To Starting Over in 2015

On roadtrip in OR, Aug 2014, photo taken by Terri Shadle

I let myself go. Physically, mentally, emotionally, financially. For various reasons with multiple explanations and excuses, I was unfair to myself and to people around me. Even now, 13 days in to the new year, I haven't done justice to all the resolutions I spouted off to the hubs and friends...but that's alright. And do you know why that's alright?

Tomorrow is always a new day to make a fresh start.

So here is what I'm going to do.

1. Physically. When I say I let myself go, I mean I've gained 15lbs I really don't want. I was doing a great boot camp for a few weeks right during the holidays. It sort of helped, but I let bad food and really enjoying alcoholic beverages derail me. So I plan to:

• Go beyond running and soccer: get back into the gym (at work) for weights and add back my early morning video routines (Brazilian bum bum here I come!)
• Get more sleep! The only way I'm waking up is if I can actually fall asleep
• Cut the crap: eating out is a big deal for me. Less sugar, sodium and processed foods, and more getting creative with my lunches

2. Mentally.  I burned myself out with work. I am not finding joy like I used to and it's making me complacent and less creative. I don't want to be bored with what I'm doing. I want to be a productive member of the team...not dead weight. I will:

• Re-evaluate what I do. I keep thinking I'd do better as a PM, but I don't know what that entails. Actually research it.
• Take courses. When I get depressed, I read crappy romance novels. I should put time into something that will challenge me, not piss me off.
• Write more. This blog is an outlet and I thoroughly enjoy writing. I should create more and get myself back on track

3. Emotionally. This is a bit more private, but the bottom line is I got depressed and made a lot of excuses.

• Stop making excuses. For myself. For others. Take accountability for what I'm doing and don't let it rule my life.
• Listen to my gut. Once I get all the smart foods in it, she should lead me back on track.

4. Financially. Student loans, credit card debt, living beyond my means. I never thought I would have to deal with all 3 at once because I was smug and thought I was smarter than that. Sadly, my emotional being and excuses took over my life last year, and now I need to regroup.

• Get control of what I'm spending. Stop eating out. Stop buying things I don't need. Stop pretending I have the money to play when I don't. Sounds easy, but I can be weak. No excuses!
• Get back on track with the hubs. We've both been bad and non-communicative here and we both need to set boundaries and regroup.

2015 is my year to refresh. To purge the toxins in my life and take control of things I've let get out of hand. I want to write and share more, clean up my act and celebrate the journey along the way. There are so many things in life I'm grateful for which is why I've come to the conclusion I need to to do better. And I plan to do that...first thing tomorrow.