Every year beginning on January 1st we start to hear the cliche saying, "New Year, New You" by companies trying to attract your attention for your New Year's Resolutions. Me, I can't tell you what's going to make you feel all shiny and new like a fresh copper penny. But, what I can do is share with you my resolutions and new approach to the year ahead.
In 2017 I am making a conscious effort to concentrate on MYSELF. Call it selfish but I spent so much of 2016 working my ass off for everyone but me and I was miserable. In January of 2016 I accepted a promotion at my job to a Retail Area Manager (yay, right?....WRONG). This new position literally sucked the life out of me. I had no time for anything or anyone else. I was spending less time at home with my children, I had zero time to myself and absolutely no time to put my energy into my business (
London Rock Kids). So, at the end of August I accepted a new full time administrative position working way less hours and receiving way more benefits.
But, I couldn't let my old job get away so easily, so what did I do in true crazy person form? I stayed on as a part-time "seasonal" employee. I probably would still be there part-time had my boss not given me a call to say they couldn't "afford" to keep me on. After I hung up with her I went into immediate panic; after all I was getting used to that extra $600/month income. I started looking into other places I could apply to and even received a call for an interview. And then I took a step back and told myself that this was the sign I needed. It wasn't a part-time job I needed it was more time to put into myself and what I want. That decision to STOP working so hard for other people jump started this "Campaign of ME" that I'm currently on and these items here are just a few things helping me keep ME at the forefront.
1.
Active Cross-Back Jumpsuit, $28 (forever21.com): Activewear has come a long way; there are so many cute and stylish options out. Some pieces actually make you want to work out like this jumpsuit from Forever 21. I'm aiming to shed 30 lbs this year - 5 down, 25 to go.
2.
Theraband CLX Consecutive Loops, $10 (amazon.com ): This resistance band's reinforced loops make standard resistance exercises simpler and more comfortable and deliver new whole body exercises. It also comes with an exclusive APP packed with a library of exercises.
3/4.
The 52 Lists Project and the
52 Lists for Happiness, $10/ea (walmart.com): A fellow mommy blogger friend of mine (
@fabulousmomsrock) recently did a blog post about this project and it definitely caught my attention. This undated journal of weekly lists will help you nurture self-expression and self-development. Each seasonal section includes list prompts, with plenty of space to write your own lists, and challenges to help you take action and make your dreams a reality.
5.
Glow Bio One-Day-Cleanse, $60 (myglowbio.com): I love that these cleanses are designed to rebuild your digestive system and help you achieve sustainable results without forcing your body into starvation mode. This cleanse has strategically placed fiber to help eliminate toxins and maintain your blood sugar levels.
6.
Fitbit Alta, $115 (walmart.com): I received the Fitbit Alta as a Christmas present and it has been keeping me on track to being more active. The one thing I miss about my old job is that I was on my feet all day so my Fitbit Flex was always at 12k plus steps. Now, with a desk job hitting that daily 10K goal is a struggle. But I've been logging my meals and making sure I get up and hit my 250 steps every hour. It's a process but I'm well on my way.
7.
Cheer the F&*k Up an Irreverently Positive Adult Coloring Book, $6 (amazon.com): A few months ago I became one of those people that color in an adult coloring book; and I have to say, I'm okay with that. Books like this one make it even more relaxing yet entertaining at the same time with pages that have quotes such as, "Hope your day is f&*king magical" and "Love the Sh&* Out of Yourself".
8.
Milly Party Box Clutch, $295 (amazon.com): This isn't so much about the clutch as it is about the "party". This year I am making more of an effort to get out and do things. Sometimes that means I grab some friends and sometimes that means I go alone. Either way, I'm attending more events, meeting new people, and doing more networking.
What newness are you bringing into the new year?
