What Will You Do in 2012?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I sincerely hope that each and everyone of you had a great 2011 and rang in the new year with loved ones.  I know I did, and I will be posting a full recap tomorrow of our fun in Florida!

At the end of each year/beginning of the next, many people find themselves setting resolutions to abide by in the new year.  It could be as easy as making a new friend, or as difficult as quitting smoking or losing weight.  I'm not a huge fan of "resolutions" per se.  I would rather set specific goals to achieve in the new year.  By setting goals, I can benchmark my progress at any time.  They aren't to "resolve" any specific problem; rather, they are goals that I feel necessary for lifelong changes.  

So with that said, here's a list of my goals for 2012.

(1)  Take time to smell the roses.  This is a lot easier said than done.  I find myself wishing the days away to the next big event, and then wanting time to slow down once it finally arrives.  I really need to take the time to enjoy each day as if it were my last, as we are never promised tomorrow.  These are days, hours, minutes, and seconds that we will never get back so we might as well make the best of them!

(2) Decipher better between wants and needs.  What girl doesn't have this problem?  It's always, "I need a new dress.  I need this pair of shoes to go with my new outfit.  And I really need that cute new shirt."  My husband always laughs and says that there is enough clothes in my closet for a small army and they wouldn't have to wear the same thing twice in a month.  Embarrassing, but true.  To be able to act upon this goal will save my wallet a good bit of distress throughout the year.

(3) Take advantage of some of Dave Ramsey's teaching tools for saving/investing.  Expounding upon goal #2, I need to do a better job of saving my earnings.  There are many times I look at my bank account and ask myself, "My where did my paycheck go?".  In today's economy, day to day needs are more expensive than ever: gas, groceries, bills.  Expenses add up fast and once it's gone, it's gone.  Dave Ramsey offers many free training classes/online podcasts for saving and investing.  I think it's time I start learning!

(4) Find my own philanthropy.  I haven't found an opportunity to actually volunteer my time or efforts since college.  Yes, I have donated to charities and organizations.  Yes, I have participated in our Toys for Tots fundraisers at work.  But I have not reached out and volunteered myself for a philanthropy that I genuinely care about and want to make a difference.  This is the year that I will start.

(5) De-clutter my house.  I wouldn't consider myself a pack rat, but that's only because I organize my crap. And I have a lot of it.  I like to keep memoirs that will help me remember any accomplishments I have made or experiences that are once in a lifetime, but it's time to part with some of it.  As OCD as I am about most things, I have ignored this little habit of mine for some time and now it has got to go.  I will be starting with organizing the memories from the wedding I wish to keep in a shadowbox and getting rid of the rest!

(6) Worship more.  This past year, Bradley and I found a church that we absolutely love...when we actually have the time to go.  Every weekend it seemed like there was something going on or we were out of town.  This year we will make it a priority to attend and worship every Sunday that we are available, and be thankful for His grace and mercy every day in between.

(7) Read more books.  I love to read, I really do.  I just rarely find the time to do so.  I want to set a goal to read a book a month.  Sounds simple, but we'll see if I can actually get it done.  Anyone want to start sending some books my way?  I'm a sucker for anything romantic :).

(8) Complete another half-marathon.  I'm a sucker I tell you.  Once you have been bitten by the marathon bug, there is no turning back!  My very first half this past November was a success, but I did have to stop and walk a few minutes due to an injury.  The next half, I would like to complete without having to stop the entire time!  This means that I will need to spread out my training a little more and stretching really good.

(9) Become more healthy & creative in the kitchen.  My husband will tell you that I have already accomplished part of this goal...healthy.  I am obsessed with anything and everything chicken or turkey and cook with it regularly.  I have found a few favorites that I throw together a few times a month, so I would like to find more recipes that are easy, fun and healthy to use in the mix as well to change it up a bit.
Suggestions are welcome!

(10) Finish making our house into a home.  We are almost to the one year mark in our townhouse, and we just signed another year lease.  While I have done a good bit to make it feel like ours, there are still more projects that I would like to accomplish, i.e. hanging curtains in the living room, creating a gallery wall in our bedroom, finding a way to make the living room feel more "homey".
Pinterest, I will be looking to you for my inspiration!

I fully intend to keep you updated on my 2012 goals' progress and I expect some push from you too!
What goals are you looking to achieve this new year?