Happy 2014! Another year has arrived! One week into the New Year and I have already battled two New York blizzards, one case of the flu and a summons to jury duty! It’s not the way I would have liked to start 2014, but on a positive note, look how much I have accomplished so far!
The start of a new year has always been an important time for me because it’s one of the few times I actually get to reflect on “me.” Let’s face it. Life gets busy, and being a devoted wife and working mother of three extremely busy children, my time for “me” has always been pushed to the side. This year, however, I decided to make my resolutions (or “goals” for those that don’t believe in resolutions) all about me! I am a caregiver at heart, which is why my family is taken care of first. I am also a nurse, who takes care of others for a living. The only person I forget to take care every now and then is me.
Then there’s the “time” factor. My life has never been busier. I am the first to admit that sometimes, especially after a busy day, the last thing on my mind is getting up to exercise! Relaxing on the couch in front of the television does help me re-gain my sanity at times but it’s not enough. Utilizing “me” time beneficially and learning to alter my life balance daily are lifelong goals of mine that I will hopefully accomplish sooner rather than later.
This year, I decided to focus on two resolutions that are important to me, that are attainable, and that I can (hopefully) incorporate into my busy lifestyle. One involves fitness and the other nutrition. My fitness goal is not necessarily to lose weight, but to tone up my muscles and re-introduce some sort of cardiovascular exercise into my life. I am embarrassed to say that I used to run marathons back in the day and now, I am lucky I can run to the mailbox! Signing up for a gym membership is not an option so my routine must be something I can do at home.
My second resolution is to SLOWLY alter my eating habits. I do eat healthy most of the time but not as healthy as I should. Am I ready to give up my Starbucks Grande White Mocha? At 550 calories a cup, probably! But I am nowhere near ready to give up the French Vanilla Creamer that I put in my coffee every day! My love of sugar, sweets, and chips HAS to be altered. Eating late at night when I work has to stop completely. Learning new recipes and ideas for healthier snacks is a great place to start.
Altering my eating habits slowly and beginning an “at home” fitness program are two attainable goals that I feel I can accomplish. The hardest part is making sure I put myself first in my life so I am able to attain my goals. The caregiver in me will always be there — it’s a part of my being — but most importantly, the focus of my caregiving going forward has to include myself. Learning to not feel guilty about putting myself first is crucial. Staying healthy is also important, because, let’s face it, I am not getting any younger.
I read somewhere that it takes thirty days for a behavior to change. I look forward to the challenge. Even though I am starting my resolutions a week later this year, I am determined to accomplish them. I feel positive, refreshed and focused more than ever! Join me on this journey throughout 2014 and let’s accomplish our goals together! Stay tuned for tips on how to keep your resolutions this year.
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Good luck, and may 2014 be a successful year for all of us!
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