Normally I do not make resolutions as I know myself and these resolutions will last the first quarter of the new year. Especially since I travel so much for work. But change gon' come in 2013!
2012 was surely a year of INCREASE for me! In 2012 my income increased with a new promotion. I increased my worldly knowledge by going to three new countries: Rwanda, Botswana and Jamaica! I increased my living space by getting rid of clothes and knick knacks I do not wear/use. I increased my tech knowledge with a new phone and car with all kinds of bells and whistles. I increased my personal finance knowledge by running my credit report, ensuring anything past due was paid immediately and laying out a budget which covers expenses, savings and "fun" money for 2013. I increased my personal happiness by dancing more, as well as spending a ton of quality time with my family and friends. I increased my Bible knowledge and spiritual relationship with God by adding daily Bible study to my routine. God was more than generous! However, even with such blessings and increases, I did experience some negative gains: in stress and weight. With averaging 220 hours a month and 80% travel - work sucked a lot of energy from my very being. Do not misunderstand me, I love my job! But the reality is I'm balancing two positions - my last position and my current - and the stress has lead to skipping meals, sleeping less than 6 hours a night and eating out (no time to cook). Then my personal life was another source of stress. As I'm not even in the mood to go into details, being unhappy in a relationship caused more than just screams and tears but also stuffing Godiva in my face. Ultimately the stress and Godiva led to an increase in weight - 23lbs. 23lbs. Thankfully most of that went into the already big booty, hips and thighs and even though I have never lacked male attention I hate how it looks on me.
All of this being said, my only resolution for the new year is to be happy. Truly a HAPPY new year. Happiness which radiates from the inside out. To achieve this I need to be healthier - emotionally and physically. I do not believe huge, drastic changes need to be made but changes do need to be made in my professional and personal life.
Professional: while I love my job, I need to ensure I have personal time to enjoy my space, my loved ones and even learn how to 'date' myself. This means working 40 hours a week / 160 hours a month. Period.
Personal: this year I will be 34 years old. Yup, single and no kids 34. But that's ok. I have learned that being unhappy with someone is unhealthy. I have learned to be ok with being single and the importance of dating myself. What makes me happy? In the last 6 months since I have been single I have laughed more, danced until I was soaking wet, confided more in God, organized my living space and finances and let me tell you, the peace that I feel is absolutely priceless. I have also learned to say no. Just because HE is interested doesn't mean I need to be. If I'm not "feeling it" for whatever initial reason, I politely decline the invitation and walk away. I have recognized that in the past I have accepted invitations just because I did not like being in the house alone or the thought of "I'm 33, I need to find someone!" or maybe because I was feeling low and liked the attention. In the end this also drained me of valuable energy which I plan to keep and 'spend' with someone I'm truly interested in.
Health: part of being happy also means being healthier physically. In 2012 two very important people were diagnosed with Type II diabetes, my father and his sister. Seeing my father in the hospital, sick was a quick reality check. My dad and I are one in the same - we love the taste of good food. We hum when we taste something delicious, tap our foot, nod our head...everyone around us will know there is a culinary party in our mouth! But there needs to be control and balance. And my goal will be to lose that 23lbs which will hopefully inspire my dad and aunt to live healthier lives. Besides, I need my daddy around ~ I still expect to be walked down the aisle some day *wink*
So here is to a HAPPY 2013. I pray the same for every single one of you.
XOXO
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