new year’s resolutions

So here we are, almost a week into the new year, and I’m staring my weight loss goals squarely in the face. . . again. Of course, it’s the new year — a time of resolutions, promises, goal setting and thoughts of a better future — so who isn’t into making a few changes.

According to ABC News, weight loss is one of the most popular new year’s resolutions for 2016 (and every other year), which makes sense because most of us start eating about Thanksgiving and don’t stop until New Year’s Day. If you’re me, you throw in a couple of birthdays, several Christmas parties and baking for the neighbors and it’s a real recipe for packing on the pounds — about eight of them to be specific. Yes, I gained eight pounds in a month and a half, and it will probably take me twice that time to work them off.

So here we are, again, at one of my favorite lifestyle segments, The Weight is Over. While I love this catchy little phrase, I did notice that it is also the new tagline for the soon to be released movie, Kung Fu Panda 3. Make of that what you will, but I’m refusing to acknowledge any links between myself and a huge, overweight panda that enjoys eating, a lot. I’m just sayin’. . .

Okay, Panda references aside, here’s how this will hopefully work. My goal is to lose a total of 25 pounds by December 31 of this year. That’s the next New Year’s Eve and almost a year away. This should put me at a healthy yet manageable weight for my body type and height, which also happens to be my weight before I married my husband almost 13 years ago. Each week I will post my progress right here at Small Talk Mama along with a few insights, struggles and maybe even a new good recipe or two. I would love for you to follow my journey and keep me accountable throughout the year, because I’ve tried this in the past and do pretty well until I get busy and stop publishing my results. Unfortunately, it’s just too easy to back slide when no one is watching. Your suggestions and encouraging comments will be greatly appreciated along the way, and if you don’t see a “Weight is Over” post for a few weeks please feel free to call me out on it.

So here’s to my weight loss journey. May it be swift, manageable, life changing and ultimately long-lasting.

In bed by 1 and out by 9 — not a bad way to start my 2016. My son did decide it was time to get out of bed about 7:45, but I managed to shoo my boys out of the room, plop a cool pillow over my head and grab another hour’s sleep. When I woke, it was to bacon and breakfast burritos, nice kisses and warm new year wishes. It’s good to be me.

Unfortunately, other than leisurely enjoying a bit of the Rose Bowl Parade, my day moved pretty swiftly as I cooked and cleaned for our family Christmas 2.0. It was a nice family gathering, dinner was simple and I think we all had a good evening. . . especially my son who obviously enjoyed a whole new round of gifts.

Anyway, other than the duties that had to be done, I did manage to give some thought to my goals for this new year, since that’s apparently what one does on this day. I have noticed lately that there seems to be a trend to simplify all of one’s resolutions into one meaningful word. I gotta tell ya, I’m digging this idea because when I make a list of dos and don’ts I inevitably leave out a few good ones here and there and never know what the proper resolution etiquette might be. Does it count as a “real” resolution if it’s not on the list by January 1?

So I’ve decided that I like this new simple way of doing things so much that I’m fully embracing this approach and choosing my word for 2016 as “simplify.” (Is that cheating?) Well the way I figure it, so many things can come from simplifying my life: more time to enjoy my family, more time to enjoy the hobbies that really make me happy, more time to read a few books, more time experiencing God and more time not feeling guilty that I didn’t do the many things I put on my platter while wading through clutter and old shoes.

I plan to clean out closets, get rid of “skinny girl” clothes I haven’t worn in years, donate crafty crap that I’ll never use, say “no” to more people, file family paperwork on a regular basis, shred stuff, say yes to quiet moments, read my Bible more because it calms my Spirit, and spend more time playing childish games, reading books with and listening to my son. See, simplify.

So as I think about my goals for the coming year, I leave you with a visual interpretation of how an over-committed, complicated and cluttered life makes me feel (courtesy of my five-year old’s playtime with his newest toys). Happy New Year!

Tag: new year’s resolutions

“The Weight is Over” — My 2016 Weight Loss Goal

Simplifying My New Year