2015: New Year, New Goals

I know it's already into the New Year, but better late than never! I am not a New Year's resolution kind of gal. I don't believe in them simply because they are generally set up for failure. Now don't think I am some crazy pessimist. I know there are people who do stick to their resolutions and get awesome results (and I'm thrilled for them!). However, over 80% of people don't stick to their resolutions. That's a lot of failed resolutions.

When I started my initial journey to get healthy it was not a New Year's resolutions. I made a lifestyle change. I did not try some crazy diet or pills or anything that's advertised on TV. Cutting out all sugar, suddenly going gluten free (as a fad NOT for medical reasons), etc. is a recipe for a giant disaster. A lifestyle change, with smaller changes that lead to big changes is much better and not set up for disaster. For me the process of getting to a place of health and happiness has been long, but I have learned and continue to learn and that is honestly what I love the most. 

In honor of the new year I decided to make a few goals for myself. They're not resolutions. These are small changes I am making (and have been implementing) to improve my life: 

1. Be grateful for everything. There are so many things I take for granted every day that I don't even think about. My prayer is that God would open my eyes and allow me to fully see and understand how blessed I am.

2. Give more. "To whom much is given much will be required" Luke 12:48. Giving is contagious. It doesn't have to be money it can be time or talents, but I want to make a greater effort this year to give to other more in any way I can.

3. Love everyone more. It is easy to love the people who love me in return; it's not so easy to love the people who I don't think are deserving of love. However, God clearly calls us to love the "unlovable." This will definitely be one of the most challenging goals for myself, but I pray I can demonstrate God's to everyone.

4. Find the good in EVERY situation and stop complaining. It's easy to grumble and complain when things are not going my way, but life is not easy. Personally I find that when I am impatient or in an unpleasant situation I tend to be complain about it. I want to change that. God is in control of all things and I need to trust him and put a shoe in my mouth.

5. Be more patient. This includes when I am in traffic (even when the car in front of me is going 15 miles per hour under the speed limit *cough cough*)...

6. Love my body. This has been a constant struggle for me for a long time. I won't go into it now, but I definitely have days when I am insecure. I need to appreciate my body for what it is and what it can do. Yes there are certain limitations I have because of lupus, but what the body can do continually amazes me.

7. Stop stressing so much. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. God is in control, now stop stressing about it.

8. Disconnect from media. I am as guilty as the next person as being media obsessed. Recently I have been turning off my phone and laptop by 8:00 pm at the latest to get away from media. It's actually incredibly relaxing getting away from a screen. I have been spending more time soaking in God's word. 

9. Finally spend more time with God. I think I am the poster child for ADD. I just get side tracked so easily...shiny object...just kidding. Sitting and praying is hard for me to do. I have a hard time quieting my mind. I have started praying when I do my cardio workouts (before I do strength training). There is something about focusing on God instead of stair climbing, or biking, or the elliptical that makes the time FLY by. But I want to spend more time with God throughout my day, not just during my workout. 

Those are a few of the little goals I have made for myself for this year. What are some of the goals you have made for 2015?