New Year, New You!

 
  Happy New Year!!  This is the year to make it great!  (I know we say that every year, but let's REALLY make this year a great one:)  What are your New Year resolutions?  I know that when I hear those words, I think to myself . . . "Does it really matter?  I'm going to break them anyway."  But this is the year that I am going to change that.  I'm not going to have my resolutions be to loose weight, it's going to be to eat better & be more active.  It's not going to be financially free . . . it's going to be to watch where my money goes & ask myself if I REALLY need it.  It's going to be to put at least $20 a week away for a vacation or the holiday's!  I am serious about this!!  I know that I'm worth it!  Are you?  Of course you are!!  I want to be healthier & skinnier for myself, my husband & for my kids!  I want to be more financially stable, so that we can enjoy the things that mean the most in our lives . . . spending time with my family! 
  You can start small by cleaning out your fridge & cupboards so that you don't self sabotage yourself!  Get rid of all that left over Holiday treats & junk food.  Go buy yourself some almonds & light popcorn to munch on when you get those cravings!  Find a friend or online network to keep you motivated.  Set a goal on what it is you want, then work backwards to make it happen.  For example, if your goal is to loose 20 lbs, start by loosing 5 lbs, then 10 lbs & so on.  Start by being aware what you are eating & try to do something physical for 15 minutes a day, then work your way up to more time.  
  I know I have had every excuse in the book on why I can't go work out . . . dont' have the money for a gym membership, it's to cold outside to go for a walk; the kids have kept me up all night & I'm to tired . . . well enough of the excuses!!  It's time to find a way or make a way!!  Use cans of soup to lift as weights; do 3 sets of 20 jumping jacks; do 3 sets of 10 sit ups before you get in the shower, then work your way up to more; whatever it is, do SOMETHING!!!  Eat better . . . stop using sugars & use Splenda; eat more fruits & vegetables; have at least 2 or 3 servings of dairy a day; eat more fiber; cut back on your soda pop & drink more water.  
  If you have other resolutions that you would like to discuss or have me help you figure out a plan, let me know.  These are just a few of the ones I always hear people talking about.  Let's do this together & be better examples for our family & friends . . . but more importantly . . . let's prove to ourselves that we can do it!!  I know we can do this!!  We are worth it!!!

Unshaven Legs

  Are you perfect!  Do you think you are perfect?  Do you think that you should work on being more perfect . . . whether it's for you or others?  I will be the first to admit that I am NOT perfect!!  I will admit that I have felt like I need to be perfect around others, so that I can be a better example & give hope to others!  To show that I have everything going for me; life is GREAT; there aren't any problems; I have the perfect marriage & home life; nothing is ever wrong; life is perfect!!  Little did I know that when I do this, make my life SEEM so perfect, it makes other's feel inadequate . . . hopeless . . . lonely . . . & like a failure!  That has NEVER been my intent!!  I am so sorry for betraying some of you & making you believe something that is NOT reality!!  I didn't know what I was doing.  Reality is that there are days that I feel like I am going to loose it . . . I yell at my children; my house isn't perfectly clean; my legs aren't always clean shaven & I am not always ready for the day; I'm overweight & I don't have any ambition to change it; sometimes dinner may be out of a can or box; & I have junk drawers, corners, & closets that aren't organized . . . & it's OK!!!   NOBODY'S PERFECT!!! 

   My husband has so much wisdom on something's, that it AMAZES me when he says things like he did the other night!  He said to me, "How do you know that your life isn't perfect already?  What is your perfect?"  Then he continued to say, "I don't really like the word 'perfect', why not use the word 'happy'?"      What I do know, & have realized, is that life is to short!  Live life for each day & remember what is important . . . family & the time you spend with them!!  Laugh often, especially if it's at yourself, & never take for granted what you have!  If I can help one person with this post, then I have done what I have set out to do! 

  It made me start to think that maybe perfect is having kids to yell at, a house to not keep perfectly clean, legs to not shave & enough money to buy the food that keeps me plump.  (LOL)  It's not the "perfection" but the "happiness" you have in your life!  That is the true question . . . what makes you & your family happy?  What is YOUR perfect?  What is your HAPPY?  

  Recently I came across this post on a blog & I had to share it with you all.  PLEASE READ!!  This is a post that EVERYONE should read!  It is talking about the disease of "Perfection"!  What are we teaching our children?  What are we passing down?  The need to feel perfect . . .

click here to read the post - The disease called "Perfection"

  Hope this makes you think about your weaknesses & what you are portraying to others!  What are you ready to admit & pass down to your kids?  The first thing to do to move on to a BETTER YOU is to admit your weaknesses!  Then work on changing them!!  I still struggle with this!  I pray & ask for strength, everyday, to help me with my weaknesses.  We are all here to learn from our trials & mistakes!  What are you willing to admit & overcome?