I like to start off each new year by reminding myself of what I accomplished in the past year, or by thinking about all the good things that happened. I don’t think I made a New Year’s post for 2014, but my New Year’s post for 2013 was an “I Did It” list instead of a new year’s resolution list. I think goals are easier to accomplish on a foundation of strength, because believing in new possibilities requires recognition of past accomplishments.

Struggles are my teachers

If you knew my life you would know that it has been full of struggle and pain, so as I’ve gotten older it’s been very easy for me to slip into anxiety and depression if I don’t stay focused on the positive. My life has a long pattern of things not turning out the way I expected, you could even say I’ve experienced a continuous series of setbacks. However, my viewpoint has been that life experiences are for the purpose of learning, understanding, and developing a pure heart. Thinking this way gives me motivation to keep going.

In 2013 and 2014 my goals were to re-create my life and become stronger. So, in the spirit of “I Did It”, I will say that I started a process of changing the way I think, and live, and that process continues into 2015. Change doesn’t happen just because it’s a new year and we make new determinations. Change happens because we become committed to a process of seeing with new eyes, hearing with new ears, and allowing the spirit to lead. It may work a little differently for each person, but I think permanent change for the better starts from the inside and then manifests outwardly.

Good Changes I made in 2014

• I started a book club (just for fun)
• Gluten Free (It’s not so hard)
• No-No Diet
• Not giving up on yoga 
• Focused on a healthy mind, body, spirit and planet
• More writing and editing
• I started a Redbubble account (just for fun)

Externally speaking, I managed to lose between 15 to 20 lbs in the past year, but more importantly I discovered that certain foods were causing me problems. I’ve found a new way of eating that makes me feel a lot better and even helps me enjoy cooking. Because of this I have more energy to exercise and hope to regain health.

Stronger than the struggles

I managed to take over the family bookkeeping and survive for 5 months while my husband was out of the country, even though I lost my primary job during that time (I still work part-time). That took some strength. Yes, and I’ve managed to create a some new work for the new year. These might seem like small things to some people, but in the face of financial insecurity and the possibility of losing our house from month to month – they were great accomplishments for me.

2015 – Continue on a good path

So my goal for 2015 is to successfully continue this process of positive change. Continue eating more healthy and exercising, continue to develop a positive income flow, continue to keep an open mind and heart so I can hear and see the way that God is leading me. Continue to learn and grow from the heart, while pursuing my lifelong goals.

Yes, I still have a Bucket list!

That’s what’s motivating my health and lifestyle changes. There’s so much more to do and see, so many more people to love, I can’t give up. Have to keep fighting the good fight for health, happiness, peace and prosperity.

Happy New Year!