Resolutions in Reverse

It’s the time of year when everyone is taking stock of 2017 and making their big plans and commitments for the new year. And, yes, I’m making resolutions … cause, well, what would I have to blog about and make lists of this week if I didn’t!? (I LOVE making lists)

BUT something else I have done the past few years, unintentionally, is given some statistics to the previous year … miles traveled, new cities visited, books that went unread, etc. So, I’m going to challenge you to make REVERSE resolutions!

Here is the best example I can give … last year, I did NOT resolve to take my son to new places and big cities. BUT, upon reflection, Henry traveled with me to DC, LA, and NYC. How fun is that? We also made dozens of day trips to local towns (shout out to the Lafayette Moms Blog and NOLA Moms Blog). I took him to do things and see things! Talk about a great reverse resolution!

I also remodeled my kitchen this past year. WHAT.A.TASK. It’s actually still not fully done (even though the process started roughly July 8^th). Last January, however, I would have NEVER resolved to update my house in such a valuable and functional manner. It also helps that I WON the appliances … couldn’t have resolved to do that either!

This past year, I also started a side business of offering cooking classes and selling baked goods! It all sprung out of a conversation with a friend who is a mixologist (fancy word for bartender), wanting more interactive things to do myself, and my love for baking! I am quite content in my current job. I love my work. I received a promotion this year! Starting a business was NOT on my radar January 1^st but it happened and is reverse resolution worthy!

Now, in the realm of the traditional three: finance, Bible reading, fitness/health … those are the ones that typically get called out every year (or some variation there of), I held steady. I didn’t lose a ton of weight, but I also maintained pretty healthy food habits. I didn’t save a ton of money, but I also made some good financial decisions and started weighing out things like re-financing my house and paid off a lingering credit card. And I read the majority of a Psalms book that has 5 minute daily readings!

This year, I have some pretty strait forward resolutions that still give me plenty of room to have some success as well as allow me to name some reverse resolutions. Piggy backing off what happened last year without intention: I hope to paint most interior rooms of my home (so the kitchen doesn’t look out of place), wake up before my son most school / work days so we can start ahead and not behind, and visit at least one new place with Henry this year!

What were your successes last year that you didn’t plan for? Celebrate those! And let those give you confidence going in to the New Year!