In 2019, I Will...

I've got to be honest: 2018 is the first year in a long time that has ended with me feeling less than great - & I've been feeling way less than great lately. I don't totally know why because, in reality, 2018 was a pretty darn good one - but right now, I'm looking forward as much as I'm looking back, trying to figure out how I can start feeling better in 2019.

That's what these resolutions goals are focused on: looking forward & feeling better. Here's what I've got on deck in the new year - to start.

Go back to therapy.

This is my number-one goal for 2019. I stopped therapy in mid-2015, & I haven't felt like I've needed it since then - until now. I didn't look for a therapist in December as planned, but it's the first thing I need to get on top of in the new year.

In 2019, I'm pursuing mental health... again. It feels disappointing & borderline embarrassing to relapse like this after a few years of doing so well & feeling so healthy, but I guess that's how it goes, right? Just gotta take it as it comes - & take care of myself.

Complete 100 Harness Cycle classes... & keep going

At the time of this writing, I've got 20 classes to go, so if I stay on track, I should hit 100 Harness classes by early to mid-February - but I have no plans to stop once I get there. Anyone want to come celebrate my 100th ride with me?

In 2019, here's to many more rides - including the ones designated only for Club 100 members!

Try (at least) 10 new kinds of workouts

Of all my goals, this feels among the most daunting. Since starting to work out today, as I've written before, I haven't lost a single pound - & have, in fact, gained quite a few. I know, I know, "You can't out-exercise a bad diet" (we'll get to that in a sec), but I'd also like to diversify my exercise in an effort to try to be healthier.

In 2019, I'd like to try some other workouts. I certainly don't plan to abandon Harness, but I'd like to put my newfound workout confidence to use & try a few new places.

Focus on healthy eating

I eat like crap. I know it. I try to tell myself that I don't - & I have, to some extent, gotten better about it - but overall, man, I eat poorly. And it's time for that to change.

In 2019, I'd like to... eat better, period. I barely know where to begin, but I swear to God, this will be the year I not only begin but continue. 

Take a solo vacation of some sort

I've been daydreaming of a week-long vacation/staycation to some sort of cabin or yurt or treehouse or something else outdoorsy & barely wifi accessible. I've never done this before, but maybe this is the year for it?

In 2019, I'll explore a few options & book one & not feel bad about taking a frivolous, just-for-me week of work to not even go anywhere amazing. Know what's amazing? Mental health.

Save at least $5k

This goal is so elusive to me. This year, I paid off my credit card bill, but truth be told, I still didn't quite figure out how to live within my means, as evidenced by the fact that I wasn't able to save as much as I wanted or intended to. That's gonna hit me hard come tax season (uh, like, a week from now).

In 2019, I'm committing to not withdrawing from my savings account, like, ever, unless it's for something huge & unexpected, like a health bill or car issues. No drawing from my savings to supplement my daily living... or spending.

Read 80+ books again

This year, my goal was actually only 75 books, & I blew through it to hit 100. I don't like to set the goal of 100, though, because reading isn't a race, & I don't want to turn down long books out of fear that they'll take me so long to read that they'll be a detriment to my ability to read more... or something.

In 2019, I'll aim for 80 books, which is pretty easy/average for me, & if I go beyond that, great. I'll never be upset to read more than planned - but I don't want to set myself up to leave behind great books in pursuit of a random numerical goal.

Participate in some sort of professional development

I feel like all my friends have masters degrees, & here I am, plugging away at the same job I've had for 6+ years (at the same place I've worked for 11+ years). It's time for me to do something that will make me feel good about my skills, empowered by my efforts to learn more, & equipped to do more, better, & with new knowledge.

In 2019, I'm looking for some kind of online class or course that will help me become a better digital marketing and/or overall communicator. Do you know of anything like this? Get at me!

Focus on friendships

I don't feel like I have a lot of close friends here in Cleveland. I love the folks I know, but I wouldn't say we're close, which means that when I want that debriefing-out-with-a-BFF feeling, I'm at a loss - unless I turn to FaceTime with long-distance friends.

In 2019, I'd like to put extra effort into being a good friend & cultivating closer friendships, whether with the people I already know or new people entirely. So, um, does anyone wanna be my friend?

What are you aiming for in the new year?