Resolved

Resolutions.

They've never been my thing.

I just don't think life works that way: you make a declaration that you are going to do something, and then, you'll do it. I just feel like it sets me up at the beginning of the year to feel like a miserable failure at my own life (which is, by the way, something I should be rather good at- living my own life).

However, this year, I feel really impressed to make some changes. Nothing radical or anything, and not really resolutions, so to speak. More like things I want to keep on my proverbial "dashboard" this year. Things I want to become habits in my life so I will have to...*gulp*....resolve to do them.

What I've learned about myself in the last three years is that intentionality is NOT my strongest suit.

I have to be intentional about being intentional.

So this year, I'm making some of my intentions public so that you all can keep me accountable.

First of all, I have Chloe to myself only on Friday mornings while both of the boys are in school but she is not because she is in afternoon kindergarten. And, that will only last six more months. Then, my one-on-one time with Chloe will have to be created. It won't just be there for me. So, I'd have to be intentional about creating it, and we all know where that will get me. SO.....my first intention this year is to keep Friday mornings as completely Chloe and Mommy time until June when that time is gone. Every Friday morning, my phone gets turned off, computer gets ignored, and Chloe and I do something special together. Not always something big and flashy, just something that allows me time to be with her, focus on her, and enjoy her while I can.

Today was the first Friday of the new year, and we went shopping to get all the supplies for her birthday party, and then we came home and started creating some of the party stuff. Totally simple, but Chloe was thrilled. It was all about her and me.

I am SO looking forward to Fridays with Chloe. I'll try to post each week what we do- so I can be accountable.

My second intention of the new year is to prioritize my health. There are three very specific reasons for this. First, in the summer, I went to the doctor because I was feeling exhausted all the time. Long story short, after some blood tests, they told me that I am basically one bad blood test away form being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. My family history is worse than bad with diabetes, but I'm not doing myself any favors either with poor exercise/diet choices.

Secondly, I'm just starting to feel old. Seriously. I am only 37, while it is dangerously close to 40 and that's somewhat shocking because I'm pretty sure I just turned 30 a couple of months ago. But, I know I would feel younger and look younger if I took control of my health.

Thirdly, my sister asked me to be in her wedding. Nothing like a wedding to help you get in shape, huh?

So, I'm going to make better food choices, and I'm going to exercise 30 minutes every day, NO EXCUSES. (I just want to say that I want to delete that sentence because I really feel as though some things aren't excuses, they are facts of life. I'm really good at making excuses.)

Anyway, I'll be reporting to you all how I'm doing. You probably don't care if I walk on the treadmill on any given day, but, hey....if I feel like you are wondering, maybe it will help me get on the darn thing every day!

My third intention for the new year is to create one-on-one time with Sawyer by scheduling a monthly Sawyer and Mom date. Again, simple, but when not scheduled intentionally, it falls by the wayside. I am also going to create time to read with him and help him get into the habit of spending time with God by walking through a devotional together. I'll keep you posted on what we choose and how we like it. Right now, we're reading the ever-so-spiritual book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! :)

Sure, there are other things in my life I really need to be more intentional about. However, I'm starting with and focusing on these three, because I think they are all really important right now.

What are you planning to be more intentional about in 2012?