Fresh Start

2011 has been a year full of challenges, losses, changes, and opportunities for growth. Many tears were shed, but, fortunately, laughter and love still found a way into my life.
Though I don’t want to dwell on the details of the sadness from the year, I will say that having experienced it with the support of my friends and family has given me the strength to come out the other side inspired to make positive changes in my life.

One of the major changes that took place this year was a move that took me from Cincinnati, my home of two years, to eastern Ohio, where much of my family lives and where I spent every summer growing up. My local support network changed from my Notre Dame-AmeriCorps group to several members of both sides of my family.

After being unemployed since the end of my two-year stint with AmeriCorps in July, a new job and regular schedule was very welcome this month. Feeling more secure in my career path over the past few weeks has allowed me to think more about what I want in terms of personal goals.

One of my personal goals involves a couple levels of self-improvement.

The first level is mental. I’ve already started working towards this goal by testing my willpower when it comes to healthier choices. For instance, I decided on November 27th, 2011 that I would no longer consume alcohol. I have made it through a full month and I feel much better physically, not to mention the satisfying feeling of my success in ‘sticking with it’.

The next is on the physical level. I’ve had arthritis for as long as I can remember and I’m pretty sure my metabolism has been slowing down steadily over the past several years. The past few months of lacking a regular schedule has hurt me in the ‘eating well department’. I’ve decided to take control and make some lifestyle changes regarding my diet and exercise.

My diet. I know the basics about what’s good for me and what’s not, but sticking with it is the difficult part and usually requires a degree of planning ahead when it comes to meals. I have a recipe box of some healthful meals that I’ll try from time to time, but I’m calling on my favorite magazine for help. Whole Living magazine is all about physical and mental health and happens to have a “Clean Eating Action Plan – 21-Day Challenge” that I plan on utilizing.

My exercise. I love to walk. I love how I feel after practicing yoga. I need to lose a few pounds of extra body fat. I would like to increase muscle mass. There you have it. My exercise goal is to do an hour of yoga 2-4 times per week, and walk 3 miles 1-2 times per week. I will feel better with all the stretching and strengthening, not to mention being able to brag about my long walks. :)

Another goal is to spend more time with the people I care about.

If 2011 has taught me anything, it’s that time with loved ones is precious and shouldn’t be taken for granted. I’m still working on the details, but living next door to Gramma and Grampa will prove beneficial to my reaching my goal. :)

I am hoping that blogging about my goals and progress will ensure my accountability to my readers (friends and family) and to myself.

Here’s to starting 2012 on the right foot and keeping up with new goals!