A Little List of Revelations
Wow, is it over? Crazy how fast a year goes by, right?
Many people are spending this morning making a list of New Year’s Resolutions. For some — as they clutch a bottle of ibuprofen and a jug of Gatorade — it’s probably to drink less.
While I don’t condone only thinking about your goals once every 365 days, I do think the start of a new year is a good time to reflect.
It’s a great time to think about the lessons you learned from the previous year, and how you can use those to your benefit. It’s a time to evaluate what ideas and values you plan to hold on to, and which ones are no longer serving you. To decide what you plan to add to your life to make it better, and what things you want to (or need to) get rid of.
I’m not talking about monumental, life-changing choices like switching careers, losing a ton of weight, or quitting smoking (although maybe those things should be on your long-term list), I’m talking about small things that will help bring you more happiness on a day to day basis.
Because that’s really the most important thing in life: being happy.
So this year, instead of making a list of grand resolutions (which I already have ingrained in my heart), I’m making a list of the little things I’ve realized will boost my overall well-being. I’m calling them my New Year’s Revelations.
1. Take more baths.
I know it may seem a little weird, but I love baths. Call it a girl thing. Lately I’ve found that lighting some candles, pouring a bubble bath, putting on a chill Spotify mix, and reading a good book in the bath is the most relaxing and luxurious way to reward myself after a stressful day. I’m going to do more of it in 2014.
2. Start tennis lessons.
The BF and I have been talking about doing this for about 2 years now. We have a court right down the street, racquets and balls, and the will to learn. It’s time to Just Do It.
3. Say “no” more often.
I say yes to too many things and then I end up wanting to cancel and feeling guilty. If something doesn’t sound good from the get go, I’m turning it down. Life is too short to spend doing things you don’t want to do. Unless is for charity…then you sack it up sista.
4. Laugh a lot.
The BF was sick this weekend so we spent Friday night on the couch watching free stand up comedy from Netflix. It was one of the most fun nights I’ve had in a while (minus the fact that he was sick). In 2014, I’m going to try to catch more comedy shows and hang around with people who make me laugh.
5. Get creative with date nights.
The revelation above will be a good start to this one. We’ve been in a rut lately, just picking the latest hotspot and going out to dinner. That’s so not us. We used to go bowling, ice skating, to improv shows, magic shows, wine tasting, you name it. I’m bringing that back.
6. Cut out crappy food.
Although I usually eat really healthy, I still often make concessions for food that is diet-friendly but not health-friendly. 2014 is the time to cut out over-processed junk. That means no more frozen yogurt just because it’s only 8 calories an ounce. I have no idea what all those chemicals are in there. Bring on the banana froyo!
7. Learn to use my new camera.
We got a new Canon 70D for Christmas and I am uber-excited about it. You may have noticed the improvements in photo quality in my Healthy Lamb Ragu post or The Perfect Skinny Christmas Cocktail. Unlike what I do with all of my other gadgets, I would like to actually learn how to use this properly and save myself a lot of headaches.
8. Consistently schedule my workouts.
The past few weeks I’ve gotten in the bad habit of telling myself, “Oh, I can skip that morning class, I’ll just workout in the afternoon.” I’m sure you can guess what happens. I know myself and I know I am usually too tired to workout in the afternoon. This year I want to get better about scheduling my morning workouts and sticking to them. The difference in my mood when I do workout vs. when I don’t is huge. If I want to be happy, this is key.
9. Do food prep on Sundays.
Similar to the previous revelation, when I don’t do food prep on Sundays, it messes up my whole schedule, makes me reach for unhealthy “crappy” food and leaves me very hangry. I’m going to get better about doing my grocery shopping and food prep on Sunday so I can be happy and heathy all week long.
10. Pick up the phone.
I had an 8 1/2 hour drive to Tucson for Christmas and I took the opportunity to phone a few friends I needed to catch up with. It was so nice to hear their voices and fill each other in on all of our updates. Having a full on gab fest with your best gals is so much better than a few texts, emails, and Facebook updates here and there. In 2014, I’m going to make a bigger effort to actually pick up the phone and talk to my friends.
I’m sure I’m forgetting about 127 other little things I want to start or stop doing this year but I’ll figure them out as I go.
Wishing everyone out there a happy and healthy New Year’s! Make some changes to make your life happier and make 2014 your year.
*This post is linked to Thinking Out Loud Thursday.
Julie says:
Laugh more is the best resolution, and I need to ‘steal’ that resolution of picking up my phone. Or rather, calling people instead of text messaging all the time.
Whitney English says:
Steal away! Happy New Year :)
Hayley says:
Great goals!! I am with you on the “say no more often” and “Laugh a lot”!
Whitney English says:
Thanks Hayley!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says:
As if you didn’t phone me on that 8.5 hour trip. ;)
Great list of goals, Whit. (Already using it). I’m going to have to join the saying ‘no’ movement- being such a people pleaser, I often feel guilty on that one- but screw it- I’m going to say No if I don’t want to. Cheers!
PS I watched an episode last night of the Drama Queen. who IS that lady? Is she actually as ‘amazing’ as she puts herself out to be?
Whitney English says:
Saying “no” is hard, but very empowering…or so I’ve heard haha! Hopefully I’ll find out more this year.
That lady is a big hosting coach/casting agent in Hollywood. I think she rips people off and tells them they’ll make it in the biz if they keep taking her classes but all she really wants is their money. And she’s really mean. Just my two cents!
GiGi Eats Celebrities says:
NOOOOOO DO NOT WATCH THAT SHOW – do not give her any more viewers -we need to get that show off the air! That woman does not deserve more press! Blahhhh!!!
Whitney English says:
Haha I second that!
Bethann says:
I worked on saying ‘no’ more often in 2013 and it felt incredible! Seriously, I love being able to say ‘no, that’s not a priority’ and not feel guilty about it. So liberating!
Hopefully saying ‘no’ more will help you have more time for accomplishing other goals too!
Happy New Year!
BA
Whitney English says:
Thanks Bethann! I’m looking forward to it. Happy New Year to you too!
Jody - Fit at 56 says:
Love this! Laugh & pick up the phone – great ones especially in this day & age!
Whitney English says:
I know! They’re things you don’t think about they make a big difference in your overall happiness :)
Ellen says:
Hehe, bathing frequently IS a grand thing;)
I like the laughter resolution, heh, my improv group and I could help you with that! Happy New Year!
Whitney English says:
I bet you could! Def going to come catch a show this year!!
Claudia Rosenbaum says:
What about for the rest of us that have resolved to lose 10lbs? Can you give us a simple two week easy food plan to jump start our diet resolution
Whitney English says:
Of course my dear! I’ll get to work on that. In the meantime, start making some of the healthy recipes on here. And stay tuned Friday for another possible option to kickstart your diet.
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says:
I seriously need to get better at #3! #1 and 7 were some of my goals for 2013 and I managed to actually follow through. Curt and I are doing a date jar this year so we actually get out of our sweatpants and do something besides Netflix marathons! Happy New Year beautiful! Even though we only “met” recently, I’m so happy we finally did. Excited to follow you into 2014. Only the best for you in the coming year!
Whitney English says:
Thanks Davida! You are so sweet. I’m so happy to have “met” you as well :)
Love the idea of a date jar. I’m stealing your idea, ok?!
Happy New Year girl! xoxo
GiGi Eats Celebrities says:
Yeah you do need to take more baths because you stink – LMFAO! JK! We need to go back to Bath & Body Works – yes? Yes we do! ;) All of the XMAS smells will be ON SALE! I cannot wait to meet your new camera too… and uhhhh where is COOKING CLASSES on your list ?!?!?! :) And more videos? Or wait, those two things are just givens!!
Whitney English says:
Yes we do! Eggnog, Cinnamon Latte, Pumpkin Carmel Vanilla Snowflake body scrubs for all!
And cooking classes and videos are on my ALWAYS list :)
Kierston @candyfit says:
I love your revelations. #10…it made me laugh, but it’s something I do really need to do more often. Saying no, I’m getting better :) Cheers to a fantastic year ahead xo
Whitney English says:
Thanks Kierston!
Tonya@Healthy, Fit, and Frugal says:
I love the laughing one and also saying no more. I actually don’t flat out say no anymore when asked something, but instead say, “I’ll give that some consideration.” That way I don’t have to commit without thinking things through bit to make sure I’m really wanting to do it and am committed to it. Good luck with all your goals this year!
Alex @ Kenzie Life says:
I love the idea of New Years Revelations! That’s awesome! One of my goals is to actually get back into tennis–I played varsity in high school but didn’t play much in college or since I graduated a few years ago. Here’s to a great 2014!
Whitney English says:
Thanks Alex! Maybe you can give me some pointers :)
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says:
I love the idea of making small changes rather than huge monumental ones — they’re a lot easier to maintain in the long run, AND they add up to make huge differences.
I re-discovered baths this winter, and I kind of fell in love. I always brushed them off because I found them boring, but forcing myself to slow down for 15-20 minutes has definitely been an awesome way to de-stress. That and a nice soak in warm water is a godsend in our Canadian winters :lol:
Whitney English says:
Baths are truly underrated! Glad to hear there are like-minded bath lovers out there haha!
Kristina @ Damn Ten Pounds says:
I love all of these, especially learning to use your camera and picking up your phone. Your blog is already filled with amazing shots and I’m looking forward to even better pictures of your delicious recipes. One of these days I’ll step it up from my iphone :)
Whitney English says:
Hey, no knocking the iPhone! I still use that for the majority of my photo taking :)
David says:
This all sounds good to those who have no particular problems in life. I used to write such New Year’s resolutions myself.. But one day I was diagnosed with clinical depression.. And I realized that it was not so with me the whole last year. But understanding what is happening still does not eliminate the fact that depression takes all your strength.
GeneWillis says:
Hi all! How are your implementations of New Year’s resolutions? I think 2022 gave us all a nasty surprise.. I wanted to start a new business but now I’m treating my nerves with chocolate – https://thirdshroom.com/product-category/magic-mushroom-chocolate/ This is the only thing that gives me strength and calms me at such a moment. I’m glad I didn’t start investing in a startup in January. Now you have to be patient. Do you use any herbal sedatives?
Harry Fields says:
I love this! The studio I go to in Pittsburgh has a yoga with music class twice I week (ALL the bumpin’ jams) and it’s my absolute favorite class. I have a feeling people are going to love this.
James Taylor says:
Good afternoon, the music should be incendiary and not repetitive, so I spent a long time looking for a good resource so that it could pick up something sensible. Get the sound effect you need when you need it. We have organized more than 4 TB sound effects that cover the sound spectrum. You get the breadth, depth, reliable metadata and search software you need for lightning fast and accurate results.