Daily Threads: And My 2011 Goals

{sweater: belk | blazer: LC | skinnies: tj maxx | boots: steve madden}

I've never been one to make new year resolutions. When I have, I never get very far with them. I feel like sometimes they can become so epic that conquering them becomes intimidating or unattainable and you give up all together. I'm also not a fan of the fact that such emphasis and pressure is placed on setting these resolutions on Jan. 1st.   This year I am focusing on goals. Goals that are achievable and that improve my life in more than one way. So I bring you - my goals for 2011.

1. Get a job!

This is self-explanatory, but it's my reality. I need a job. I've had an incredibly difficult time finding a job in my field since moving to our new, small town. I know there is always more that I can do and I am daily going to be searching for the job that I'm supposed to have. 

2. De-clutter.

Now, before you go making judgments about what my house, closet, or office may look like, let me state that I am not a hoarder, by any means, but I know I have things here and there that I could get rid of. Throughout the year I plan to tackle rooms, closets, drawers, storage, and whatever else needs to be tackled. I've always wanted to do this and taking the whole year to focus on each room individually sounds achievable!

3. Organize. 

Which rightfully falls behind de-clutter. After the de-cluttering process takes place, mission organization comes into play. Being organized is one of the best ways to improve your life (in my opinion) and if I can when I thoroughly and successfully tackle the de-cluttering and organizing, I will be one happy little girl. 

4. Be more active. 

Between school, our wedding, and re-locating last year I had very little time to think about exercising - and even less time to actually exercise. While it isn't my favorite thing in the world, I understand it's benefits for making me a healthier (and subsequently a happier) person. Whether it's being on the treadmill while watching the television or taking Maeby on long walks/jogs, I will make an effort to exercise in some way, shape, or form throughout each week.

5. Try at least 50 new recipes.

This equals out to almost a new recipe each week. I really enjoy cooking. It's not only a way to fill your belly and nourish your body, but it can also be a source for creativity. I get into ruts where I generally just cook what I know. There are a hand-full of recipes that I can whip together - and husband loves them, but it eventually gets old (to me) and I want to try new things.  I'm not looking to try the latest gourmet French cuisine, so don't expect that, but I am looking to surprise our taste-buds once a week!

6. Recognize a reason to be thankful each day.

Life can get so busy and hectic that we forget to take note of how blessed we are. Small or large, it doesn't matter, there will always be something within the day to be thankful for. Taking the time to recognize whatever it may be will really bring my attention to what matters most, how blessed I truly am, and force a bit of humility on me. I plan on documenting these daily by journal and sometimes on here. 

So these are my main goals throughout the year that I will be working on. I have several others, but they aren't as significant. And I'm sure that as the year passes, I will acquire other goals I would like to accomplish. Here's to a new year, a fresh start, and improvements within all of our lives! (I just raised my glass. Don't be rude, raise yours too.) Hear, Hear.