New Years Evolution: Welcome to a New Decade
The start of a new century decade is pretty exciting! Happy New Year! I hope you had a great one. I spent mine on the couch nursing a whopper of a cold. The cold is so bad I wrote century rather than decade ? I don’t know about you, but I consumed too much sugar and salt, ignored portion sizes and didn’t get enough sleep over the holidays.
I’m not one to make New Year’s resolutions because mine doesn’t usually last longer than a few weeks which leaves me feeling like I failed at something. I love that Oprah calls it a New Year’s Evolution! I think that pretty much sums up what my intentions are going into this new century. It’s all about making some positive changes going forward.
I started by polishing the silverware. Say what? Most people do that before the holidays but I did it yesterday. I’ve decided I need to use even more of my “good things”. I have 3 sets of cutlery. An ugly silver plate set I bought when we got married. My mom’s silver plate set and a sterling set I found at the flea market.
I’m donating my ugly silver plate and going to use my mom’s set for every day. Why not? What am I saving it for? My mom only used it twice a year which seems like a shame so I’m not following suit. It’ll go through the dishwasher just fine so long as it doesn’t touch stainless. ♥
On the health front I’ll be:
Drinking More Water
On a good day, I don’t drink enough water and on an average day, I drink very little. Would an attractive water bottle encourage me to carry my water bottle with me? Maybe. I’ve used this Bobble Bottle for years because it filters as you drink. Most of the self-filtering bottles have a straw. I avoid straws (pucker lines) and prefer this because I can squeeze the bottle to get the water in my mouth. I’m bored with black so I just ordered the white to see if I feel more motivated when I see it.
I also ran across this really cool one called The Crazy Cap. It uses UV light to sterilize your water. Pretty cool technology and you can also just buy the cap to put on your current water bottle. I wish I’d found these before Christmas because I know two people would love it.
Getting Enough Better Sleep
A night of solid, restful night sleep is always my goal and seldom happens during the holidays. There are too many thoughts bouncing around my brain and I often get up at 4. Ugh! Now that life is getting back to normal, I’m making time to use my Rose Quartz Crystal Facial Roller right after I get into bed, then reading myself to sleep. I haven’t seen changes in my face from the roller but the process feels soothing.
I’ve been a fan of feather pillows forever but lately, my neck isn’t loving them. Like everyone else who ever watches the news, the My Pillow sounds amazing so I finally broke down and I bought this one.
Eating Healthier Food
I didn’t do much baking this holiday season but what I did, was over-consumed by me. The cookies are gone and won’t be replaced. The popcorn is finished and I won’t be buying more. We’ve topped up our fruit bowl and I’m indulging in that more often now. I’ve dug out one of my favorite cookbooks and am diving back into the veggie section.
Getting Outdoors More
While my daughter was here we went for a long walk that wasn’t necessarily aerobic but lowered my blood pressure just the same. I usually get my aerobics on a treadmill but that’s pretty boring, even while listening to an audible book. Currently listening to this). Once this cold gives me a break, I’m heading to DSW for a pair of walking shoes and plan to get outside more often. Walking is a great form of low impact exercise and much more enjoyable in the fresh air.
Making Exercise a Priority
It’s all too easy for me to put off working out. My daughter took me to the gym last week and showed me a simple routine using free weights and resistance bands that will help build my core, plus strengthen my legs and arms. I haven’t used bands in years! With my bone density test looming in a few weeks, I’ve vowed to get to the gym 3 times a week and get serious about exercise. I just ordered these exercise bands to use at home and when we travel.
Have you made resolutions?
Are you treating yourself to your best things?
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Happy new year to you and thank you for a very thought provoking blog. I alway enjoy your blog and have taken a lot of your suggestions on board and enjoyed what I have discovered in my world from your experiences and suggestions. I am a little late in my new year wishes but starting this decade with chemotherapy and facing a challenging year ahead, however when I get through this there will be no stopping me, as I am determined and intend to beat this disease. I had a mastectomy at the beginning of December and feel positive and grateful my cancer has been found. I too keep things for good and don’t use daily but now I am going to use everything and enjoy the lovely things I have and if there is something that doesn’t give me joy it will be donated. Im sorry you had to see the new year in with a cold they can’t really beat you down. Hoping this finds you well now. Best wishes and thanks. Janne. xx
I love your positive attitude, Janne! So glad the found it so you can heal quickly and get on wit life. Best wishes for a complete recovery and a fabulous year ahead! xx
Do hope you are on the mend Jennifer and feeling at least a tad better today. Personally, I’ve never been one to make New Year’s resolutions but do find your evolution ones very, very inspiring.
Also not to offend you; but it is argued that 2019 is actually the ninth year of the decade and 2020 is its last. (Similar to when one counts items, you begin/start with 1 and not zero. Also the last year of a century or a millennium ends in a zero as well.) -Brenda-
P.S.: It is said; Sweden got it right when they celebrated ‘ the beginning’ of the 3rd millennium in 2001 … ☺.)
Happy New Year. Sorry about your cold but you put together a great list. I didn’t know about the crazy cap and will pick one up. I think it would be especially useful traveling overseas. I’m scared to drink the water anywhere these days. I hope you enjoy your My Pillow. It’s a great product and you just need to find the right fit. I have purchased several over the years as gifts and for myself. I have washed mine without any problems. Plus, they are made in the USA! I too started using my mother’s sterling silver setting since 1955. She used it a couple times a year. I don’t mind polishing it, it’s therapeutic 🙂
Hi Jennifer, what a great inspiring list to start the new year! I’d like to recommend my walking shoes. They are Altra Torin Plush. They have a super wide toe box, are very supportive, but cushioned in all the right places. They are also zero drop, which is more important to me as I get older—helps me feel more connected to the ground. I discovered these babies following the first of two foot surgeries last year for arthritis in my big toes plus a hammertoe. They are just wonderful! Happy shoe hunting!
I’ll look for these. I haven’t heard of the brand. Thank you.
Happy New Year to you!
I have two things I want to accomplish this next year. Since we cannot get the surgery on my husband’s back due to his coming down with sudden onset dementia, everything has changed.
I will retire from teaching in May and will start working on getting my house equipped to handle a wheelchair.
The other thing will be getting our van fixed to accommodate a wheelchair.
Not the journey either of us planned but we are going to make the best of it all and have learned to just enjoy each golden moment as they come.
I’m so sorry to hear you’re dealing with this, Linda. I admire your strength. Take care of yourself.
First, Happy New Year.
Second, get well quickly.
Third, thanks for so much for lots of information and the many links.
I’d never heard that you could put your silver plate in the dishwasher as long as it doesn’t touch any stainless steel. I’m another with a drawer full of my mother’s cutlery. Part of my day will now be spent cleaning it up to be used.
You will enjoy them so much. It’s only been one day and we are tickled pink to use the good stuff. Happy New Year Julie