Whenever a new year begins, I don’t tend to set “resolutions”. I prefer to define a word that will guide me through the year based on the things I want to achieve the most, while maintaining a lenient attitude in case I’m not able to check every goal off my list. However, this year, the plan is to have more strict goals in place. Less space for excuses.
So, what do I want to achieve this year?
Have a breast reduction surgery
This is something I’ve contemplated for so long, and I’ve been either too scared or didn’t have the funds to go through with the surgery. Having a breast reduction surgery is something I desperately need to alleviate my back and neck pain, my posture and to feel confident buying clothing I actually want to wear.
I decided that it’s going to happen this year, and I’m saving up the funds for it so I can pay it out of pocket and not have to go through the nightmare of getting it approved by my medical insurance. For this to happen, I need to get to a lower weight, which is the second item on this list.
Get to a healthier weight
In 2019, I changed my eating habits to a low-carb lifestyle and that really helped me lose some weight. I was able to lose 50 pounds in less than a year. Unfortunately, once the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown started, we were getting takeout and eating out constantly (as an escape of the craziness mostly) and I gained most of the weight right back.
I don’t like exercising at all and it has always been a struggle to find the motivation to stay consistent. At the same time, I know that I need to do it to achieve my goal. Also, I’ve lost many loved ones in the past few years due to health issues and it has definitely put in perspective that I need to take care of my body so I can enjoy my life to the fullest.
This goal goes hand-in-hand with the breast reduction surgery, so this is something that I’m already doing so that I’m able to have the surgery at the end of the year (hopefully earlier).
Separate time each week for self-care
I tend to overwork myself to the point of exhaustion, which is something that I worked on last year and I’m getting better at setting boundaries. But I know I can do more to make self-care a priority.
I want to separate a time every week where I do something that feeds my mind, body and soul. Anything from curling up on the sofa to read a book, paint my nails, meditate, go walking around the neighborhood, and more.
Have quality time with friends and family often
This is extremely important to me. We’re in the digital era where most people are glued to their phone or computers and that quality time with your loved ones keeps decreasing.
I want to have more meaningful conversations, be present, listen to what other people have to say. I want to invite friends to my home and have a glass of wine while we catch up. I want to go to my parents’ house with board games and have a nice time reminiscing about our childhood. Those are the kind of things that feed my soul.
I’m excited at the prospect of what this year can bring, and to leave behind all the bad experiences from 2022 and not let them derail my mindset, energy and motivation.
What are some of your goals for 2023?
