New Year’s resolution, what does that even mean? A resolution can be defined as, “a firm decision to do or not to do something.” After reading this and looking at my list of resolutions, I realized most of mine didn’t exactly fit that definition. Mine took on more the definition of a goal, which is “the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.”

Here I am, day two of 2015, already reevaluating my resolutions to make sure they truly do fit the definition and that I can firmly “do or not do them.” Some have already been cut, others have a game plan attached as to how to achieve them and the rest have moved to my other list; New Year’s goals. As you read my lists below, some things might seem silly, intense, crazy, heartfelt or all of the above. But above all else and beyond the lists, my biggest hope for 2015 is PEACE. Peace at home, peace with the world, peace with God and peace within myself, knowing I’m right where I need to be.

2015 Resolutions

• Read my devotionals EVERYDAY – I am guilty at times to skip one day and then double up the next, but the truth is I need that time with God daily. It sets the tone for my day and even if I don’t accomplish another thing I always feel much more at peace.
•  Go on at least one date a month with Chase – Since having Kellen we have only been on two dates and if we are honest it hasn’t been good for our marriage. Are we on the verge of divorce because of it? Absolutely not! But, we have grown cold towards one another at times and can easily take each other for granted because we forget to see the person we fell in love with amidst the day to day tasks of life.
• Volunteer at least once a month as a family – I truly do believe that serving others is one of the best ways to humble yourself and serve God’s kingdom. It’s something I want to instill in Kellen’s heart at a young age and I think it’s important for him to see both mommy and daddy doing it together.
• Quiet time for the entire family once a week – Meaning no technology, no nothing for a specific amount of time. Technology brings constant connection to the outside world which is good in moderation, but we all need to unplug at times. We also need times to rest, not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. My hope is that by setting a specific time each week as a family to be still, we will find greater peace and clearer minds towards what God has planned for our life.

2015 Goals

• Run a 5k – I have set this goal for the past 3 years and have yet to run one. This year I will accomplish it and if I haven’t by December 31, 2015 I’ll have Chase record me running 3.1 miles in a tutu just for your enjoyment and my accountability!
• Start a blog – Already did it!
• Pay off at least one loan – None of them are even close to being paid off but we’re determined to be debt free by the time Chase is 30 (In a few short weeks he’ll be closer to 30 then 25 but shhh don’t tell him I told you!
• Get Kellen’s scrapbook up to date – Wish me luck, he’s 16 months and I’ve yet to start it
•  Rank advance to AT LEAST the diamond level in Beachbody – The opportunity Beachbody provides for financial freedom and designing your own life is unbelievable! I have so many goals that are attached to this one and it’s something that will truly be a dream come true if I achieve it. The best part about it? If God allows me to succeed, it will mean I have helped more people along the way to live healthier lives and achieving their God sized dreams!

There you have it, my resolutions, hopes, goals and dreams for the entire world to see. I wanted to share them for a few reasons. One being that studies have shown people are 80% more likely to achieve their goals if they write them down, 80%! So grab your pen and paper, computer or cell phone and start writing down your goals today. Next, it gives me a greater sense of accountability. So if you see me walking down the street, don’t hesitate to ask what my daily devotional was about or if I’m training for my 5k yet! Lastly, my hope is that you realize my life isn’t perfect. I struggle daily whether it’s an internal battle or I’m at my wits end with Kellen. But instead of letting my struggles, weaknesses and inabilities bring me down, I use them to fuel my fire while standing firm in my faith that Jesus has come so that “I may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Happy New Year!

Alexa Marie