2013 Resolutions

I know most people, myself included, never actually follow through on keeping New Year's resolutions, however I still love the idea of starting fresh at the start of the year.  Though I would probably say that each new day is an opportunity to make a change it's still nice to start each year full of hope for the next 365 days.

I know it's just not enough just to say you'll do something, you actually have to work at it. That's why I'm putting it on here. These are my resolutions for the next year and I hope to be able to at least keep one!

1. Stick to a Weekly Workout Routine

It's really hard for me to stick to a workout routine. I'm embarrassed to say it but since I moved back to Michigan in August I have not been to the gym once. Usually what happens is i'll stick to a schedule for a few months and things will be great, but then for whatever reason I'll take a break for a few days/week and everything gets thrown off.

Image Source: Shape

This year I'm going to try and sign up for a class either in Pilates, which I absolutely love and found to be really successful in helping me get toned or ballet. I took ballet lessons for about 7 years but had to stop due to knee issues. I want to get back into it though since it's a great total body workout and helps with poise. I find that classes motivate me more since there are other people around and also purchasing a class package makes you more obligated to go on days you don't want to.

2. Better Spending Habits $$$

Image Source: BBB

This would probably be the area I need to work in the most. As I'm getting older though I'm realizing how important it is to have good spending habits. I'm beginning to think about the future and I know how essential it is to start saving. I've definitely gotten better with not eating out so much and going out only once in a while. One thing I've started to do is when shopping I try and imagine whether or not I will regret not buying whatever it is I'm interested in. 

Image Source: Coastal Rivers

I want to take a trip to Europe in the next year or two so I also use a trick of telling myself that $50 I would have spent on an outfit could go towards dinner in Paris. These tricks have helped me stay smart and stopped me from buying things I don't need.

3. Volunteer 

Image Source: Chief Rabbi

I want to volunteer more this year not because it looks good on applications for graduate school but because it actually does make you feel better to know you're helping your community in some small way. It's also a chance to see how blessed you are in your own life, be more thankful and not focus on others for a few hours a week.

Image Source: Cozine Memorial Group

I'm interested in volunteering with a grief support program here in Metro Detroit called SandCastles. Grief support isn't just for those who've lost loved ones but for anyone dealing with a traumatic change like a breakup, parent's divorce, or big move. I know volunteering for this kind of organization is a great opportunity to learn.

4. Blog More

Since I started this blog last year I have been pretty inconsistent about posting. I like blogging because it gives me a chance to practice my writing and also document this time in my life. I want to at least try posting once a week in this coming year, no matter how busy I get.

I struggle with how much I should reveal about myself. Also I think not focusing on one area, like just fashion for example, makes it harder. I just try and talk about what's on my mind and I hope others enjoy it!

5. Learn a New Skill

This year I really want to learn a new skill and my top three are  learning to knit, sew or speak another language. The first two are probably more realistic, it's just finding the time to actually do them.

Image Source: Meridian Ariel

I want to reinforce the French I learned in college and would love to get a program like Rosetta Stone. I know that the best way to learn a language is to be immersed in the culture where it's spoken but I'm not moving to France anytime soon so a language learning program will have to do.

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What are your resolutions for 2013? Thanks so much for reading and I hope you have a Happy New Year!