Word Up!

     Sometime in 2010, I read a book in which all the characters picked a word to focus on for the year.  I loved the idea so much that I chose a word in 2011.  My word last year was "better".  I do think that things in my life got better.  I did have ups and downs like we all do, but overall, I think that I came out of the year better than when it started.

     My word for 2012 is "Healthy".  I want to apply healthy to all aspects of my life in the coming year.  I have some specific goals in mind already.   I know that as the year progresses, I will find other ways to incorporate healthy into my life.  Most people think of healthy and only apply to the physical aspect of life.  I want to stretch my understanding of the word as much as possible in 2012.

      I want to start with the obvious...I want my family to be physically healthy this year.  Jim and I are both seeing a doctor to get physicals.  Delainey will get her checkup after her birthday.  I am serious this year about getting more physical activity in my life.  Whether is is a walk in the park or a dance party at home, I will in Delainey's words "move it, move it".


     I also want to eat healthy this year--less processed foods, more local foods.  That means cooking at home more often, shopping at the farmer's market when it is open, canning my own produce.  I have got a great source for local eggs, beef, and pork.  I need to find local chicken to eat next.  I watched Food Inc, last year and it really changed how I feel about buying meat and eggs at the grocery store.  I love the difference the local food!

     I have been reading and planning on ways to get our family's finances in a healthier place this year.  Budgets are not my favorite thing, but I am working on ways to help us stick to them.  That means I can't just go shopping because I want to.....I need to start going to the store with a list of what I need and stick to that list.  No more buying things that I don't need whenever I want.  A splurge is okay now and then, but I need to start sticking to my budget.

     My last big area to focus on health is my spiritual health.  I still haven't found a church in our new town yet.  I really miss my church from home.  Luckily, I am able to visit often, but a monthly visit is not enough.  I need to find a church home for my family to keep us all growing.  My church keeps me grounded and gives me support.  I know that I will find a place, but I am really going to make it a priority this year.

     Healthy....such a small word, but I know there are big plans for me wrapped up in that one word!

Letting Go.....

     Letting go of anything is so hard.  We all have things that we can't let go in our lives.  Some people hold onto stuff to long, letting it take over their lives.  Other people hold on to people and relationships that are  not healthy.  Dreams are something that we all hold, letting go of those is usually the hardest thing to do.

     I am not a hoarder.  I am usually able to let go of "stuff" pretty easily.  I do have some odd things, the stones that my grandma used when she made pickles, my stuffed Cookie Monster, Delainey's old baby clothes, but I try to keep it to a minimum.  I have moved so much in my life, that I hate packing.  The less I keep, the less I will eventually have to pack!

     I don't want to say that I let go of people, that just sounds wrong.  I feel that people come into our lives for a reason and they aren't always meant to be with you forever.  When relationships end, I truly do miss the person, but I understand that things do end.  Sometimes those people come back into your life later and it is a wonderful gift.  I try to learn from each relationship that I have and take those lessons and memories with me, even if I don't take the person.

     I have a harder time letting go of dreams.  I don't even like it when dreams change.  But sometimes, they need to change.  Life happens, budgets change, dreams have to change to fit that.  Changing or letting go of one dream can open the door for another dream.  I had a big dream for this summer, but plans have had to change.  I cried when I realized that it needed to change, but now, I see the other dreams that might become a reality instead.  The dream is still there, just postponed!

     What is the old saying..."If you love something, let it go.  If it comes back, it is yours.  If it doesn't, it never was."  Maybe that is how I need to look at letting go of things, especially dreams.  Sometimes, they will come back.  If it does, then it was meant to be, if not, then there is something better for me!

Happy New Year!!

     My family celebrated 2012 about 2 hours early and then we went to bed!!  Jim did wake me up at midnight to tell me Happy New Year's.  The neighbors and their guns woke him up!

     2011 was a year of big changes for me and my family.  We moved to a small town from the city.  It was a culture shock for us all, but I am happy to say that we are settling in nicely.  There are still some adjustments ahead, but I know that we will be just fine!

     Last year my word for the year was "better".  In many ways, I do think that things got better.  It wasn't perfect, but I wasn't reaching for perfection.  I am still not sure what my work will be for 2012.  I am not feeling organized yet for the new year, but it's here, so I am ready for what it brings.

     I don't like resolutions, because I never seem to keep them, but I do have some goals for the year.  I want to continue eating healthy and local as much as possible.  I want to include more physical activity for my family.  I want to get a financial plan in place for us as well.  Those are a lot of goals, but I plan on taking baby steps along the way.  Baby steps might be a good word......

     Happy 2012 to all!!