New Year Dreams

For the first time in my life, I didn't make any New Year's resolutions this year.  I 

know myself so well: I start out with the best intentions, setting these unrealistic 

goals, putting pressure on myself to achieve them, and then ultimately becoming 

disappointed when things fall by the wayside.  This year, I instead decided to just focus 

on areas of my life that needed a good clean up, some extra motivation and TLC.  This 

year I decided to focus on one word: 

GROW.

1.  I want to GROW in my health habits and show my body and mind more love.  We
joined a gym several months ago and have been going several time a week, but not
consistently.  During the holidays, forget about it.  I basically donated money to
Anytime Fitness in the form of a monthly payment when I didn't show up at all.  This 
year, I want to take my fitness habits up a notch: I plan to shoot for working out 3 times a
week and then doing a family oriented fitness activity per week like biking or a hike.  We
plan to start trying for baby #3 at the end of the year and I want my body to be in top
form for that special little one.  At 32 and 2 pregnancies down, my metabolism is NOT what
it once was.  It's time to change all that.

2.  I want to GROW in our financial freedom.  We have been using Dave Ramsey's
Snowball Plan to get out of debt and it is working wonders on our monthly finances.
Making smart choices, being more conservative with our spending habits, and forcing
each hard earned dollar to stretch a little further is key for less stress and worry.  We
don't want to work just to pay bills, we want to build a nest egg to rest more comfortably
on.  And with the hopes of another baby in the future, our savings account needs to GROW
so that we can support this growing family.

3.  I want to put more time and energy into our home and get re inspired to complete some
of our DIY projects, allowing our house to GROW with style and love.  Like most parents,
we have put most of our energy into the living spaces and children's rooms.  It's time to
hone in on those areas of our house that need a little love, too, like the master bedroom,
the laundry room, and that raised bed garden we've been talking about for two years.
Shawn and I need to sit down and make a realistic list for what we can accomplish both
time wise and financially.  It's time to put all those hours on Pinterest to good use!

4.  I want to GROW in my social life.  Since having Brees, I have really slowed down,
putting my hobbies and weekly girlfriend lunch dates on hold.  In typical Liv fashion, I
have been completely all or nothing, meaning ALL mommy and nothing me.  My time
with girlfriends may not be weekly, but it can certainly be monthly.  I need to get back
into the dance studio, start playing more guitar, take that photography class I've been
talking about.  I need to make that time to share laughs and good times without my
children around.  My heart misses those moments. 

5.  I want us to GROW in strength and love.  This past year, Shawn and I really grew as
a couple and made a lot of positive changes toward simplifying our lives and schedules.
We refocused our energy and made more time for the things that matter most:
family, friends, and real quality time.  We learned to say no and enjoyed more time at
home.  This year, I hope for more of the same.  I hope that we can travel more now
that Brees is a little older and more mobile, I hope that we can continue to define our
values and live the life we have always dreamed of.  Work hard, play hard,
living life to the fullest.