I'm not writing about 2015 Resolutions

I promised (myself) that I would write about what I was going to do better in 2015 because "everyone else" does it. But when it come down to it, writing it down helps keep you accountable, right? Right. So here we are.

I read a really great article on Entrepreneur about 8 daily habits that will make 2015 "explosive." So far, I'm buying it. I wouldn't call these things "resolutions" though. Because sometimes I consider those good for a year, even if I've said I would start to think positively more, or work out more. Again, it's the beginning of the year and we have the best of intentions. But, turning those "resolutions" into gosh-darn habits is what's really going to make them work.

New Year means the start of something good, forever... 

Today I'm going to share with you the first half of the daily habits. They're so good that I don't want to overcrowd one post with all of them. Try these on for size the next few days/week and see how it goes. Then, come back and read the next four and we'll see how we can all get better at those. 

Here are four of the eight daily habits: 

1. Get up early

This is actually something I decided to do after New Years, not as a resolution, but to start making a habit out of it. So far I've last 4 days getting up at 6:30 and I'm really liking it. Before I think I was getting too much sleep, sometimes waking up anywhere between  6:45 and 7:10. 6:30 isn't too bad anymore, especially when I know it's coming about 10-15 minutes after Mr. K leaves the room.

So how would I rate this on a scale of 1-10, me liking this idea: 10/10. It's working, and I'm excited to continue it. 

2. Read

Doesn't matter what, but read 20-30 minutes a day. For me, this includes the Express newspaper for the first 20 minutes on the metro ride in, and then the book I've downloaded on my Kindle Fire for the rest of the ride to and from work. I've got both the global intellectual read down and the "let me let my mind wonder for the next hour" down pat. 

Rating: 8/10

3. Exercise

Ahhhhh. This one. Gets me every time. I'm trying... so hard! I just bought a yoga Groupon yesterday in hopes of really getting my blood pumping. I tried starting Insanity a couple weeks ago, but got so discouraged because I just couldn't keep up. I'm not used to it being so hard. But that's what I get when I don't work out in 7+ months. What's wrong with me? I'm hoping yoga will bring me back and motivate me to at least do the recommended 30 minutes a day. SOMETHING at least. Stay tuned on this one. So far, my likeness score is 2/10, but my desire score is an 11/10. 

4. Practice Gratitude

Man, this can be a hard one sometimes, can't it? I've tried to do this a lot more recently, and when I catch myself doing the opposite, I bring myself back. But that's the beauty of this journey. Practicing gratitude is just that... practice. It's not going to become ingrained in you over one night. or even a week. You have to constantly be conscious of yourself and your thoughts. 

One thing that has started to work for me, or rather two things at that: one, try writing down one thing each night that you're thankful for before you go to bed. If it's one of those days and you're in a funk and you can't think of anything else except "I'm thankful that I didn't forget my winter hat this morning," than write it. 

Secondly, instead of asking your significant other, your parents, your children, "how was your day?" Ask them "what made you happy today?" or "what are you grateful for that happened today?" This stimulates more conversation, BETTER conversation, and a deeper sense of thought. Don't forget to ask yourself the same question though... what AM I grateful for today? 

DC Ladies Thankful Project Day 1

"Intentionally cultivating n attitude of gratitude will change your life"
DC Ladies

While ideas for this blog aren’t few and far between - trust me, I’ve had ideas running through my head all day I can barely get them on paper - I wanted to be able to focus on certain things, besides just our house-building process and posting pictures of amazing food my husband (and I) make. So, I stumbled across this post from the DC Ladies blog about a thought-provoking blogging challenge for the Thanksgiving season. The Thankful Project is 17 days long, and encourages you to reflect on particular things (prompts) for which you're thankful. The first day’s prompt is: A Person.

As I write this, the very first person that comes to mind is my husband. I am ever so grateful for Mr. K since the very first day I met him back in February 2008. Since the day we got married, just shy of 6 months ago, I’m constantly reminded of the patience I’ve acquired, the love of learning and teaching others, and an even bigger motivation and inspiration to extend a helping hand to others.

I could say all of the cliche things, like I’m thankful to have him in my life as my best friend, my rock, my other half… but it’s much deeper than that. We have that sort of relationship that’s as close as you’ll ever get to someone. I’m open, I’m honest, I’m protective and cautious. I’m ambitious and hard-working all because of him. If only we could both become less of procrastinators then I’d be even more thankful! I’m thankful that he’s who he is, because God has accepted him as part of my life, and my family has welcomed him as one of their own, and for that, I’m the most thankful.

Honeymoon in Jamaica, May 2013

Follow the hashtag #TDCLarethankful to hear more stories and follow our 17 days of intentional gratitude and community. And be sure to check back throughout the month leading up to Thanksgiving to see what else we’re thankful for on the blog.

Is there someone you’re especially thankful for on this day? Comment and share a special story you have this Thanksgiving season!

See you at the corner,

Krista