2013

 

Two Thousand Thirteen

i'm ready for you



With the New Year upon us I felt it only fitting to begin the year out right...
with a blog post...
okay, okay so I'm 11 days late, but better late than never they always say.

Are you all ready for 2013?
Have you set any goals for yourself or perhaps any cliche resolutions?
 I don't really like calling them resolutions because lets be honest, by February most of us have already broken whatever resolution we had, right?

This year is going to be busy, but it's going to be an awesome busy.

You know that kind of challenge yourself, find yourself type of year?!
I've been doing a lot of thinking (because what else is there to do really while here in South Korea while my other half works 12-14 hour days) and I feel that it's time for some personal improvements on my part. I want to be the best me for myself and for him.
 So this year I'm going to begin that journey.

 

This is how it starts...

ONE: By setting some type(s) of GOALS

1. Stretching! Yes, I just said stretching...I am by far the most stiff person I know. So my goal is to stretch daily and be able to sit and touch my toes by the end of the year. Because well, its good for your body. And I don't want to be an old hunchback lady when I'm old.

 

2. Working on my fitness. I've started a routine here in Korea with all my extra time and I'm hoping to continue that when I get to Utah by working out 3-4 days a week and hopefully inspire Mr. Shaynold along the way.  Plus, working out releases endorphins and well endorphins make you happy.

 

3. Start going back to church at least two times a month...hopefully the Mr. will wanna tag along too.

 

4. Start school full time in the fall semester. Crossing my fingers that WSU accepts me and that I can give them gross amounts of money that will force me to apply for loans. HA! Or possibly apply for some lovely scholarships. I feel like I'm a senior in high school again.

 

TWO: Stop bad habits

Last year I had chosen a word I wanted to live out through 2012 and was hoping by the end of the year I would have become more like that word. Well, somehow I dropped the ball and confidence didn't really happen.

So this year I want to change that. I want to follow through on something.
Meaning...I WON'T QUIT!

I've decided I will try again and choose another word for the year

That being:

{CALM}

I've realized I'm always tense and stressing about ridiculous things and that I need to remember how to stay calm and relax and know that I am not in control of everything.

LET IT BE / LIVE AND LET LIVE / CHOOSE MY BATTLES / STOP BEING ANNOYED
(More on this in later posts)

 

THREE: Do more of what I love

By spending a couple hours in the evening with my handsome man chatting about our day, life and getting our cuddle on. And possibly some crafting of some sort mixed in ;)

 

FOUR: Try something new

I've always wanted to play the piano and this year I'm going to start taking piano lessons.

 I have also been talking about learning how to sew, which only means...I'm going to learn!

FIVE: Keep track of my blessings

I have been a journal person for a few years now and thought it would be a great idea to have a gratitude journal this year instead. So I will write 3 things I am grateful for each and every night.

SIX: Service

I want to give more to others! I was inspired by Ashley over at The Shine Project for this one and I couldn't agree with her more that when you give to others something magical happens in your life that you can't quite explain.
I will reach out to others and let love into my life by doing something nice for someone at least once a week.

SEVEN: Relationships with people

 This year is huge when it comes to meeting new people. We will be moving to our first assignment together in March to Utah and I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't nervous. I've always been that shy, quiet girl who doesn't really talk unless you talk to me. As I have gotten older I have become less and less shy making it easier to get to know someone, but at times it can still be difficult for me to open up.
So this year I'd like to really put myself out there and get to know the people around me, like really know them...ask them questions and be interested in whatever it is they have to say. Learn from them, and see how they view the world.
My hope is that I can also extend this kind of passion to my love, my family and my friends as well.
Because after all you can never know someone too well, we are always changing and growing.

I hope that you will all read along this year and watch as I learn, struggle, love, change and grow closer to the woman I hope to be one day.

Life's a process and I am only beginning.

XOXO
Tara Ashley