2015: The Resolutions…

I’ve mentioned before that I’m the type who throws out random declarations to the Universe somewhere before the clock strikes midnight.

I’ve generally forgotten them by the time January draws to a close.

That’s ok, goals can be limiting, and I’m not in the business of feeling limited.

Last year was different.

Last year I sat down and wrote them down.

There was just a couple but they were specific.

And they became real.

Weight loss was not one of them.

Don’t get me wrong- on New Years Eve I absolutely declared something like ‘this year I’ll lose weight,’ but that was as far as I got with it.

I also declared ‘this year I’ll have more alcohol free days.’

In truth, I did lose weight in 2014- 5kgs…then I put it back on.

I also had more alcohol free days in 2014 than I did in 2013…coinciding with both the 5kgs I lost and the 5kgs I put back on.

I guess that means that my resolutions succeeded…

In short, I’m starting 2015 exactly 1 kg heavier than I started 2014…and exactly the same weight as I started 2013.

The thing is, I know that I need to lose 25kgs to feel more comfortable. I need to lose 35kgs to fit into the healthy weight range for my height and, before I’m tempted to channel Absolutely Fabulous’s Edina Monsoon, that’s 5’2” and a bit, not 5’8”.

Sure this is about vanity- I’m now nearly as wide as I am tall- well that’s absolutely how it feels- but more than that, now it’s an issue of health and movement.

I’m scarily close to 50, and it’s about time that I got real about this. Not about growing up- I doubt if that will ever happen- but about growing older…that is happening.

So this year I’ve written down the following goals. I’ve followed all the rules- I’ve made them specific, I’ve made them realistic, and I’ve made them timely. I’ve left out the numbers here, but they’re written down too- and on post it stickers attached to the board beside my desk at home.

Operation Excess Baggage

It’s about lightening up and letting go- in more ways than just the numbers on the scales. Mostly it’s mostly about healthy habits.

It’s not a diet and I don’t intend giving up any food groups in their entirety. I’ll be hanging out with friends I haven’t seen as much of as I should have- Salad and Water- and less with those whose company I love, but who aren’t quite the best influence on me…Bread and Wine, I’m talking about you.

It’s more about awareness of what goes in and out… and self-respect.

Income and Budget

I have an income target and a budget- a real live written down one. I even have a weekly savings plan to reach the target we need to do the epic trip we have planned in November- a road trip through Britain to celebrate Miss T finishing school, and to show her where Mr T comes from.

Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been introducing some simple common sense habits, and stream-lining things like auto payments of bills. I’ve even spent time working out where our money really does go.

It’s about awareness of what goes in and out and respect for our finances and the effort that goes into making the money.

Writing Goals

I’ll be dealing with this separately via my alter-ego, Tracey Hamill. In truth, I’m still mapping it out.

The primary goal though, is to have my first novel, Baby, It’s You, self-published in May. I’m in the process of the final edit now…anyone know a good cover designer?

What about you? Have you set resolutions this year?