Its a new year!!

yes, I know this post is a little late. Its only halfway through January though, so I figured I still have time to talk about my "resolutions" for this year. Although, to be completely honest...I dont do resolutions very well. Here is proof. (pardon the millions of exclamation points! hee hee. Also if my cousin Carrie reads that link I apologize for certain words used. I have since then become more mature. I love you) :)

But this year..only in the last 12 days, something has changed in me. I know this might sound a little strange but I feel different.  I feel stronger. And like in that humble apology, I feel like I have matured a lot since 2007, when trying to change myself was like trying to bring down a mountain.

I can't pin point the exact moment when I changed. I can remember though, one day during Christmas break feeling like I wasn't enough. I looked at my children and my husband and felt like I was failing them. I couldn't seem to get anything in my life together. My house was always a mess, I complained all the time about being stressed. I felt anxious about everything. I wasnt loving my husband or nurturing my children. I definitely wasn't growing spiritually in anyway. I was at a standstill. And I hated it. 

During General Conference this last October, Pres. Monson gave a talk about cultivating an attitude of gratitude. It was my favorite talk of the entire conference. There was something about what he said that struck me, spoke to my spirit...telling me I needed to change. I knew it was the truth, I just wasnt ready.

So here we are, a few months later and the beginning of this month I woke up one day and things were just different. I was ready and instead of giving excuses about why its so hard, or how I wont be able to do it, I just did it. I picked 4 areas of my life that needed changing and I made a mental goal to change them. They arent huge, frightening unattainable monsters that threaten to crush me at every step. They are quiet, simple everyday actions that are realistic and do-able.

Im so excited to share them with you. I think I will share one a day, since I like to talk and elaborate and we don't want this to get too long. (are you still reading this? good....) :)

My first goal focuses on the physical:

     *I knew I wanted to change my body physically. (no..not plastic surgery!) I didn't want to go on some extreme diet and starve myself. That never works..its a recipe for failure! I decided instead of worrying about loosing a ton of weight I just wanted to be healthy. If weight loss was a product of that, then even better! I think its easier to focus on small steps at a time..instead of stressing over big obstacles, like how many, many, many more pounds I have to go. :)

     *So, I committed my self to healthy eating choices. We got rid of all the junk food in our house and promised not to buy any more. Its hard, really hard! I LOVE sweet things.  We filled our cupboards instead with fruits, veggies and all kinds of yummy heathy options. I have set a realistic calorie consumption of 1500 everyday. Even though I eat healthy, every now and then I do get something small and yummy. I have a piece of candy or a bowl of my favorite sugary cereal. I measure it out and count it toward my calories. This helps me to feel like Im not deprived, but Im still being accountable and not going overboard.  I use Livestrong to keep track of it all, which is so easy and a HUGE help! You just type in what you have eaten and it automatically adds up your calories. You can also track how many calories you burn and tons more. There are other website that do this as well. My good friend is doing this too and she uses Loseit.com. Its so helpful to have someone to share the experience with. Also, the best part? They are free!

     *I also started to going to zumba classes at the Rec center at the university. Its dancing! And so fun, which also helps with motivation. No one wants to go workout doing something they hate! Plus, it burns over 500 calories in one hour and the time breezes by. I love it! I go 2-3 nights a week, after the kids are in bed with a few friends. Its only 3 dollars for me to go. Check out your local gyms and see if they offer any classes you might like. You don't have to commit to a huge monthly fee if they will let you just pay for individual sessions. That way you can see if you like it without emptying your bank accounts.  :)

I already feel so much better, not only physically but mentally as well. My mind is so much clearer and I have a lot more energy.

Tomorrow I will share with you the goals I have set for my house. Oh man, its going to be awesome!
So check back in and let me know some of your goals. Are you guys thinking about changing your lives as well? Like I said, its so much easier to do it with a friend. We can do it together!