We’re 17 days from a new year. A new chapter in our lives. A ‘fresh start’ as some would consider it. If you’ve read the last two blogs, you’ll know that last week I messed up. Nothing horrible either. But two weeks ago, I talked about the types of New Year’s resolutions to set. At the end, I said check back next week to see what my resolutions for next year are. But last week I felt the need to talk about organization, because if we aren’t organized, our chances of sticking to our resolutions goes down.

I was also at a point where I felt like I was getting overwhelmed by so many things going on in my life and I was slacking in the organization department. So, if you haven’t already, go check out last week’s blog here and then come on back. Now, I’m sure some people might not even be wanting to make resolutions for themselves because with the year we’ve had this year, and not knowing what next year brings, what’s the point, right?

But there is a point! It’s to still try to be our best selves and live our best lives no matter what the future holds. Because we already don’t know what tomorrow will bring as much as we can try to prepare for it. So instead of living in fear of what might happen, let’s live this one life we have in spite of what might happen! So, if you’re ready to give this next year your best shot like I am, start with an open an positive mindset. And don’t try to tackle too much at once if it’s overwhelming. Start with this next month, this next week, this next day. Now, let’s get to it.

Read A Book A Month

I’ve had this resolution for 2 years now, and this will be my third. And I chose this resolution originally for many reasons. To stick to my first resolution in a while for one. But also to exercise my brain muscles, to expand my vocabulary, and to work on self-development as those were and are the primary books I read. Now though, it’s still my resolution for some of the same reasons, but for others now as well.

Reading helps me view things from others point of view, to understand the experiences of others to see what or how I can apply it to my own life. It also helps me see some of the things going on in my life from a different perspective as well. And by doing this, I can try new things or try things from a different angle instead of solely through my singular ‘lens’. Plus, reading helps me make sure to find the time to unwind and be present. It may seem easy to some, but when there always seems to be a lot going on, this is a good way to break it all apart and add some much needed ‘downtime’.

Write In My Gratitude Journal Every Day For The Whole Year

I know I always talk about my gratitude journal. So much so that you’d probably be surprised to find out that there are days when I don’t write in it. Sometimes by accident, other times because it seems like too much to do on top of my already full plate. And I’ve always had the habit of thinking that tending to others and taking care of my responsibilities to them will make me feel more accomplished at the end of the day anyway.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who slacks on the things that are truly beneficial to me and my self-care by trying to do the ‘right thing’ as my brain likes to tell me it is. And obviously, this isn’t a huge deal and I’m still able to find things that I’m grateful for in my head. But again, finding the time to write in my journal every single day will help me remember to focus on being present. It will help me take that much needed downtime, and also help me to reset and refocus on what’s important and what truly matters in life.

Start And End Each Day With Intention

When I say intention, I mean purpose. And I don’t mean I’m going to discover what my life’s purpose is before I can start. I mean I’m going to take a moment each morning to ask myself, “If this is the last day I have on this planet, what can I do that would make it meaningful?” The answer will most likely change each day, although sometimes it may stay the same. I’m also going to take a moment each night to ask myself, “If this is the last day I had on this planet, did I make it meaningful?

Why am I going to do this when I start each day with the intention to make it meaningful? Because life pops up. Whether it be as serious as a tragedy or as mundane as a car breaking down. I’ve dealt with both, and both have changed how the rest of my day played out. But does that mean I don’t have to work as hard at finding a way to make it meaningful? Absolutely not! It sometimes means I have to work a little bit harder, and that’s what the question at the end of the day is about. Did I allow to myself to adapt and adjust while still finding meaning?

Get On Top Of Finances*

I became debt-free 7 years ago. And I’ve stubbornly but proudly remained that way for all of the last 7 years. This year however, I financed my first car. Meaning I now officially have debt over my head again, at least in legal terms. So now there’s the task of navigating how to stay in control of my debt rather than staying 100% debt-free. And while I’ve been good at staying on top of my own finances, it’s a whole different story when you get married and now share finances. It’s not only my bills I need to worry about now, it’s our bills.

The asterisk is also there for a reason. Because not everyone has the same thought process or even the same goal when it comes to finances. Getting on top of finances could be anything from becoming debt-free to learning how to invest for the future. For me, it’s learning how to navigate new finances. As an individual and as a married couple. Hopefully moving into a new place is also in the cards for 2021 but that’s not tied to the resolution. And by new place, I don’t mean actually trying to move into a modern home that was built in the last 5 years. For us, it simply means upgrading from where we are currently.

Take More Photos/Videos

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s becoming a thought that keeps repeating in my head often. And it’s one of those things where reasoning pop up in lots of different ways which makes it feel even more right making it a resolution. 5, 6, 7 years ago, I was comfortable whipping out my camera and getting the shot. No matter how ‘dumb’ the shot was. I don’t have many photos from the past couple years though, which makes me want to take more just to look back at.

I also read a book recently where someone had come to the realization that someday when we pass, photos and videos of us will be played for our loved ones to remember and celebrate us by. Their realization made me have one. My dad doesn’t have many photos from the years before he passed. And when I make our Shutterfly calendar each year, I have to use the same ones over and over. It makes me sad that we didn’t get more pictures over the years, so I choose to take more photos and videos. To be able to look back on memories no matter how insignificant they may seem at the time. Even the random selfies.

Tough Times Don’t Last But Tough People Do

That’s a quote I’ve been hearing a lot lately. It rings true with me, and it has my whole life. And in case you didn’t notice the ‘pattern’ in my resolutions, the core of each one is rooted in being present. Reading helps me take a break from the rush of everything, enjoy a good book, and even learn some things that might help me along the way. Writing in my gratitude journal helps me be present not only while I’m writing, but also throughout each day by looking for small things to be grateful for.

Starting/ending each day with intention helps me remember to not stay focused on the past or future, but on this day that I have right now. Getting on top of finances helps me and my husband be present by putting where we’re at into perspective compared to where we would like to be. And taking more photos and videos helps me to remember to be present in what I’m doing right there, right then. And capturing the moments to look back on is always a plus!

What about you? You’ve read the types of resolutions to set, how to stay organized, and now what my resolutions are. What are yours for the unsure year ahead? Comment below! You never know who you could inspire and change their life for the better! And as always, thank you so very much for being a part of ETM’s community! I encourage you to join discussions, interact with Mommas and others alike, and be unapologetically yourself! Until next time, I hope I’m able to help make your life as simple as could be. (:

With all my love, Brandolyn – Earth To Momma