Be Who You Already Are

Happy New Year. I can't believe it's 2009 already. I've been thinking about the coming year and one main thought stands out in my mind. I'm turning 39 this year. Yes, I know...who cares right? Well, I care because this is my last year to be in my 30's and I think I want to make the most of it. I'm not a New Year Resolution kind of girl but since this is my last year to be in my 30's I think I will try and embrace the concept of resolutions but instead of calling my efforts resolutions, I will call them motivations. That's much more positive.

Motivation #1: Eat better. I know this isn't an original idea but it is important to me, especially since I gained a few pounds over Christmas. I've heard all my friends say that once you hit 40 your waistline just isn't the same. So, I will eat better and be motivated by the photo of bikini girl from American Idol that I have just placed on my refrigerator.

Motivation#2: Sleep more. Again, not an original idea but I do feel so much better when I've gotten at least 8 hours. In order for me to sleep more I think I've got to quickly move to motivation #3. See below...

Motivation#3: Exercise more. Gross I know but it really does make my sleep that much more restful and I even have better dreams. Just do it will be my motto and the Nike Swoosh just joined bikini girl on my fridge.

Motivation#4: Read more. I love to read and used to save it for vacations only. A few years ago I realized that I could turn the tv off and turn my brain on if I would read every night, even if it's just for 15 minutes. I've read more books in the last few years than I have in my whole life. I'm going to make it through the stack on my bedside table and enjoy every minute!

Motivation#5: Snuggle more. My kids love to snuggle before bedtime and I need to really make this more of a priority. How much longer will my 11 year old want me to flop on the bed with him and let me tickle his back or hold his hand? Definitely a motivation and one that I'm determined to not over look.

Motivation#6: Stop talking in an ugly voice to the driver's in other cars when it seems like they are crawling at a snails pace when I'm in a hurry. This one is really self explanatory, see #7.

Motivation#7: Don't be in such a hurry!

Motivation#8: Smile more! I've noticed there are two lines growing between my eyebrows and guess what they are from?? Yup, frowning. My brow is becoming furrowed and I think if I smile more that will slow the progression. And just in case you were wondering, my brow is not furry, it's furrowed! There is a difference.

Motivation#9: Practice loving myself more. Start with remembering who God is to me, how He has worked in my life and then hold on tight to that little glimmer of light that represents the “me” I was before society, before my family and yes, before I told myself to be someone different.

Motivation#10: Be Who I Already Am, and keep moving forward on that!

What will your motivations be? How will you stick to them? And, how will you know when you accomplished the goals you set? Write me and tell me your ideas and thoughts...perhaps we can motivate each other!
Blessings on a new year!
Ally