Goals for 2013

It took me some time, but I think I've narrowed it down and chosen a few goals to focus on this year. It was actually easy to list a whole slew of ideas & areas I'd like to improve on (which is probably both a good & bad thing), but I wanted to be purposeful and realistic about what I can complete this year.

After aiming to complete 12 goals in 2012, I'm approaching this year's goals knowing that I might not accomplishment all of them by year's end. I learned a lot last year, and one of those things is to allow myself some grace. I don't have to be perfect, I don't have to do everything, and that's ok. Trying really is half the battle, and as long as you put in some effort and show up again the next day to keep trying, you're doing a really good job.

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I may add a few more goals as the year goes on, but here are my initial goals for 2013.

1. Take more pictures.
Among other things, blogging has allowed me to rediscover how much I love to write. However, one of my original purposes of this blog was to have it serve as an online scrapbook of sorts, so while photography might not be my strongest talent, pictures are a must. And as of now, I'm seriously failing to remember to take pictures at family events, when I do crafts, or even if I just have a cute outfit on (I'd love to make a look book of outfits with my own clothes, so that choosing what to wear is easier in the morning!). Additionally, Mike & I were gifted a camera last year (in 2011) after Mike's dad got a new one, and I have yet to learn how to use it...and that's just shameful in-and-of-itself.

Ok, so this picture was taken with my cell phone, but it's a step in the right direction. Also, you should know that Sully got himself into this position by climbing up the side of the bed, between the bedsheets, and curling up for a nap. We only found him after noticing that he was not in any of his usual hideouts, and then we saw the lump in the middle of the bed :)

2. Stick to our cleaning schedule.
I will conquer the cleaning and laundry at some point in my life! If you missed it, check out the chart I created to keep us on track.

3. Remember blessings over trials.
I'm continuing this goal from 2012, but I'm expanding on the way I achieve this. I mentioned in this post that I might keep a gratitude journal with one thing I'm thankful for each day this year. I have indeed started that journal, and I'm loving it so far. I'm really looking forward to having 365 days worth of things that make me happy, proud, and grateful!

4. Research the logistics of starting a business.
I've stated pretty regularly that I hope to start a business someday with my custom designs. I'm hoping to seriously invest time in researching the logistics of doing this, so that I can be smart in deciding when (and if) this dream will become a reality. 

5. (Start to) Exercise
I don't exercise. I've never exercised. But post-college, since I don't have to walk to class/lunch/dinner/meetings/activities, any physical activity that was a part of my routine is gone. My goal is not to lose any weight, but instead gain some muscle and feel physically healthier. During the summer, it will be easier to walk the nearby neighborhoods (Mike & I did this a lot in the fall), but so far for the winter, I'm gonna be relying on Just Dance for the Wii. I'd also love to try some yoga too...beyond what is offered on Wii Fit...but still in the comfort of my own home. I'm all for exercising with other people, but I'm pretty sure I prefer not to have the audience of a whole gym when I exercise, thank-you.