The New Year is a chance to reboot. It’s an opportunity to start fresh and do things differently. As I get older I definitely put more value on my time and not wasting the time I have left. Life is not guaranteed so make the rest of your life the best of your life. (In the words of Eric Thomas!) With this in mind, I have made 10 not so typical resolutions to make a difference in my life now for 2017 and the future. Maybe some of these tips can help you too.

My 10 Life Changing Resolutions

1.    Get Organized

Over the years, like many people, I tend to collect items and store things that end up collecting dust or just no longer use. With the year coming to a close and a new year in sight, I definitely want to clean up and clear out any old junk. It’s time to get organized and find different ways to nicely store away items I keep and donate or throw out the rest. I also want to get my personal life in order and think about important documents I need to have in order for the future. Preparing for the future and having documents like a living will or more insurance is important to have now so I don’t have to think about it later. Lastly, I need to get an organizer to incorporate all aspects of my busy life from work, blogging, exercise, hobbies, errands and travel time off.

2.    Style overhaul

It’s going to be a new year and I want a fresh new style all around. I want to revamp my home space and spruce up the decor. Personally, I also feel the need to jazz up my look and go on a wardrobe shopping spree. It’s time for an overhaul. I want to play with more colors than just black! Experimenting with texture and patterns would be fun to try. I always like to change up my hair, but have never done so much to vamp up my wardrobe style. The New Year will give me an opportunity to change! 

3.    Read more Books

I like to read however I don’t always have time. Hmm…perhaps it is more a matter of using the time I have more efficiently? I know I can find time in the day to read more. For instance I have over an hour commute door to door during the week each way, so that’s reading time I can use. There are so many interesting reads out there, I need to get back to reading more books. I have a personal goal to start out reading one book each month. 

4.    Rest & Relaxation

 This one is a goal I need to work harder at. I guess it really equates to putting yourself first and making yourself a priority. I have a 9-5 job and also use spare time to maintain this blog plus paint as well. This is in addition to being a wife at home and handling errands and such. I work hard but don’t always play hard. It’s not easy to juggle these things AND fit in plenty of sleep and relaxation. I make a vow in 2017 to manage my time to make sure I get to pamper myself and rest more.  

5.    Feed my Passions

One resolution I want to continue to practice and explore is feeding my passions and interests. I love anything of the creative realm and it fuels my passion and fills my heart. It makes me happy. Whether it’s journaling or painting art. I love it. I would have never thought a year ago I’d have a blog online, but here I am, thanks to the support and encouragement from my husband. I’m proud of myself for trying new things and working hard to come up with content that not only is therapeutic for me but helps others in need. In 2017 I want to continue this journey and utilize all my talents and interests. 

6.    Brain Games

Thinking about the future ahead and knowing one day I’ll be a senior citizen I want to have a sharp mind. I hear that keeping your mind sharp involves keeping the brain active and challenging the mind. So exploring playing brain games like memory games, word find puzzles and crosswords are a great start. I want to have a good quality of life when I’m old. I not only want my body working fine, but my mind to be sharp as well. This leads me to my next resolution. 

7.    Make Fitness & Nutrition a Priority

I currently do pretty well in general overall nutrition by cooking most of my meals at home. We buy organic and non GMO foods. However, my weakness is sweets and carbs! Especially this time of year when all the yummy flavors come out like gingerbread and pumpkin. Yum! All the festive gatherings and parties with delicious food and spirits doesn’t make this challenge any easier. I wrote about my struggle with the gym in a post a long while back. I know what does and doesn’t work for me. So at this point my hurdle is consistency.

For 2017, I need to make exercising regularly a priority. I know from experience I have success when I get it done first thing in the morning so I don’t have to worry about it end of day. I think this will only help not only my health but the productivity for the remainder of the day. 

8.    Learn & Grow

Just because you grow older does not mean you know everything. Each new day is a chance to continue to learn and to grow. I’ve accomplished educational goals I set for myself and now I’m at the point where I have a chance to do more. With my 9 to 5 job and the evolution of this blog I can continue to improve upon and grow my skill set and also educate myself of new aspects relevant to reaching my personal and professional goals. I‘d feel a lot better knowing that I am actively maximizing my potential to the best of my ability. So taking advantage of online tools like www.Lynda.com, online classes or even YouTube I can further my skill set. Knowledge is power.

9.    Positivity In/ Negativity Out

If we are what we eat. I believe we are also the result of the environment we surround ourselves with.  I know that if you are constantly around strife, anger, resentment and bitterness that energy rubs off on you. Whether or not you are a positive happy person, that negativity affects you. With this in mind, I make a vow to continue to only allow and surround myself with positive nontoxic people. Creating a positive happy peaceful environment helps to keep stress at a minimum, maximize image of oneself and increases productivity. One wants to feel encouraged not discouraged.

Dream big and believe. Successful people surround themselves with those that doing big things, think positive and achieved more. That environment helps to motivate and encourage one to maximize their potential in achieving their goals. Those that are jealous or envious won’t understand and that’s okay. Focus on achieving and believing. I firmly believe if you have a dream and believe it, you can achieve it with hard work and never-ending determination to win. Let the haters hate while you carry on! 

10.    Bucket list

Last but not least, I want to make a new bucket list. I’m going to try to challenge myself to think outside the box and try adventures I wouldn’t normally think of. For instance, I do have a bucket list item to visit Yellowstone National Park and the Redwoods Trees in Northern California one day, despite not being an outdoorsy person at all. I also want to travel to Paris, France and Venice, Italy one day. I definitely want to travel more domestically and visit historical landmarks in addition to overseas in Europe.

And one day, I hope sooner than later, will come the time I’m ready to adopt again. I cannot image not having another pet in my life before my time is up on this Earth. There’s no other better feeling that sharing the love in your home with a furry best friend.

Those are my 10 resolutions for the New Year. I hope you get inspired and find new-found joy and motivation for the upcoming year ahead. I wish you all a Happy Healthy and Prosperous New Year in 2017!