I’m still in shock that the third month of the year is already here. 2014 is definitely going to fly.
I’ve been spending the first days of the month really focusing on getting in touch with self. Not just reconnecting by myself, but also listening to the observations of my close friends and family. It’s funny, even when trying to search within ourselves to see if anything needs changing, repair or removal, we still have a tendency to make excuses for ourselves and justify things that we need to let go. Hearing from others really forces us to say aloud the things that need to change in our lives.
All of this self exploration has definitely fueled my goals for this month. Similarly to February, I’m focusing on simple, minimalistic goal setting that will lead to positive impact. I definitely did well in last month’s goal of avoiding over whelm, and sticking to an organized schedule kept me more balanced than I’ve been in a while.
Special thanks to Google Calendar and my list making skills for a month of accomplishment, and for even great accomplishments ahead this month.
01/ Bring the behind-the-scenes stuff to center stage. I’m excited to share two new features that have been in the works for a while now – one celebrating some of my favorite creatives, and another featuring creative writing. Not to mention, soon the first rounds of creative features from this month’s sponsors will start to go live. I am so excited to see how you all respond to this new take on sponsorship.
Granted, some things won’t officially go live immediately, but the thought of finally getting to share my little ideas with everyone is a thrill in itself.
02/ Simplify my eating. A few years ago, I attempted a pescetarian diet change – and failed miserably. Beyond miserably. Lately, I’ve been thinking about attempting the transition again. Not because I hate meat, I love meat – I love food. But I also love my body, and I can tell that my body isn’t in love with all of the things I’ve been fueling with. So before committing to any major diet changes, I want to start by simplifying. Seeing what options are out there, how they fit with my lifestyle, which adjustments are comfortable to make and which would take more adapting to.
Two simple goals for my favorite month – my birthday month! I’ll be 21 in less than two weeks – and continuing 21 Days of Self up until then.
Are you setting any big, or small, goals this month?
Dietary changes are so difficult (we have so many habits build around the way we eat!) I tried paleo about a year ago and found it too restrictive, so I gave up on it. The experiment did teach me that I might have some gluten sensitivity. I’ve been thinking about going gluten-free, or at least decreasing the amount of gluten in my diet, but even thinking about it makes me crave bread! I think your approach of simplifying and seeing how it fits with your lifestyle might be the answer to making such a drastic change a little easier.
I think any habit that you try to form needs to fit into your lifestyle to be successful. I thought about looking into paleo too but it just seems way too extreme for me. One of my roommates recently started eating gluten free and it’s working really well for her!
Ah! I love setting goals! And also figuring out what works — and it sounds like you are, too. It sounds like it’s a season of simple goals for you (and I’m learning to simplify mine, too).
Excited to see what these new surprises are, ooh!
As for the pescetarian thing, I’d say just keep at it and don’t beat yourself up if it isn’t successful right away. I’ve been one for 4.5 years now, but it took a good 8 months or so for me to really stick with it and be fully committed. Changing eating habits is SO hard. You can definitely do it, but give yourself time and really praise the efforts you do make! Good luck, Amber! 🙂
Thanks Erika! Creating any new habit is already so tough to do, especially when it comes to food which is everywhere! But I’m definitely going to stick to it, and let the change happen at its own pace.
I like the idea of simplifying your diet rather than straight up changing it. I’ve been (trying to) simplifying our menu, eating more whole foods and vegetables before sugar, and it feels great! I make myself do at least half of my grocery shopping each week at Central Market so that I’m more apt to buy the veggies and whole foods.
And happy almost birthday!! I still have 7 months until my 21st haha
I hope that 7 month flies by for you!