There is something about the juxtaposition of the holiday season and the New Year that I find so very refreshing.
The holidays involve decorating, parties, shopping, indulgence, travel, and packing many family members into one house, among other merry things.
In sharp contrast, I actually get really excited for January each year! Matt’s birthday is smack in the middle of the month, and I often joke that it’s the “worst month of the year” because of all the dreary cold weather and lack of holidays, but really, I think it’s one of the best months (changing my heart Kanz!) I absolutely LOVE the cleansing feeling that January brings.
Each January I can’t wait to take down the Christmas decorations. What was once beautiful and festive starts to feel a bit too much like clutter.
I also can’t wait to get the tree out of my living room!
I love the refocus the whole world puts on health and fitness. Just knowing there will be more people talking about healthy living gets me revved up.
And I love the simplicity that January brings. Routines, quiet evenings, cooked meals at home, no suitcases. (Except this January we are taking a trip west! D’oh!)
I don’t put a lot of weight on New Years Resolutions, but I do have a few goals for the new year:
// Read more. I LOVE my Kindle and even if I’m watching TV in the evenings, I want to end with some reading. It’s hard for me to stay awake at night, so a little reading during my day – even if it cuts into my work time a little – would be good for the soul.
// Do more hot yoga. We have a handful of new studios to choose from, and I want to sweat and stretch more in the middle of the winter. I’ve just started to get back into hot yoga and have been loving it!
// Focus on nutrient density. There are so many real foods that aren’t really bad for you, but are they the best choices? Do I really need a cornbread muffin with my salad? More smoothies and salads is always the answer. I want to eat a little more vegetarian this year.
// Focus on being my best self. Nourish friendships. Practice thoughtfulness and gratitude. Play outside with Mazen more. Take more hot baths at night.
What are you focusing on this year?
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says
I love January but I feel terrile for the hubbs his bday is the 4th, every one is still recovering from the holidays. Love the simplicity of your goals and that smoothie pictures makes me want to dive into the screen!
KathEats says
You should throw him a smoothie themed birthday party : )
Jodi says
I’m with you Kath, as much as i adore the holidays, I cannot wait to clear the house of clutter! One of my goals for the new year is to be more present. Social media is such a time suck and I spend way too much precious time on it in the evenings. I received an adult coloring book for Christmas and have been coloring at night. So fun! Happy New Year!
Amanda says
My sister has been coloring a lot lately so I bought her a new coloring book for Christmas. I’m thinking about starting. She says it’s soothing.
Tonya says
I like the feeling of this “wish list”. It’s positive and leaves room for growth. There isn’t a single negative command like “no more this” or “do only/eat only that”. I also love that the list is short and focuses on small changes rather than a complete overhaul.
Hilary says
This year I want to focus more on slowing down and enjoying the now.
[email protected] says
Whole foods, less exercise, more sleep and rest, and making more time for family!
Emily @ Life on Food says
The idea of being your best self is so intriguing to me. Improving a little bit each day of who you hope to be.
Jess says
Love your wish list!
Matt says
Nah it’s still the worst
KathEats says
Haha!!
Jackie says
I’m so with you on the decorations starting to feel more like clutter. Everything is put away except the tree, but with only the lights and no ornaments it’s actually quite pretty!
This year I want to have less background TV, dinners at the dining table, and make an effort to have some date nights (which we have done barely any since our little babe was born in May). Hope you have a great New Years Eve!
Kiersten outlaw says
Hi Kath! I remember on your last New Years post you mentioned trying for a baby. Are you guys still wanting to add to your family?
KathEats says
Yes, but we’ve postponed a bit more 🙂
Claire p says
Hey kath! Not to be noisy…I’m just curious your reasons for holding off? My husband and I are contemplating #2, and postponing has been a serious conversation! I respect you as a mother and just curious your thoughts! Happy new year!
KathEats says
Just not quite ready yet! I think there is a lot of pressure to have kids back to back, but we feel that it would be best for our family to space them out a bit more and enjoy each age/stage.
lisa @bitesforbabies says
I don’t usually make a resolution list since I thinks it puts too much pressure on attaining one’s goals. I love how you call it a ‘wish list!’ My wish list is to also do more hot yoga (I only do it once a week), and to complete my Reiki training 😉
Tracy says
I loved this post!! Well said, Kath!
Happy New Year!!!
Katie @ Live Half Full says
My “theme” for 2016 is to focus on what matters. I’m looking forward to simplifying a bit and setting goals to match my intentions.
Chelsea says
Good resolution list! I love the focus on a healthy new year as well. Still, I’m all for keeping the tree and decorations up until past New Year’s. 🙂
Lisa C says
Good resolutions!
Mine are: more dates with husband (even if it means after kids are in bed we order takeout and play cards), more books, less worry/more prayer, decluttering/minimalism, and trying to enjoy winter more than wishing it away (I truly am not a big fan of being cold and stuck inside! ).
Blessings to you and yours in the new year!
JMK says
This is such a sweet wish list.
I would love to read a post about how your nurture your relationship with Matt (especially with a busy schedule and even busier little one!) and how, as an adult, you nurture your relationship with your parents and sister.
Amanda says
As a fitness coach… I love, love, LOVE the openness and sincerity with which people speak about the upcoming year and their health goals. It’s rare for people to truly assess where they can improve, and this time of year invites that type of honest thought. Love it!
Erin Shmidt says
Playing outside is great idea! January bday here and I love having excuse to party in January. And this year I’m running my first marathon!
Jeri says
Wish List? TO get back to pilates and use my nutri bullet more. Use my juicer more.
Vicki says
Your wish list looks pretty similar to mine. I also love this time of year- a chance to take stock and focus on what’s important in the coming year.
Regarding the baby thing – I had two back to back and it’s tough!!!!! We did it because I think if we’d left it we would have become so comfortable with just one we probably wouldn’t have had another. Anyway my point is – do it when you guys are ready. Having one that is slightly older brings a lot of advantages 🙂
Anne says
Totally agree with your sentiments. The new year is exciting to me!