To some, New Year’s Resolutions may be lame.  But you know what?  I love them.  I love anything that allows me to reflect and grow.  So here is my list.

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Listen to myself for once

I don’t know about you, but I feel like I have developed a habit of drowning myself out.  Somehow, deep down, I think we all really know what’s best for us.  I have lived pretty “safe” the last few years…maybe to protect myself from getting hurt or because of a fear of failure.  But I’m determined to give that up, and have some faith instead. Which leads me to the next item on the list….

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Be more spiritual

I want to become more spiritually connected.  Getting caught up in the 9 to 5, day-to-day routine has been robbing me of so many things.   Focusing my thoughts toward inner peace and a higher power will ultimately reduce my stress level and make life more gratifying.  It takes discipline, but I think I can get there.

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Own my own piece of the earth

This is a semi-big deal announcement….we have been taking the beginning steps to purchase a home!  Our searches began back in November.  With the interest rates low and our love for this lil town growing, we decided we want to stay put here for a while.  Texas has been good to us so far.  My nomadic self thinks about where our next big move will be….but realistically I’m sick of paying someone else’s mortgage and can’t see ourselves anywhere else right now.

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Go to Europe

This has been on my list for years, and I REALLY hope I finally make this one happen.  My dad is European (Bulgarian to be exact) and travels often between Europe and USA.  Practically every summer since I graduated high school, he has been trying to get me to make the trip.  I’ve never been across the pond, and every summer there seems to be some reason I put it off.   Plus, I really want to go before I pop out a kid!

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Run a 5k

For those who know me very well, you know my small frame is a total hoax.  I don’t eat very good (aka cheeseburgers and pizza), and I don’t work out on regular basis.  Running a mile is very hard for me (not sure I could do it today without stopping to walk).  Every year I set this very attainable goal and fail miserably.  Well I’m putting it to rest – this is the year I finally run my first race!

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Learn how to use my camera

I’ve had my Canon Rebel for a little over a year now, and you’d think I’d be at pro status by now.  Not so much.  I understand photography – I took manual photography classes back in high school – but I don’t set aside the time to learn how to be really good at it.  Now’s the time.

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Live a healthier lifestyle

As stated above, I’m not the most healthiest of individuals.  I want to start eating better and being more active.  Being healthy is so much more than a number on a scale – it’s a whole way of life.

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Develop & maximize my unique talents

I’ve realized for so long I haven’t made time to do things I’m really good at.   Each one of us is so different… yet so many of us never take the time to refine the skills that set us apart from the rest.  These I think life is too short to waste these wonderful talents God has given us.

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If there was one thing you could accomplish this year, what would it be?

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(All of the images link back to their original source, if known)