Oh How I Love a Fresh Start

I don't think many people share my sentiments for New Years Resolutions. It seems like everyone experiences more anxiety about the pressure to succeed over these goals, than the hope for success that I've personally experienced.

You know I didn't even accomplish most of my goals from last year. Whomp whomp.

I didn't lose twenty pounds (I probably gained 10 more). I didn't run a half marathon; I got mildly injured during training and had to stop. I definitely did not paint "At least once per week," nor did I finish reading all of the released books from a Song of Ice and Fire (yet).

One of my favorite resolutions from last year is below:

• "Actively support Bernie Sanders: Create a plan of action for if Trump gets elected (i.e. sell cat to your sister and emigrate to New Zealand)."

HA HA HA HA! Well, here we are. I did not actively support any political candidate, though I did vote, and I never expected Trump to get elected, nor do I have any plans to abscond to another country (yet) and desert my cat. Athena is staying right here on MY couch.

​A comprehensive list of my resolutions from last year is on my previous blog.

I was able to travel overseas, several times. I went to London (though I was physically ill for most of it) and I went on a European cruise! Plus I'm headed to Canada tomorrow to visit my best friend and her fiancé. 

Got to be there for Amanda and Mathew's engagement!

​Despite having not achieved most of my goals for 2016, I'm faced with creating new ones for 2017. I know a lot of people wouldn't bother with it (especially with such a sad track record). What can I say? Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment. Here I go again. 

Angela's 2017 New Years Resolutions

1. I specifically want to lose 27 lbs. I was able to weigh myself on my new scale this morning and I'm truthfully going to tell you it read 182lbs. My goal weight (the weight I feel most comfortable at) is 155lbs. If I focus on roughly 1.7lbs lost per week, I can do it within a year.
2. Save up enough money to purchase a new car. I may not buy one, but I'd like to be able to financially afford one. 
3. Create more art: I'd like to finish the large oil painting I'm working on now, and fully complete another large scale oil painting. 
4. Create better QUALITY of work: This year I want to focus on developing my style further and NOT getting lazy while working on the "boring parts." I need to remember that every part of my paintings work together to create a unique viewing experience.
5. Learn some new, healthy recipes that I can cycle into my cooking.
6. Blog more regularly. This was on last year's list, but aparrently I ignored it. I don't like being told what to do, even if I'm the one telling it.
7. Take better self-care: Take make-up off before bed. Drink tea. Take time to replenish strength. Blah blah, quinoa. 
8. Journal more frequently.
9. Take more walks and hikes. Spend more time outside away from screens.
10. Deepen friendships and foster new connections. 

There it is Ladies and Gentelmen. My 2017 list of improvements tomy life. I hope I can keep it better than I did last year. I'm older now. I've learned a few things, right? All I need is a little motivation and self-control (except when ramen is involved).

Xoxo,

Angela DeCamp