depends on it! And I’m not getting any younger. I need to develop healthy habits for my body. – I did manage to get back to my pre-Aidan weight. I still need to lose around 10 more. I still have my terrible soda habit and it’s worse than ever. I’ll keep trying, though.
Continue to donate to brain cancer research every year. Please consider doing the same. This foundation was set up in memory of someone very dear to my heart: 11:11 Foundation in Memory of Frank Kane – Always.
Most importantly: forgive and fall in love with myself. – It’s still a work in progress, but I definitely don’t blame myself for anything anymore. I accept that I am human and make bad choices and mistakes at times. All I can do is continue to acknowledge when I do and improve upon myself day-by-day. I have definitely put my happiness above all else.

This year, I think I am going to simplify this list because that is my motto for this year:

I will always do the basics for my health and happiness, so things like exercise more and eat better will always be goals. I don’t feel the need to list the obvious and the ones on repeat.

Continue to build my blog. Add content regularly on the blog and all social media and begin reaching out to companies.
Stop procrastinating and stay on top of what is important.
Remodel the kitchen.
Pay down debts and build savings.
Remember to regularly take me time.
De-clutter and get rid of excess decor.
Try one new activity.
Do more road trips. Travel to Miami and other bigger cities.

That’s it! As you can see, I am focusing on things that will keep me busy and feed my soul. I want to be successful in all areas of my life and I can’t if I am not up and at it.

Thank you guys for following along and showing your support. As a lot of you have requested, I will make sure to do regular shopping trips in my Instagram stories (which will automatically post to my FB stories).