2015

Word of the year: DISCIPLINE.
My signature had always been accompanied by a smiley. Always. Even way back in third grade when I first signed my social security card. Even today when I sign an email with a :). Always. So it has troubled me that for some time now I have been struggling for some time with happiness, joy, cheerfulness. Me, the natural optimist with so many blessings had become a grump. I've been at a loss for how to change this and have tried many things: grateful lists, hanging out with joyful friends, prayer, meditation, you name it. Finally I decided to change the things that I was unhappy about. Crazy thought, huh? What is it that is bringing me down? Well, my husband has always said you need to keep these five things straight to be happy, healthy, and successful: Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness and Finances. Our Faith is strong, but I need to dedicate more time to prayer. I think I'll mesh this with my new year's resolution to get up a little earlier so I can enjoy a quiet cup of coffee and pray. My family is awesome. I have been making more time for friends, especially as they are joining me for walks and runs. Fitness. Sigh. I stated out this year weighing 195, 10 lbs less than my previous pregnancy but still way more than I should. Gaining control of my weight is something I've been working at for some time. It has finally come time to get a handle on it. I needed an action plan. For me that was weight watchers. So far I'm about halfway done. I'm also training for my second ever half marathon, the navy airforce half. Which happens to coincide for training for the Anthem Richmond Marathon. Still contemplating that one [Read: talking husband into it. ;)] Finally, our finances could be better as well. The approach in taking for that is Dave Ramsey-ish. It is amazing how much of a mood lift having a game plan, a goal to work toward, is. In I where I want to be? No. But do I know where in going? Yes. And am I on that path? Yes. Is it easy? No. It requires discipline.