Off to a Good Start

January. The month of new beginnings, fresh starts, and unfortunately, many broken promises. I really didn't want that to happen this year. I really wanted to begin this year with renewed dedication to taking care of myself in all areas:

Spiritually, I wanted to recommit to reading my scriptures each day. I do read with my children each day, but I had gotten into the habit of letting my personal study fall by the wayside. I am happy to report that so far this year I have only missed one day. I also want my prayers to be more meaningful. The best prayers of my life were the prayers I whispered, and groaned, and pleaded, and cried, and sang with praise during my single years. I want that again. I'm working on it.

Mentally, I wanted to recommit to my education, and as we all know, I enrolled in college and began my first class this month. I am happy to report that so far I have an A+ average in my class. I scored the highest on our midterm exam and set the curve, which much to my classmates' dismay, did not give them much of an advantage. Although I can definitely feel the added load I am carrying, and I feel more drained much of the time, I am proud of myself and I feel a deep satisfaction that I am pursuing this goal. I am registered for 9 credits in Spring, beginning the week after this class ends, later this month.

Physically, I knew I needed to love my body again. I needed to shed some pounds, to feel alive again, to nourish my body so that my spirit could shine brighter. I needed to take control of my health and take as good care of me as I do my children. I think I am doing well. I slip up sometimes with treats, but it's been in moderation. My goal is to only eat sweets on Fridays and Mondays (Family Movie Night and Family Home Evening). My bigger goal has been to wear my pedometer and walk at least 10,000 steps every day. I am thrilled to report that in January (well, as of Jan. 7th, when I started my accounting) I walked 265,249 steps! That's an average of 10,610 steps a day! There were a few days I fell short, but I never fell short for three days in a row. My lowest day was 5990, when I just couldn't muster any more energy and decided to not beat myself up over it. My highest day was 14,421. This is a big deal to me that I've stayed consistent for a whole month, and it really sets me up in a positive frame of mind for February. I don't know if I've lost weight because I don't own a scale, but I know I've toned up quite a bit, and you know how it is with exercise. . .it takes a good 4-6 weeks to really start seeing the effects. I'm ready for that!

I'm focusing on my relationships this year. With my husband, with my children, with my friends (although I have little to show for this one yet, sorry girls), and even with those who might be my enemies. I'm trying to love. I'm trying to forgive. I'm trying to work on me.

It is gratifying to still be afloat after one month. I've slipped up here and there, but I haven't jumped off the wagon because of it, like I might have done in the past. I have forgiven myself, given myself permission to fail from time to time, and gotten right back up. That means that I am honoring myself, and that is a big step for me.