One month into the new year, and I'm thinking about how I'm doing so far with my hopes, dreams, and goals for 2012. Focusing on things that make me happy, rather than things I "should" do, is a lot more enjoyable. It's a little more guilt-free dessert, rather than all broccoli, all the time. :)
Keeping a Food Diary & Doing a Workout 3-5 times a week: just as I get into the groove with one, I lose momentum with the other. I think to just keep starting over and over again is the key; practice makes nearly perfect. Identifying healthy snacks is an interesting piece. All the things I am reading about clean eating and raw foods are challenging; I can see the benefits with these types of diets, but I'm not sure how easy they are to incorporate into a busy lifestyle. Frankly, there's a lot of kitchen time, and I'm just not willing to do that. What do you think about the clean eating/raw food movements?
Work: I have two new clients for my freelance business, and tomorrow I start a three-month temp job at our state capitol. Working a normal, 8:30am-5pm schedule is going to be a challenge, as I've had a flexible schedule for so long, but hopefully I'll make lots of new contacts. How is your job searching going?
Exploring New Things: 2012 feels like a year of transition to good things. After drifting for a bit -- and mourning the loss of some things in my life, like no longer working for my local animal shelter -- I decided it was time to be more open to change, check out some new options, and rediscover old ones. This goal is working out well!
There are two local social groups, one all women and one mixed group, that I have joined (the latter with Chris). I'm attending CT Votes for Animals meetings, which I've known about for some time, but never made the time to go. There is also a local writer's group I want to try, and there are some art history classes in March at the Florence Griswold Museum that sound fascinating. What new things are you trying this year?
Knitting: I'm discovering that many of the sweater patterns I've wanted to knit no longer appeal to me. When I cleaned out my closet last month, I took out two things I'd made that I had to admit had not aged well. My Fantine bolero got way too fuzzy, and I never wear the felted wool jacket. As I think about what I'd like to make next (still struggling with the flowers for the Rose scarf), I'm not excited by anything in my queue. Has this happened to you -- your taste has moved on, but you're not sure to what?
One of the interesting things I've realized is that the whole New Year's Resolution concept starts off with one huge disadvantage for those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere. We are encouraged to think "fresh start" at the coldest, darkest, shortest-days time of the year! If you think about it, it's a real uphill battle, trying to be motivated to exercise before or after work when it's dark and cold outside, and where I live, usually too snowy and icy to walk, run, or bike. The weather makes us want to eat more carbs rather than less, and filling foods rather than the cool and crisp fruit and salads that are not in season yet! We don't want to go out and network or take classes; at the end of a workday we want to get inside our warm homes as soon as we can and curl up with a book or favorite TV program. So...if you are struggling to stick with some of your goals just one month in, realize that it might be the weather, cut yourself some slack, and focus on how much happier you'll be if you can hang on and persevere to March. That's what I'm trying to do!
On a totally different topic, have you been watching Downton Abbey? Amazing show, and I read that they are already planning for season three. Lots of great TV knitting time!
You are so right about how the winter weather sabotages goals! Even this year, which has been quite mild, has made it hard to stick to the plan.
Posted by: Sheepish Annie | February 10, 2012 at 04:55 AM
Love, love, love Downton Abbey! And yes, I frequently end up not liking the things I "favorited" before. Good thing I don't cast on for every project I like! :)
Posted by: Beth | February 11, 2012 at 02:38 PM
It sounds like you are doing well with your 2012 goals!
I don't follow fad diets but believe Michael Pollan has it right with his mantra: 'Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.' Not that I follow it closely. :-)
You must be pleased with this year's non-wintery weather!
I've been enjoying DA too. I watched the first season on Netflix and am watching the second on the PBS website.
Posted by: Kristen | February 12, 2012 at 04:52 PM