Last year I picked one word to focus on for 2012, and that word was “change.” Generic, yes, a little, but it inspired me to make little changes here and there for the better that I might not have been determined enough to do otherwise.
1. Change my diet.
- We went meatless in January 2012, and I continued with a pescatarian diet for several more months. Slowly we have been adding a meal or two a week that includes meat. One thing is for sure: We eat a lot less meat now than we did a year ago.
- I gave up chocolate for 40 days and didn’t cheat once.
- I ate a salad a day for the month of July.
- I stopped eating after 8 p.m. in September and October. I lost weight! But then I started to slack off. This is one change I need to make permanently.
2. Change our cleaning methods.
I never updated the blog about this, but H and I have a daily system down. On Fridays I become a dusting, vacuuming, deep-cleaning machine. All bets are off during the holidays.
3. Change our living situation.
We moved in March, and it was a big game-changer. Our new place is so much better suited to our needs than our old place. I only have one complaint: LIGHTING. A photographer needs better natural light!
4. Change into a morning person.
Ha. That didn’t happen. What did happen was that Alexa started sleeping in a little later, and my sanity has miraculously returned.
5. Change my blog focus.
I started slow-blogging before it was popular. I’m a trendsetter, what can I say?
6. Change my skills.
Behold the power of 33 Before 34. I’m nearly halfway through the list, and hopefully I will be able to complete it soon (even if it’s after I turn 34).
Which leads me to … my one word for 2013:
I feel like 2012 was a year of trying new things, changing things up to see what sticks. This year I feel like taking the bull by the horns. No dilly-dallying around!
A few calls to ACTION, broken down in categories because that’s how I think:
1. Mind
- Read 50 books. I read 30 in 2012; I can step it up a notch.
- Take a photography class.
- Break my block and start writing that second novel. So what if no one is interested in the first one. Even though it is excellent, and I’m not at all biased.
2. Body
- Drop some weight to better prepare for Baby #2 (I’m not pregnant YET, just planning ahead).
- No eating after 8 p.m.
- Reinstate Saturday morning walks with the family.
3. Sanity
- Go on a real vacation. We haven’t been on one since June 2010. WHAT.
- Take a few more “me” days. One day a year is not enough.
- Waste less time on the Internet.
- Set aside one hour every week to listen to new music, with headphones on and no distractions.
4. Projects
- Compile a weekly roundup of everyday photos (inspired by Shutterbean).
- Create a cookbook using family recipes (at least 34 recipes, because this will be my 34 Before 35 project).
- Finish 33 Before 34 first.
5. Future
- Tell our finances who’s boss.
- Contribute to a savings account for Alexa.
- Save, save, save to buy a home someday, somewhere.
I have a few more (bigger) goals that I’m not quite ready to share yet. Keep your fingers crossed for me that they will come to fruition. When they do, I’ll be sure to let you know!
What are your goals for 2013?
P.S. If you’re reading this via RSS, click over to check out the blog’s fresh new look. My favorite part: bigger photos. I’ve been toying around with it for a week or so, but I’m finally calling it good for the next few months. ACTION.
Note: My One Word inspiration comes from Elise, who was inspired by Ali.
