Mid Year Check-In on my New Year’s Resolutions
Everyone sets them. No one keeps up with them.
I don’t know about you — but 2013 has been FLYING by for me!
We’re already half way through the year, and 2012 seems like ages ago. I feel like I’ve grown a ton since then, and I’ve accomplished a lot. However, I haven’t stuck to all of my New Year’s Resolutions that I set for myself.
My first goal was to “Get Healthy.” I have been doing Weight Watchers since November, and I’ve found it to be a really great system for me.
I haven’t talked about my weight loss a lot outside of my immediate circle of friends and family, but overall I lost about 17 pounds, and I am back to my pre-college weight.
I work out 5 times a week and cook with much healthier ingredients, tracking what I eat and how much.But the key to keeping the weight off for me has been in not depriving myself of the foods I love.
I have a serious sweet tooth. I know everyone says this. But seriously… my boyfriend has to hide his Oreos from me.
I’ve found that if I follow the Weight Watchers point system during the week and go to the gym, I can splurge a little on the weekends.
If I’m invited out for lunch or frozen yogurt during the week I don’t say no — I just make up for it by eating less at dinner time or cutting back on my typical weekend cheatfest — or is it cheatfeast?
But the great thing about WeightWatchers is that eating what you want a few times a week isn’t cheating.
The system gives you a daily allotment of points (I get 26). Point values are based on the fat, carbs, protein and fiber content in your food.
Then you are also given 49 extra points for the week. Some people spread their 49 points throughout the week — because they like to eat a little extra each day — while others, like myself, save them for weekend getaways and nights out.
I’ve also found that because food is my weakness it’s incredibly important for me to get to the gym every day. I have a weekly schedule and a different workout for every day of the week so I don’t get bored and I can’t skip a day when I don’t feel like going.
And as a result of this routine, I’ve found myself actually enjoying gym time for the first time in my life. I like how strong I feel and I like seeing how hard I can push myself
My second goal was to travel. And I have to admit I haven’t done as much as I would have liked. Chris and I just got back from an AMAZING trip to Mexico and that has really been our only big trip.
But we have been exploring the Jersey Shore while we can — getting to as many different beaches as we can. And getting back to the city is also on our list. We’re always waiting for the perfect time, but I think unplanned excursions can sometimes be the most fun. But for me — and even for Chris — this is no small feat.
My third goal has been a miserable failure. As sad as I am to admit this, I haven’t called my grandparents once a month like I promised myself. I kept up with this probably for three months, but then I got busy, I was tired, INSERT third lame excuse here.
Grandparents are a blessing and when I have the patience and the time, I love hearing their stories of growing up and of my parents as children. Grandparents have so much wisdom to share if you only take the time to listen.
Last time I was home, I went to say goodbye to my grandma and found myself in an hour long conversation about my Mom and Dad and the early stages of their relationship, my grandma’s childhood growing up in New York City and her Mom’s tenacity as a single working mother in a time when most Mother’s didn’t work at all.
She worked on the railroad — yes, really — all the live long day. She was a true bad-ass chick.
But in order to hear more stories like this and to make memories of my own with my grandparents while I have the time — I have to call.
Overall, I think I’ve done fairly well with my New Year’s Resolutions but I have six more months to keep my promises to myself.
I’d like to keep exploring. Even if my trips don’t take me out of the country — my goal of traveling was really about increasing my spontaneity, and I am slowly but surely breaking down those walls of worry and anxiety that keep me from living on the edge.
I hope to keep the weight I’ve lost off and continue with the healthy lifestyle I’ve created for myself. I feel more confident, happy, and I have more energy than ever before.
And finally, I have to make time to call my grandparents. This is a pretty simple goal that I allow to slip through my fingers — but it may be one of the most important.
Where are you with your New Year’s Resolutions?
Did you accomplish any of the goals you set out for yourself at the beginning of the year? Did you stick to the changes you promised yourself you’d make? It’s time to remind yourself of your yearly goals and make things happen. Happy Half New Year!
