{New Year, New Goals}

Indulge in...

A New Year(ning)

So far, this year has been marked by a lot of relaxing and spending time with family, working on a few DIY projects (coming soon), dealing with some health issues and easing back into my normal groove. That said, I'm really excited for what 2013 has to offer! Not one to typically write a list of resolutions at the beginning of a new year, I did make myself stick to one specific "new year intention" for 2012: accept as many social invitations as possible in order to meet new people, expand my horizons and get to know myself better. I think I did a pretty darn good job! And while I would like to "go with the flow" and see where life takes me throughout the upcoming months, I do have a few more clearly-defined intentions for 2013:

1. Continue to put less importance on social networking. I've been without Facebook for almost three months and it's amazing how much extra time I put into more useful things. I like taking a break now and then to remind myself that Facebook doesn't take the place of having real relationships, having a real life (not just an awesome, virtual one) and shouldn't be a necessary way of receiving affirmation from others. I've even been debating whether to take a break from other forms of social networking, such as Instagram, but only if it becomes a source of distraction for me. Everything in moderation.

2. Make investing a priority. I've received a lot of great advice on investing and, while I want to share it with all of you, I want to first put my money where my mouth is (ha ha) and see what happens. I reached my financial savings goal for 2012 (yay!) and feel very confident in my ability to make big decisions if I choose to do so. However, I must note that the act of investing (to me) extends beyond just making a monetary commitment!

3. Switch professional gears. I am about to celebrate my 3-year workaversary with the federal government (crazy!) at the end of January and, while I have developed so much as both a person and a professional in my current position, I feel it is time to start looking into new opportunities. I'm not quite sure what that means yet or when it will happen, but I do know that my bold heart is speaking loud and clear. I do not take for granted the blessing of a stable job with good pay, benefits, flexibility, etc...but I also know that complacency can hold us back from pursuing our true desires. Life's too short for that. Here's to seeing what the future brings!

4. Volunteer more. I've realized that I want volunteering to be a larger part of my life. Not just volunteering for the sake of it, but seizing opportunities that I actually care about and believe in. I think we need to build into others just as much as we need others to build into us. While serving dinner at a homeless shelter the other night, I had a moment of clarity; that no matter who we are or what walk of life we find ourselves in...we're all humans who crave love in whatever shape or form we can receive it. For me, that makes life a little more precious.

5. Be content. I'm going to be very honest with all of you and admit something quite personal: that despite everything I do and have done, I seem to always crave more out of life. Shocker. Now, I don't think it's a bad thing to want more or continuously strive toward goals...but contentment can be a struggle for me at times (ya feel me?). My current back issues brought this to light recently since I've been forced to take a break from my typical routine. What I'm realizing is that I need to spend more energy into being thankful and appreciative and less energy into being anxious, worrisome and comparative. I seem to forget that God is an unparalleled source of peace and that He knows the real desires of my heart...all while providing me with the right opportunities at the right time. Note to self: re-read this last line (er, paragraph) every day for the rest of the year my life.

I think it's wonderful to have positive and self-improving intentions when entering a new year, as well as continuing those goals already set in motion. For me, 2012 was a year of transition & discovery: being single & independent after many years in a relationship, distancing myself from lousy friendships and embracing new, healthier ones, seeking out awesome opportunities and adventures to enrich my life, putting my personal happiness first...it was an at-times-challenging yet epic year (and the one that I will always treasure). So what about 2013? Oh friends...just you wait!

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