Happy new year.

I loved scrolling through instagram and facebook this morning- I got to peek in to the glamorous ways my family and friends spent the last night of 2014. What is it about new year's eve that generates so much excitement and makes us want to dress up in our finest? (I will have you note that after a yummy home-cooked meal, Josh and I put on our finest jammies, played cards, and had a Nerf gun battle. Not quite the excitement of new year's eve past, but hey, that's what happens when you get older, right?)

Perhaps new year's eve offers anticipation of a fresh start. After the best or worst of years, the turning of the clock offers new promise that this next year just might be better. I have the opportunity to become my best self yet- emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, financially, and/or physically. I can do more good for others. I can improve relationships with others. I can slow down and smell the roses. The list can go on and on.

In order to capitalize on this promise, many people set resolutions. Resolutions get a bad rap- the media highlights losing weight and getting fit, companies may capitalize on them, and they are forgotten by the Super Bowl- but I really think they have a place. I applaud any all who set out to do something, so let's talk about how to make your goals or resolutions more personalized for you:

• Set S-M-A-R-T (R) goals. This is a fun acronym I learned many years ago, and it has withstood the test of time. Set goals that are:
  Specific- Measurable- Achievable- Relevant- Time-oriented, and then ~(R)eward.
     - Specific: Think about who, what, where, when, and why. Making very clear goals will help prevent you from wondering what you really meant :)
     - Measurable: You want to be able to track your progress and eventually gauge whether or not you achieved your goal. A couple ways to measure include how often or how much you do something
     - Achievable: Be realistic. Don't plan something out of reach, but be sure to push yourself. Also think about what skills or resources you need to achieve your goal. Make it possible to achieve your goal.
     - Relevant: Choose something that matters. If it isn't really important to you, you probably won't work towards it. Also consider whether this is the right time to tackle this goal or task.
     - Time-oriented: Give yourself a deadline. Even if you procrastinate, it's still possible to achieve the goal before the deadline. You might have a long-term deadline of 6 months from now, but it may also include daily actions (or deadlines) you will take to achieve the bigger goal.
     - Lastly, plan some sort of reward. It is important to honor your work and achievement, so be sure to plan a small celebration of some sorts. This may mean an extra 30 minutes to read your favorite book, 10 minutes of quite for yourself, a movie with friends, or anything else that is meaningful to you!
  
• Start small. Lao-tzu once said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Set a goal based on the criteria above and jump in. Another tip is to pick a something that you know how to work towards and feel confident that you can achieve. Then continue to build on your momentum- you'll be moving mountains in no time.
• Be true to you. What is important or necessary for you, is probably different from your friends and family. Own where you are and what you need, then go for it!
• It's not too late. Maybe the new year isn't the best time for you to make changes. Think about other times of the year to find a fresh beginning- your birthday, the beginning of a month, a random Wednesday. The point is, even if you fall off, it's never to late to pick right back up and get back to it. 

As I've gotten older, I've struggled with new year resolutions. Are they really necessary? The answer for me is, no. If I don't feel strongly about anything on that date, then why change it? Instead, I've decided to set or modify goals as needed. Last year I didn't have anything in mind but on January 1, I stumbled across a great article from a photographer who changed her life perspective simply by photographing something she was grateful for each day for 1 year- 365grateful. I made it about 6 weeks before my photos fizzled. I always had plenty to be grateful for but often couldn't find a picture for it. I think I shall consider modifying that goal to better suit my abilities and access. Instead, I could keep a running list in a note in my phone. My notes are accessible on any technology, so it will be much easier for me to jot down a note of what I am grateful for. I also gifted Josh a 'Jar of Happiness' that would be an easy spot to drop a note in each day :)

The year before that, I chose a mantra- "present". Every day I reminded myself to be present. I found that this helped me slow down and focus on who I was with or what I was doing. I felt more stimulated and less stressed. Maybe I should bring this one back for a second go around... :)

In spite of all the planning, goal setting, and hard work, sometimes you need a little luck. This year we indulged in a southern tradition known as Hoppin John. Eating this dish on New Year's Day is thought to bring a prosperous year filled with luck. Greens on the side are supposed to add to wealth since they are the color of American currency. I also threw together some homemade applesauce for a sweet treat. I tweaked the recipes just a bit- doubled the celery and green peppers in the Hoppin John (don't tell Josh or Michael), used brown rice instead of white, and I only used the brown sugar in the applesauce.

Kale, boiling apples, and Hoppin John.

Even if the luck doesn't pan out, we started the year off with a yummy, nutritious family dinner. What more could you ask for?

I hope that 2015 will be the year you make it to be. Be your best self in whatever that means for you and aim to live simply and nutritiously.

Until next time.