“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” --Marcus Aurelius

January: Nutrition and Health

February: Kindness and Generosity

March: Order and Purpose

April: Strength and Flexibility

May: Relationships

June: Adventure and Fun

July: Community and Environment

August: Knowledge and Interests

September: Sleep and Tranquility

October: Simplicity and Moderation

November: Gratitude and Positivity

December: Spirituality and Resolution

This month is about having a grateful and positive attitude. Even though I occasionally take it for granted, I really do have so much to be thankful for. Just last night we got home from a baby shower that my husband's old neighborhood hosted for us. Everyone was so warm and inviting, and I was overwhelmed with hugs, compliments, good food, and generous gifts. This shower is one of five baby showers that friends, family or coworkers have thrown for us. FIVE baby showers! Of course I am excited to get nice, new, much-needed things for our baby, but I mostly just feel very blessed that we have so many loving, supportive people in our lives. Even more, for 9 months I have had a happy, healthy pregnancy with no big discomforts, complications, or complaints. I'm married to my high school sweetheart and best friend, and he is equally excited to welcome our little boy into this world. We have a safe, comfy home and stable jobs with lots of vacation time. And when I take a minute to appreciate things like driving a new car or wearing a beautiful diamond ring, I would be crazy to not realize that I am either spoiled or very lucky.

This is not to say that things are always perfect, though. I was tossing and turning most of the night with stomach cramps and back aches, I was irritable this morning and seemed to focus only on the fact that my thighs seem to be growing at the same rate as my belly, I was late for work and had to rush to prepare for my first class, and I found myself stressing out about preparing for maternity leave and all the expenses of having a baby. I don't expect to be positive and grateful every second of every day, but I do know I need to work on having a better attitude and perspective, especially on days like today.

So this month, appropriately the same month as Thanksgiving, will be about remembering and celebrating that I have so much to be grateful for. I should never be waking up grumpy or dwelling on the things I wish were better, instead I should be rejoicing in the fact that I was given another day to live and enjoy. Telling people I appreciate them, finding the positive in every situation, and counting my blessings as I go to bed and wake up each day are simple things I plan to do this month.

“You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you.” — Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Simplicity, clarity, singleness: These are the attributes that give our lives power and vividness and joy." --Richard Holloway

January: Nutrition and Health
February: Kindness and Generosity
March: Order and Purpose
April: Strength and Flexibility
May: Relationships
June: Adventure and Fun
July: Community and Environment
August: Knowledge and Interests
September: Sleep and Tranquility
October: Simplicity and Moderation
November: Gratitude and Positivity
December: Spirituality and Resolution

Between working full-time, waddling around with an extra 30 pounds and preparing to bring a little one home in the next couple months (!!!!!), if there was ever a time for me to take a step back and simplify my life a little, I think now would be the time. Unfortunately, keeping things as uncomplicated and easy as possible is easier said than done, and it's even harder if you're a woman. I don't know how, but men seem to have mastered the art of simplicity. Let me give you some examples:

My husband only needs one bar of soap and one bottle of shampoo to take a shower, and he only wants the same Irish Spring soap and the same Head and Shoulders shampoo that he has used for years and years. I've seen commercials for the new Irish Spring men's body wash or soap with moisturing beads, and I'm like, "Oooh, that looks nice and different, you should try that," but he won't have anything to do with it. When it comes to food, I'm about 99% accurate at knowing what he'll order off any menu at any restaurant, and that's because he is a meat and potatoes type of guy (and by that I mean sausage and hashbrowns or hamburger and french fries). And his morning routine (shower, shave, and dress) takes about ten minutes.

I, on the other hand, am not like this. Even if I find a product I like, I want to try a new body wash and salt scrub and face wash and shampoo and conditioner every time I go to the store. I also like to have a variety of scents and textures to choose from so I can match what I use that day to my mood. My husband would never know what I want from a restaurant because my cravings and preferences change all the time. I get overwhelmed when there is a large menu and I have to make a decision because I want to try a little bit of everything, and there is always a battle between choosing ol' trusty and trying something new. I'll usually change my mind at least a dozen times because what if I don't end up liking what I ordered? Oh, that's the worst! And my morning routine (shower or bath or neither, coffee, sometimes Good Morning America, curl or straighten hair, breakfast, makeup, try on several different outfits, put on perfume and jewelry, put the dog outside, decide I don't like what I'm wearing and change, get my lunch ready, turn off lights...), let's just say it takes over an hour.

Why do things have to be so complicated? I guess the answer is that they don't. I don't plan on changing my ways entirely, but I do know that simplicity and moderation are virtues. So here's what I'm thinking this month:

• Cut back on buying "stuff." Before buying products, groceries, clothes, etc, ask whether it is a need or a want. Limit the wants as much as possible. This will cut back on clutter, save money, and might open my eyes to how much unnecessary "stuff" I buy each month.
• Minimize my to-do list. I'm slowly learning that it's okay to procrastinate, to say no to people, and to be a little lazy at times. So what if I didn't get those papers graded or have enough energy to change the sheets? Life will go on just the same.
• Single-task. I am definitely a multi-tasker, but it can leave me feeling frazzled and all over the place. Focus on doing and completing one thing at a time.
• Have some quiet, media-free time each day. My favorite part of Yoga class is the last ten minutes, when the instructor has us get comfortable, close our eyes, and just concentrate on our breathing. Our world is so busy and over-stimulating that we forget to take time to just be still and breathe. It's good to turn off the TV, put away the cell phone, and just live in the moment for a little bit each day.
• Moderate food. I've already mentioned that I've gained 30 pounds in my pregnancy, and this did not happen from eating apples and carrot sticks all day. At dinner on Friday, I literally put away a piece of chocolate cake and ice cream in two minutes flat (and it said "big enough to share" on the menu). I think indulging is fine, but I felt ridiculously, uncomfortably stuffed for the next few hours and can safely assume I've gained 31 pounds at this point. "All things in moderation" is a good motto!
• Spend less time worrying about or deciding on issues. Don't insist on complicating things. Remember that life is really pretty simple.

"Sleep is the best meditation." --Dalai Lama

January: Nutrition and Health
February: Kindness and Generosity
March: Order and Purpose
April: Strength and Flexibility
May: Relationships
June: Adventure and Fun
July: Community and Environment
August: Knowledge and Interests
September: Sleep and Tranquility
October: Simplicity and Moderation
November: Gratitude and Positivity
December: Spirituality and Resolution

This month's goal is pretty ironic because lately I've gotten the worst sleep of my entire LIFE! Pregnancy plays the cruel joke of making you extremely tired (hmmm, I guess it takes a lot of energy to create a human from scratch), yet between the frequent bathroom trips in the middle of the night, the "don't sleep on your back or stomach" rule, a kicking baby, an abnormally high body temperature, and a general feeling of discomfort and achiness...let's just say a peaceful night's sleep is near impossible. To top it off, I've developed a cold over the past week, which has left me feeling pretty miserable at night (and you guessed it, no Nyquil)!

I have always loved sleep. I love taking naps, I love sleeping late, and if I could get 10 hours of sleep each night, I would gladly take it. This might also explain why I have black curtains in my bedroom and invested in a memory foam mattress and pricey soft sheets...ahhhh! Making sleep a goal was a no-brainer because it is something that definitely makes me happier and healthier; however, when I wrote these goals I had no plans of being pregnant this year. Successfully incorporating more sleep into my life is not only a lot trickier now, but it is also important for the baby. The other part of this goal is tranquility, and by that I mean more stillness and relaxation each day. This summer I had so much time to sleep in, read books, and concentrate on taking care of myself, but now I am busy with work and my life has gotten chaotic again. So here are some changes I plan to make this month:

• Let's start with the obvious: go to bed earlier.


• Relax with a hot bath, candles, and bath salts at night : ).


• Read before bed instead of watching TV. If I do watch TV, make it something light-hearted or calming (What? Dateline murder investigations at 11 pm aren't a good idea?).


• No stressful housework on weekdays. I was reading in a magazine today that women who work full-time and do household chores during the week have heightened levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Even though it drives me crazy to have dirty dishes in the sink or piles of laundry to do, maybe I need to try ignoring it and save chores for the weekend.


• Exercise a little every day. I started that Prenatal Yoga class for the first time last night, and it was WONDERFUL. It wasnt too intense, and I felt limber and relaxed when I left.


• Write down to do lists or worrisome thoughts before bed so I don't stay up dwelling on them.


• Pamper myself. A massage or pedicure goes a long way, especially when you're 6-9 months pregnant. I think I can splurge a little this month if it means being more relaxed.

I'm actually pretty excited to get started on this month's goal! Now if I could just find a cure for a snoring husband...

"When we know better, we do better." --Maya Angelou

January: Nutrition and Health

February: Kindness and Generosity
March: Order and Purpose
April: Strength and Flexibility
May: Relationships
June: Adventure and Fun
July: Community and Environment
August: Knowledge and Interests
September: Sleep and Tranquility
October: Simplicity and Moderation
November: Gratitude and Positivity
December: Spirituality and Resolution

I'll go ahead and warn you, if you could care less about pregnancy, childbirth and babies, then save yourself some time and quit reading now. These topics are pretty much all I can talk or think about these days, and that probably has something to do with my moving and growing belly serving as a constant reminder. Just this summer I've read The Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, The Joys of Pregnancy, Your Pregnancy Week by Week, Belly Laughs, What to Eat When You're Expecting, What to Expect When You're Expecting, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Natural Childbirth, The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy, and Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five, and this doesn't include magazines, iphone apps, and email subscriptions. This also doesn't include the dozens of books about labor and nursing and sleep habits that I've saved on my kindle or borrowed to read over the next few months. I'm just halfway through my pregnancy, yet I already have a nursery, signed up for prenatal classes, have my first baby shower in the works, registered for strollers and burp cloths, and traded in my tiny car for a (much safer) SUV. I am not sure if I'm nuts or if this is what all excited moms do, but I know it can't do any harm going into this parenting business feeling educated and prepared...right?

This is really the first topic I have felt this way about. (Don't get me wrong, I'm crazy about Shakespeare and Razorback football, but not with near the same intensity.) I have never understood how my husband could happily spend all his spare time researching fishing equipment, watching fishing shows, talking about fish and fixing up old fishing boats, not out of necessity or obligation or boredom, but out of sheer interest. (Did I mention my husband suggested "Fisher" as a potential boy name? Just saying.) I think I get it now because I finally found something I am genuinely passionate about, too. Learning how to raise a healthy, happy child has become so interesting and all-consuming for me that now I'm the one spending all my spare time researching baby equipment, watching baby shows, talking about babies and fixing up the spare bedroom! When I started this blog in December, I planned for August to be about knowledge and interests, but I didn't realize at the time that I'd be 5 months pregnant and my life would be totally centered around this little baby boy. With that said, here's what I plan to do this month to pursue knowledge and interests:

• More books! Yes, maybe I can break a world record for the number of books read during a single pregnancy. If baby books were crack, then I'd be a crack addict, I admit it. A baby's development in and out of the womb is completely miraculous, and I learn something new and fascinating about it with each new book.



• Starting this week, my husband and I begin a 12 week natural childbirth class. Even though natural childbirth has been linked to shorter labors, less complications, and less side effects for mom and baby, I've had many people, including doctors, tell me I'm insane for wanting a drug-free labor and delivery. I have no problem with women choosing or needing to receive interventions and pain medicine, and for all I know I will be one of them, but I do believe childbirth is supposed to be a beautiful, empowering experience rather than a scary medical procedure (and I don't care what anybody says, epidurals and episiotomies are SCARY). While modern medicine can be very beneficial and convenient, when it comes down to it I want to feel in control of and confident in my body instead of it being numbed or immobilized. Obviously this is way easier said than done, and it will probably be the hardest thing I ever do, so I know I need to be as prepared and knowledgeable about it as I can.
  
  
• Research. There are so many options when it comes to raising a child, from types of carseats, to parenting styles, to vaccinations, to childcare...and the list goes on. Some of these decisions are simple, but others are controversial and could be life-changing! I know some of my anxiety will be alleviated by talking to other moms, researching the internet, and asking professionals their opinion.
  
  
• This month I decided to start a prenatal Yoga class, too. Not only is it a good way to stay fit and limber, it will also give me a chance to be around other pregnant women.
  
  
• Explore other interests and topics outside of babies. Ok, so I don't know what those might be at this moment. I guess I have a new year of school coming up, so I could work on lesson plans...or maybe I could take a cooking class or read a new fiction book...nah, who am I kidding? I'll just stick to babies.
  

FYI :)

The format of my blog is going to change just a little bit. Instead of posting twice a month, I am going to post just once at the beginning of each month. Between the craziness of a new school year and my third trimester quickly approaching, I want to simplify things a little. I'll be sure to reflect on each goal and the year as a whole at the end of December!

"When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves." -David Orr

January: Nutrition and Health

February: Kindness and Generosity
March: Order and Purpose
April: Strength and Flexibility
May: Relationships
June: Adventure and Fun
July: Community and Environment
August: Knowledge and Interests
September: Sleep and Tranquility
October: Simplicity and Moderation
November: Gratitude and Positivity
December: Spirituality and Resolution

Taking care of the community and environment is very important to me, but I'm also guilty of being a walking contradiction at times. I believe in buying locally, but I definitely visit Walmart more than the farmer's market or co op. I think recycling and reducing waste is crucial to protecting the environment, but my recycling bin doesn't make it to the curb every week. I will have my moments where I'm extremely aware of turning off lights, the AC, and running water and then many more where it's the last thing on my mind. I've watched the earth-friendly documentary "No Impact Man" and had hands-on experience in college with self-sustainability, and although I already know that I will never have the discipline to live to those extremes, I can and should be doing way more to live in a way that respects and protects the Earth and my community. Most of my actions that have a negative impact are done out of sheer laziness or convenience, and that is not a good enough excuse when I am a role model, as a teacher and future parent, to a generation that will inherit the planet and carry on my habits. So here's the plan:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

As I'm typing this, I'm looking at the remnants of my lunch from Stonemill Bread Co. The good side is that it is local and fresh; the bad side is I'm staring at a styrofoam cup and several empty containers and packages all from my one small meal. It would be unreasonable for me to say that I want to be completely waste-free, but that doesn't mean I can't cut down in many ways. Next time I get takeout, I will request less bags and try to reuse containers for leftovers and lunches. My large, reusable shopping bags will stay in my car for each grocery trip, and I'm not sure how, but I'm going to remember to bring them in with me this time!

Our current trash system has brought a whole new meaning to "out of sight, out of mind." I am sometimes astonished at how full our trashcan is each week (and with just two people in our house!), yet it is quickly forgotten when the trash is emptied and whisked away to a landfill somewhere. I went TODAY, for the first time ever, and bought some bins to separate recyclables and looked up info about my city's recycling program. I think having these bins by the trashcan will be a constant reminder to recycle every day, every week.

(And when I bought the bins, I bypassed bags for all my other purchases and just had them load everything in these. See, I'm already making less of an impact!)

Food

I went to a wedding last weekend that was on a farm. The food was unbelievably fresh and delicious, which is probably why I helped myself to two plates. The steak kabobs were from the family's cow that was alive just a couple days before and the fruits and vegetables were recently picked out of the garden by the bride's friends (green beans, potatoes, tomatoes with basil, cantaloupe, mint, and blueberries...yum!). Maybe it goes without saying, but tasting a ripe green bean that was just picked off the plant is a totally different experience, nutritionally and for the taste buds, than having a soggy green bean out of a can. Being fortunate enough to grow up with a large garden in my grandparent's backyard and now having a mother-in-law with two vegetable gardens, I have known for a long time that what most Americans call food is not really food at all. You can't taste the beauty and freshness of the earth in a Happy Meal or Snickers, and there can't be anything right about eating artificial or genetically modified foods. This is not to say that I haven't enjoyed my fair share of junk food and that chocolate cake is off the menu, but I am eating for two these days and want to raise my family to be healthy and aware of what REAL food is. This month, I plan for the majority of my meals to be fresh, preferably organic, local food and to plant a little herb garden (a vegetable garden is going in my backyard next year, I swear!).

Think Local

I'm not one of those people that thinks big corporations are corrupting our world and shouldn't be supported. Places like Walmart have provided many of my friends and family members with a job, supported many fundraisers for my school, and once started out as the little man themselves. I would be devasted, though, if some of my favorite local diners, boutiques, and grocery stores went out of business. Even if these places are more expensive or less convenient, I'm happy knowing my money is going to hard-working people that live in my hometown, plus the service and products are usually better anyway! Between the farmer's market, fruit stands, the co op, and the family garden, I have plenty of places to get healthy food that supports the local farmers and economy. And between places like Ultra Studios and Maude, I really don't need to go shopping in the mall. We'll see how this goes, but I will try to be more mindful of choosing local businesses when I get out to run my errands.

Go Green

Although all of the above things are part of the green movement, there are other things I can do to be an advocate for the environment. Buying green cleaning supplies and beauty products is one major way, not to mention it is safer and better for your body. (The best cleaning tip I've ever taken: Put some vinegar and a full pot of water in your coffee maker and press start. Scrub baking soda in your bath/shower/sink and then pour the hot water from the coffeepot over everything. It cleans your bathroom, drains, and coffee maker squeaky clean and it is all natural and cheap!) Reducing the amount I use my car and utilities in my house will also be a huge priority this month. Turning off power strips and unplugging appliances, as well as switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs, can add up to quite a bit of savings on energy bills. It also wouldn't hurt for me to get out and plant some flowers and trees, fill our bird feeder with some seeds, and appreciate living in The Natural State!

"We all moan and groan about the loss of the quality of life through the destruction of our ecology, and yet every one of us, in our own little comfortable ways, contributes daily to that destruction. It's time now to awaken in each one of us the respect and attention our beloved Mother deserves."

-Ed Asner

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."--Marcel Proust

After reading my last post, I mention that the purpose of adding more fun and adventure in my life is so I don't become too sedentary and stuck in my comfort zone, but really I think the Nadine Stair quote said it best. I've learned a pretty simple lesson this month. Lately I've been so inspired by the tiny life growing inside me that it has changed my perspective on what matters and it has brought me a sense of clarity and gratefulness that I've never had before. Even more, a friend from high school tragically lost his baby boy to SMA this month, and knowing that every second of Miller's short life was special and appreciated has really moved me to change the way I live my own.

Although I will always look forward to fun and new experiences, I realize now that I'm not truly living my life every time I count down the hours until work is over, or the days until the upcoming weekend or the weeks until my next vacation. What about the large amounts of time spent in between all this "fun" stuff? Rather than planning for fun and adventurous experiences, I have spent the past few weeks finding enjoyment in each moment and each part of everyday life. Living a fulfilling life with no regrets is less about going on amazing vacations and wild adventures, but it is more about finding the beauty in everyday things, not worrying so much, and not wasting a single precious second we are given on this earth. My husband, my home, my family, my job: these things are all I need to lead a fun and happy life, and I honestly don't know if I could have said that a few months ago.

I guess it's also safe to say that what I once considered the definition of fun and adventure (partying like a rock star in Vegas comes to mind) doesn't sound all that fun (or doctor approved) anymore. These days, cuddling with my husband in a hammock and making each other laugh sounds like fun. Having friends over for a cookout and board games sounds like fun.Taking my dog on a walk and eating cookie dough ice cream sounds like fun. Reading a good book and falling asleep in bed by 10 pm actually sounds like fun. I am slowly turning into *gulp* an old person...but I think I like it.

Thank you, Miller, for teaching me that every little moment matters.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do...Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain

January: Nutrition and Health
February: Kindness and Generosity
March: Order and Purpose
April: Strength and Flexibility
May: Relationships
June: Adventure and Fun
July: Community and Environment
August: Knowledge and Interests
September: Sleep and Tranquility
October: Simplicity and Moderation
November: Gratitude and Positivity
December: Spirituality and Resolution

Most pregnant women aren't the epitomy of fun and adventure, and I understand why. All I can think about these days is eating and sleeping, not to mention, I feel prohibited from doing so many things: no caffeine, no alcohol, no hot tubs, no sushi, no strenuous activity, no rollercoasters, no bike riding, no buttoning skinny jeans...

Regardless of my condition, I already knew that this was an area I needed to work on. I love being outdoors, traveling and meeting new people, and I enjoy change, from my hair color to my car to my job. At the same time, I can get stuck in my comfort zone. There have been many beautiful, sunny weekends that I have opted to stay in bed all day with the curtains drawn and movies playing. Although I enjoy this immensely, there is always a sense of guilt that I should be out living life a little more. My husband will have these spontaneous ideas of things to go do, from just going on a drive with no destination to going catfishing in the middle of the night. Nah, I say. Sounds like it will cost money or be too much work or be boring. I am also a planner, so I like to know when we're leaving, where we're going, what the agenda is, and when we're coming back...in advance. This doesn't leave a ton of room for adventure or spontaneity.

So this bring me to June, which I have dedicated to fun and adventure. Although I have a few necessary restrictions, this month I will be enthusiastic and open to try new things. If an opportunity or exciting idea presents itself, I will say yes! We are leaving to go to Florida with friends in about a week and though I cannot do what I originally planned, which is to spend the week sipping Pina Coladas on the beach and staying out dancing all night long, I am going to be the most fun pregnant lady my friends have ever seen! Outside of this vacation time, I want to spend the month taking advantage of my time off work. It's easy for me to get lazy during the summer, and I've even had my days where I've never changed out of my pajamas or walked outside the door. I plan to get up and do something interesting or new each day, whether it's picking up a new hobby, checking out a museum or zoo or farmer's market, going to the river with my husband, or just trying a meal I've never had before (you mean they serve something other than cheese ravioli at Olive Garden?). I think this habit is important for my well-being because, unfortunately, it's normal to become more sedentary and less adventurous as we get older. I don't want my children to grow up where the majority of our time is spent watching TV, playing video games, and sleeping. I want us to be active, outdoorsy, curious and fun!

I want to live life so that I have no regrets, and I want to be a FUN person to be around. The following quote was said by an 85 year old, Nadine Stair, when she was asked what she would do differently if she could live life over again. I think I have a few things to learn...

"I'd make more mistakes next time. I'd relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been on this trip. I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances. I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.

"You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly and sanely hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I've had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day. I've been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, and a raincoat. If I had to do it over again, I would travel lighter than I have.

"If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds and I would pick more daisies."

"Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you."

January: Nutrition and Health
February: Kindness and Generosity
March: Order and Purpose
April: Strength and Flexibility
May: Relationships
June: Adventure and Fun
July: Community and Environment
August: Knowledge and Interests
September: Sleep and Tranquility
October: Simplicity and Moderation
November: Gratitude and Positivity
December: Spirituality and Resolution

On April 22, I found out I was pregnant for the first time. Even though the digital home pregnancy test plainly read "PREGNANT," it might as well have been written in Japanese. I reread the word at least a dozen times before it finally sunk in...I'm going to be a mom. Okay, it didn't even sink in at that point. I had never been so overwhelmed with emotions, from fear to excitement to disbelief to nervousness to love. I always knew I wanted to have kids, but I had planned that for the future, for a time when I would be financially and mentally prepared to start a family, and I kept bumping back the perfect age or year when that would happen. I guess life has a beautiful way of letting us know we can't always call the shots.

Yes, I'm tired, a little moody, hungry, thirsty, anxious at times, and experiencing all sorts of stomach issues, but I don't know if I've ever felt this happy and excited before! All I can think about is this baby, and she/he has already changed everything about what I eat and drink and think and do. Are we having a boy or a girl? Is she/he going to be healthy? Shy or outgoing? What books do I need to read? What stuff do I need to buy? Am I a terrible person for drinking this cup of coffee? Am I getting enough sleep? Am I eating too much or too little? Should I tell people??????? This is the hardest secret in the world to keep!

My husband and I decided to secretly tell only our closest family and friends and then to wait until after the first doctor's visit and the two month mark to tell the rest of the world. This created a problem that I am very lucky to have: I have a big family and lots of close friends. As we told each person and the various squeals, cries, and congratulations poured out, I was moved. How fortunate am I that this baby would come into the world with happily married parents who have supportive friends, excited family members, and a lot of love to give?

It seems pretty ironic to me that back in January I had devoted May to strengthening relationships and reaching out to loved ones. This month, without even thinking about the blog, I have already communicated with more friends and family members than ever before. My husband and I have grown closer over the past few weeks as we've relied on each other for support and gotten more and more excited about our future. I've called, texted, emailed, and met up with friends and family for help, ideas, and advice as I go through this experience. I feel truly blessed that I have these strong relationships, and I think the best way for me to show my appreciation is to focus on strengthening my role as a wife, friend, relative, and mother.

April and May's posts are a little different, but starting in June I will be posting like I usually do. 7 more months before we welcome a little baby into this world and 7 more months before the end of my blog and a full year of becoming a better, happier me. I couldn't have planned it better if I tried :).

"Our own physical body possesses a wisdom which we who inhabit the body lack." --Henry Miller

You would've thought I was Richard Simmons incarnate if you saw me 6 weeks ago. I started April hitting the gym almost every single day, I was pumped about getting in shape, and I kept the following log of my workouts to ensure I was meeting my weekly goal:

Monday 4/4: Body Pump Class (55 minutes)
Tuesday 4/5: Body Attack Class (55 minutes)
Wednesday 4/6: Spin Class (50 minutes)
Friday 4/8: Run/Walk (45 minutes)
Sunday 4/10: Run/Walk (45 minutes)

Wooohooo! Look at me. I'm getting fit, I feel good, I can do this! But why am I STARVING? If I'm going to look good in that bikini then I have to ignore these morning daydreams of bacon and biscuits and gravy. A banana for breakfast is fine.

Monday 4/11: Spin Class (50 minutes)
Tuesday 4/12: Body Attack Class (55 minutes)
Wednesday 4/13: Yoga (45 minutes)
Friday 4/15: Body Pump Class (55 minutes)

Ok, I'm still doing good, but why am I soooooo tired. All I can do is think of SLEEP! I slacked off an extra day this week because I was in desperate need of a nap (or two or three), but I'm going to step it up next week. The exhaustion and hunger is just a side effect of working out so much...surely.

Monday 4/18: Biking (30 minutes)
Tuesday 4/19: Body Attack Class (55 minutes)
Thursday 4/21: Piyo (30 minutes) + Spin Class (30 minutes)

I sluggishly forced myself to complete my workouts this week, but I came home Friday and that's when things changed. I didn't totally abandon my exercise goals for the month, in fact, I ended April by running a 5K, but let's just say that itty bitty bikini might not make an appearance this summer after all. My body had been telling me something all along...

"Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity." --JFK

January: Nutrition and Health
February: Kindness and Generosity
March: Order and Purpose
April: Strength and Flexibility
May: Relationships
June: Adventure and Fun
July: Community and Environment
August: Knowledge and Interests
September: Sleep and Tranquility
October: Simplicity and Moderation
November: Gratitude and Positivity
December: Spirituality and Resolution

In October, my best friend went to Hawaii for her honeymoon and brought me back a small souvenir. And when I say small, I mean really small. She bought me a Brazilian cut bathing suit. If you're not familiar with the Brazilian cut, it is basically somewhere between a thong and a regular bikini bottom. Am I the thong type? No. Do I appreciate that my friend thinks I would look good in this bathing suit? Yes. The picture below shows the butterfly bikini she got me compared to my regular bathing suit bottoms:

As you can see, the back is no bigger than the front, which presents a few problems. I think the bathing suit is fun and cute (and conveniently eliminates tan line issues), but I’m pretty modest and this suit demands attention to a specific area of the body. I think I'm like most women in that I slightly panic when I realize bathing suit season is near and the most recent exercising I've done is back and forth to the kitchen. I'm happy with my size and body, but by no means do I feel firm or confident enough to flaunt this thing around like I'm Kim Kardashian.

I promise I'm not busting this bikini out at a casual pool party or a family trip to the lake, but I did decide that I would consider wearing this in public if: a) I am on vacation at a nice beach and b) if I am in excellent shape. I just so happen to be planning a trip to Florida in June with my friend, so if I’m going to wear this bathing suit at any point in my life, this is the one time to do it! With 9 weeks left until my vacation, I need to get my butt in shape...literally, which brings me to the goal this month: strength and flexibility.

Although the bikini is motivating, it’s not just about looking good, and if it was then I would be off base from the whole purpose of this blog. I always want my posts to come back to how each goal and habit will benefit my mind, body, and soul. Exercising releases feel-good endorphins, helps with circulation, increases energy, is good for your heart, detoxes your body, and builds strength and flexibility that is important for a quality life. I DO NOT LIKE EXERCISING when I'm in the middle of it, but I love the empowered and elated feeling I get when the workout is over. There is really no denying that exercise is a crucial part of living a long, healthy life, and this month is all about jumpstarting the habit. My goal is to workout 5 days a week for at least 45 minutes. I'd like to push myself to do high intensity workouts (step, spin, weight classes), but on days when I need to mix it up or give my body a break, I will do low intensity workouts (walking, Yoga, crunches). I know, for a definite fact, that this is a lot easier said than done, so when I'm exhausted after work and avoiding the gym like the plague, it will be time for me to put on some Sisqo and use this bikini as my muse!

"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." --William Morris

This past month was all about creating order, and I started with the most daunting task of them all: my closet. For some reason, no matter how often I clean my closet, I quickly accumulate a floordrobe (a wardrobe on the floor) and my clothes become a stressful mess. Here is the BEFORE...














and 3 hours later, here is the AFTER...



Ahhhhh! After doing a happy dance in my newly uncluttered closet, I moved on to the second biggest job on my to-do list: organizing our finances. Overall, I’ve always been pretty responsible about money and bills, but I’ve never quite known exactly how much debt my husband and I have combined or how long it will be before it’s all paid off. Between student loans, new cars, and a couple credit cards, I always procrastinated doing this because I was worried that the truth would be a bit discouraging. After going through statements and figuring out interest rates, payments, and budgets, I was relieved to find out we would be debt-free way sooner than I expected, not to mention we now had a tangible, effective plan that would save us money in the end. Alright, so there might have been a little happy dance after this, too.

With so many things going on at work and on the weekends, I got a calendar and recorded every event, appointment, and to-do for the next few months. I had so many wedding and shower invitations on my fridge that I was running out of magnets and space, but this helped me to clear my mind and my fridge. I totally cleaned the inside, too, as well as the pantry, by pulling everything out, getting rid of expired food, and cleaning the shelves. While looking through the kitchen cabinets, an overloaded folder of various recipes, which I had ripped out of magazines and jotted on random pieces of paper, stood out to me. I rarely opened that folder because of how disorganized it was, so it was as if all those years of collecting recipes had been a waste. I finally sat down and organized the recipes into a binder using page protectors, and now I have an easy way to find what I'm looking for and the papers are safe from spills and splatters while cooking:






(I have no idea why this picture is sideways.)






Throughout the month, one-by-one, I went through all parts of my house and started throwing away garbage, boxing up things I could sell or donate, and re-organizing anything that still had a purpose in my life. Even though some of this was tedious and time-consuming, I know the newly-created space, functionality and peace of mind made it worthwhile. Every time I finished a new task, I felt wonderfully productive and like a weight was just lifted off of me. I also found cool stuff that had been lost and forgotten at the back of closets or the bottom of drawers, which turned each chore into a little treasure hunt. I made life easier and more rewarding for myself by making more room for the things I value and letting go of the things I don't. I actually accumulated so much stuff to get rid of that I decided to have a garage sale. So despite my month of cleaning and hard work, it looks like I'm having mimosas and making cash this Saturday morning : ).

"Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up." --A.A. Milne

January: Nutrition and Health
February: Kindness and Generosity
March: Order and Purpose
April: Strength and Flexibility
May: Relationships
June: Adventure and Fun
July: Community and Environment
August: Knowledge and Interests
September: Sleep and Tranquility
October: Simplicity and Moderation
November: Gratitude and Positivity
December: Spirituality and Resolution

I love shows like “Hoarders” and “Clean Sweep” where they help families get rid of massive amounts of clutter and organize their homes. I have high anxiety all through the show,but then I feel so relieved when it’s all cleaned up. If I wasn’t a teacher, I’ve always said I would love to be a professional organizer. There is something really satisfying and encouraging about turning chaos into function, and I love how light and liberated I feel in a space that has just been cleaned.

Although I usually keep things pretty neat, there are certain tasks or areas of our house that get neglected, and we are somehow always accumulating stuff but rarely getting rid of anything. In March, I plan to sell, donate, or trash things that don’t serve a positive purpose, to organize cluttered closets and drawers, and to complete projects I’ve been procrastinating. I also want to get important paperwork filed away and a plan together to pay off any and all debt efficiently. These are things that I think about doing all the time, but I never have the time or motivation to get done. The end result should be a little more peace of mind and breathing room (not to mention space to put new shoes in my closet)!

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion."--Dalai Lama

I started the month being as mindful and enthusiastic about my goal as possible (time to get out there and be nice...yeah!), then reality sunk in and I was bombarded with bills, PMS, a class of whining teenagers, a pile of laundry, and two big snow storms. I really have every reason to be a positive and grateful person, but I often let everyday mishaps and annoyances put me into a grumpy mood. It would be so much easier to be happy and nice all the time if I lived on the beach, visited a spa and mall each day, and had an entourage of maids and cooks at my service. Maybe the Dalai Lama knew what he was talking about when he said to practice compassion because it doesn’t necessarily come easy in the real world. If I learned anything about myself this month it is that, even when I feel stressed, tired, and irritable, I need to always strive and put effort towards being a genuinely kind and generous person.

February started with almost two weeks of being snowed in at home with my husband and dog. With cabin fever setting in and not having as many enthusiastic greetings or compliments to give out as I planned, my month started with an attempt to simply NOT say anything mean or negative. It’s kinda sad, really. I would say I’m friendly and helpful to 99% of the strangers and acquaintances I run into each day, yet the people I love and see the most don’t always get the same five-star treatment. My husband has known for many years to not take it personal if he doesn’t get a smile or a sentence out of me before I’ve had a cup of coffee and at least 30 minutes to wake up in the morning. With my hair disheveled and eyes half-closed, I’ll even insist he not speak because his natural morning energy is just way too much. I had to give myself a pep talk at first, but this month I forced myself to get out of bed with a smiling, “Good morning!” Ok, so I didn’t remember EVERY day, but the more I did this type of thing, the happier and more positive I truly started to feel. I even held back from complaining about someone’s clothes and dishes lying around the house and decided to quietly and nicely put them away myself each day. Regardless of what my natural inclination is, I don’t want to be a grouchy, nagging wife and mother my whole life, so I’m now learning to make these pep talks a regular part of my day.

I also tried "meditating on compassion,” which is something that has been taught by many spiritual leaders, peacemakers, psychiatrists and Yoga teachers around the world. The purpose is to practice becoming a more compassionate and grateful person from the inside out. When I couldn't sleep at night, was taking a bath, or was on a walk, I would concentrate on kind thoughts about each one my friends, family members, and neighbors. I would imagine them getting good news or think about the qualities in them I am most grateful for, and in the process, I was effortlessly replacing what might have been worrisome or negative thoughts with compassionate thoughts that ultimately improved my mood, my sleep habits, and even my relationships. This is perhaps the easiest way to practice compassion, not to mention many people believe, as I do, that our thoughts (and emotions and prayers) have a confounding, powerful ability to affect people and the world around us.

I did give more compliments and words of encouragement than usual, but I also let not-so-nice things slip out on occasion. I also never found the perfect chance to buy a stranger’s coffee or to put someone’s shopping cart away, and maybe I wasn’t looking hard enough, but these are the types of things I would like to have said I did all month long. If anything, I can honestly say this month has made me more mindful of how I treat people and it has inspired me to continue working towards being a kinder, more selfless person.

"Today I bent the truth to be kind, and I have no regret, for I am far surer of what is kind than I am of what is true."--Robert Brault

January: Nutrition and Health
February: Kindness and Generosity
March: Order and Purpose
April: Strength and Flexibility
May: Relationships
June: Adventure and Fun
July: Community and Environment
August: Knowledge and Interests
September: Sleep and Tranquility
October: Simplicity and Moderation
November: Gratitude and Positivity
December: Spirituality and Resolution

I believe that out of every month I’ve planned, February’s goal is by far the most important. If the news is any indication of reality, we live in a world full of hatred, violence, stress and greed. Just imagine how beautiful and peaceful our lives would be if every person, every day attempted to be kinder and more generous to one another! Don't get me wrong, I don’t wake up each morning with the soul of Mother Teresa. I can be spiteful and selfish at times, and even my sense of humor often relies on sarcasm and teasing. I know that I have a good heart and good intentions, but if I died tomorrow, I’m not sure I would be satisfied with the way I treated everyone around me. I plan to spend February changing my habits so that what I think, what I say, and what I do brings happiness to other people.

This month, I plan to give as many compliments, words of encouragement, cheerful greetings, and generous gestures as I can to friends, family, students, co-workers, and strangers.

“I can live for two months on a good compliment."--Mark Twain. As wonderful as it is to give compliments, I’ve never been that great at it. Yes, I’ll tell someone that I like their shoes or that their new haircut looks great, but I think there is an art to giving memorable, genuine compliments. I need to change my mindset so that I’m always looking for the positive, and I need to be sincere, caring and particular about my words. I have a friend that has mastered the art of giving compliments. Instead of carelessly saying, “Cute shirt,” like I would, her eyes light up and she excitedly says, “That shirt is so flattering on you! You look fantastic. It really brings out the green in your eyes. Where did you get it?” This is obviously a great friend for my ego, but I could also learn a thing or two from her approach.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."--Plato. As a high school teacher, being kind and encouraging is especially important because every day I have the opportunity to influence the lives of my students. Many come from poverty, broken or abusive homes, or at least with the usual teenage angst, which can be hard to remember when I have a job to do. There is always that student who is absent all the time, is never prepared, and has a weird hair color and bad attitude. It would be easy for me to point out everything he/she is doing wrong, but usually this is the type of student who needs a boost of confidence the most, and the real test is in finding a way to let them know I’m proud of them. I don’t remember a lot of things I learned in school, but I do remember which teachers were nice and which teachers were mean. If my students don’t remember the plot of Hamlet or how to write a synthesis essay, my hope is that they at least remember that I cared about them.

"Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are nice, but because you are."--Anonymous. This is easier said than done, but I am going to work on being positive and cheerful to people even when they don’t quite deserve it. There was an NPR article online the other day about a man who was mugged in NYC this winter. As the young criminal, dressed in a T-shirt, was running away with his wallet, the man offered him his coat. Surprised by the man’s kindness, the kid ended up giving him his wallet back and joining him for dinner. I thought this was an inspiring story because if this guy could be kind to his mugger, surely I can be kind when my husband leaves his clothes around the house or a stranger takes my parking spot. I’ve tried nagging, complaining, pouting, and rolling my eyes, yet none of those tactics seem to get me anywhere. I guess I'll see if it really works to kill them with kindness.

"The best portion of a good man's life - his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love."--William Wordsworth. A few years ago I was at the grocery store and unsuccessfully carrying several bags of food to my car while in a leg cast and on crutches. The task was going to be difficult, to say the least, until a woman and her two young daughters asked if they could help. I was not only grateful, but I thought it was a wonderful lesson on kindness that the mother was teaching her girls. It’s easy to go through everyday life living in our own little bubble, but all around us are situations where a person's day, or even life, could be turned around by one compassionate and generous gesture.

Actions speak louder than words, so time for me to get out there and start being nicer to people!

"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony."

With January being devoted to nutrition and health, I started the week by clearing out my fridge and stocking up at the whole foods store. The first week of my new lifestyle was a success, but then the weekend came with its many temptations and a lack of routine, and I found myself shamefully eating whatever I wanted and letting my goals fly out the window. I was worried my resolutions might not be taken seriously if I was seen scarfing down a basket of garlic bread and a plate of lasagna, but I reassured myself that part of the plan was to quit dieting and indulge a little. So why did I still feel ashamed? Can't I be healthy and do this too? The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I’ve spent years being burdened by guilt and unrealistic expectations when it comes to nutrition and health. No matter how much exercising, raw food, and health books I incorporated into my life, I always felt like I should be doing more. (I feel bad for not flossing...is that normal?!)

Since this entire project is about being a better, happier person, I know that it is time to figure out the root of these feelings and to change this destructive mindset. The constant exposure to different diet fads, supplements, gym memberships, health trends, and beautiful people in the media adds a lot of pressure, but the time has come for me to give up on the idealistic notion that I will someday be a vegan or have six-pack abs and to start being realistic. At one point I taught aerobics, at one point I lived on the beach, and at one point I was 20, but I will spend the rest of my life being unhappy if I expect to always look and feel the same as I did 10 years ago. I'm not benefiting my health if diet and exercise constantly stresses me out, and I'm certainly not getting any younger or thinner worrying about getting older and fatter. Bottom line: I've got to find a balance and start living in the present.

That said, I spent January eating nourishing, natural foods MOST of the time and making small, healthy changes. I took my vitamins (sometimes), drank lots of water, and did PiYo 2x a week, but I wasn’t a slave to this routine and never felt restricted or guilty when “cheating.” My goal was to simply feel my best each day. Sometimes that meant treating myself to junk food, but that sluggish and uncomfortable feeling after eating a heavy, unhealthy meal reminded me it's not always worth it. I had to find a way to make my meals both satisfying AND healthy if I was going to stick to the plan, so I tried to get creative and make healthier alternatives to my favorite foods. I was pleasantly surprised with how easy, inexpensive, and delicious everything was!

When craving Mexican food, I let black beans, onions, garlic, and spices cook in a crockpot all day, made organic brown rice into Spanish rice with some salsa and chili lime Mrs. Dash, and cut up some avocados to top it off. The tostadas are processed, but the ingredients list contains only corn, vegetable oil, and salt. No preservatives, artificial colors, or mysterious ingredients in the entire meal, and my husband and I were happy to finish the leftovers the next night!

One night last weekend I had the phone out ready to place a pizza order, but I decided to see if I could improvise first. I put this together using flax seed pitas (Ezequial tortillas work great, too), pesto (on one), marinara (on the other), cheese, and fresh parsley, and I baked it for 8 minutes. Yum!

I also made these Thai summer rolls with rice paper, cabbage, lettuce, carrots, cucumber, basil, and mint. I could eat these every day, but I still need a little practice with rolling them up :).

I’ve also been drinking green lemonade (juice from romaine lettuce, kale, lemon, ginger, and two apples). It takes some getting used to, but I like the way it tastes and it contains tons of energizing and beneficial live enzymes that go to work instantly.

Eating this way, I had no need to feel guilty or deprived because everything was so nutritious and tasty! When I did go out to eat with friends or craved junk food, I allowed myself to indulge in whatever I wanted. I realized how unnecessary many of my negative feelings were, and in the end, I think I found some harmony between improving life and enjoying it. Even if I do what I can to live a long and healthy life, it will always be too short to skip dessert!

"The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind." --Maya Angelou

I have to be honest. There were a few times this past week that I wondered why in the world I made this crazy commitment. Okay, so maybe one night of deep contemplation wasn’t enough time to think this whole happiness project/blog thing through. I don’t know why, but I always feel a sense of immediacy when a big idea or task presents itself. For example, I got it in my head one night a few weeks ago that I really wanted our master bedroom painted. I’m sure most people would spend some time researching the perfect colors and paints, maybe find someone to help, and would probably schedule a convenient time to do it, say next weekend or summer vacation. Not me. I spent 10 long hours painting my master bedroom after work the next day. This impulsive tendency also explains how this blog came about. Two weeks ago I read a magazine article about happiness, realized I wanted to change, and by the next afternoon I was typing away. I had never considered blogging before, I had no resolutions in line for the New Year, and now here I am with 23 resolutions and some serious accountability. Regardless that I started this project without much forethought or research, I am hoping it turns out to be like painting my room, which was totally worth it despite all the work.

To start, I thought about my own personal definition of happiness. Warm cookies and summer vacation first came to mind, but I finally came up with the following list:

Happiness is not needing or wanting any more or any less than what I have.
Happiness is feeling relaxed and comfortable; it’s the ability to let things be; it’s having no worries.
Happiness is feeling spiritually, emotionally, and physically healthy.
Happiness is confidence.
Happiness is experiencing love and appreciation.
Happiness is knowing I have a purpose and that the world is a better place with me in it.

I feel these things off and on, but I want to achieve a more complete and steady state of happiness, to be comforted and optimistic even on bad days, and to emulate people that are inspiring, intelligent, and kind (hence Aristotle, Oprah, Benjamin Franklin, and Jesus, but also many others that I am sure I will mention along the way). Although these are my overall goals, I am doing this project one month, one habit at a time, with the hope that happiness is simply a byproduct.

January: Nutrition and Health
February: Kindness and Generosity
March: Order and Purpose
April: Strength and Flexibility
May: Relationships
June: Adventure and Fun
July: Community and Environment
August: Knowledge and Interests
September: Sleep and Tranquility
October: Simplicity and Moderation
November: Gratitude and Positivity
December: Spirituality and Resolution

I knew from the beginning that I wanted nutrition and health to be first. After spending the holidays stuffing my face with anything containing icing and cheese, this next month will be devoted to making nutritious eating a lifestyle change and to make health my #1 priority. Here are my goals for this month and why I believe they are connected to my happiness:

1) Eat nourishing foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Food is supposed to be our fuel; it is literally our energy source. Our bodies thrive on enzymes and nutrients found in nature, like raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes and whole grains. If we are eating these types of foods, our body naturally stays thinner and more energized; our skin and hair look healthier; our immune system gets stronger; and our mind gets clearer. Although it’s easier said than done, sticking to nourishing whole foods is one of the best things we can do for ourselves.

2) Avoid, if not totally eliminate, white flour, sugar, dairy, red meat, and processed foods. Now, this is the hard part. If I had to list foods that make me happy to eat, I would probably say pizza, chocolate chip cookies, Cocoa Puffs, Easy Cheese, funnel cakes, ice cream, French fries, cheese dip, and donut holes. Like many Americans, I grew up eating these types of foods. It seems fitting that the acronym for this Standard American Diet is SAD, though. We feel happy in the exact moment we are buying and eating this stuff, however, it’s steadily making us overweight, malnourished, and miserable. I love all these foods, but no matter how I look at it, no matter how delicious these foods may be, I am certain that they are harmful to my long-term health and happiness.

3) Put love into food. I want to be more mindful when preparing, presenting, and eating my meals. Instead of seeing grocery shopping and cooking as a chore, I want to be grateful that I have the means to afford good food and an opportunity to take care of myself. Instead of gluttonously inhaling my food, I want to slowly enjoy the flavor and experience of my meals. No more meals in the car, or at my desk, or out of a box, or in front of the TV. Food is such a pleasurable part of life, so why mindlessly rush through it?

4) No dieting allowed. To stay thin, I have tried a dozen diets since I first put on the Freshman 15. I think we can agree that most diets are a joke, though. When I was counting calories, I would skimp on lunch because I accidentally ate a cupcake for breakfast…sounds smart. I’ve tried Slim Fasts, the 100 Calorie Snack Packs and Lean Cuisines, but have you ever noticed the ingredients list on these things? There are dozens of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives that we can’t pronounce or define, yet these are considered our “health foods.” Diets have scared people away from fats and carbs, but is there really anything evil in an avocado or potato? When I had to recover from foot surgery a couple years ago I quickly gained 20 pounds watching reruns of Dateline and eating takeout on the couch for three months. Being inspired by a book, The Raw Food Detox Diet, I started eating about 75% raw and ate meals only in certain combinations. I quickly shed the extra weight, felt wonderfully energized, and knew this was a healthy way to eat, but I have been totally inconsistent and unbalanced about it ever since. I have treated healthy eating like a diet, and diets easily become a burden and doomed to fail. Sure swimsuit season is around the corner, but with diets we make losing weight the focus, develop a distorted, guilt-ridden relationship with food, and gain the weight back anyway. It is more important to simply concentrate on natural foods designed to benefit our mind and body. When we shop in the produce section and find foods with simple ingredients, we don’t have to count calories or restrict portions again…and that makes me happier.

5) Hydrate. Although I love drinking water, I need to make this a focus. Usually I wake up, drink my coffee, and then I don’t drink anything until lunch or later. I am going to make it a habit to drink pure water first thing in the morning and to take a jug of it to work with me. The benefits of drinking water are endless, so I think this one is a no-brainer.

6) Indulge a little. Dark chocolate (70%), coffee and red wine are okay in moderation, in fact, they’re full of antioxidants :). Other things, like a piece of chocolate cake or pizza, can and should be enjoyed on special occasions, but only if I take the time to truly enjoy it…and remind myself that I don’t have to eat the WHOLE cake or pizza.

7) Take a multivitamin. I think this is a good habit, and I’m really bad about remembering, so it is on the list if only because it offers a little peace of mind.

8) Detox. Because of the abundance of processed, overcooked, and chemically altered foods we eat and cannot properly break down, our bodies are stricken with toxins. This is a major reason people experience things like body odor, acne, diseases, even depression. Eating “clean” is the first way to begin eliminating these built up pollutants, but there are other natural ways to detox our bodies. When doing the raw food thing, I learned about and tried green juice, skin brushing, natural products and infrared saunas. Some of these sound weird, but their benefits are pretty amazing.

9) Be more knowledgeable about the topic. Most of what I have mentioned comes from reading a lot of books about raw food over the past year. Now it’s time to expand my horizons and be more knowledgeable about health and nutrition in general. I have The Kind Diet, The Food Matters Cookbook, and Healthy Living From the Inside Out to read, but I am open for more suggestions!

10) Listen to my body. If our bodies could talk, they would say, “Get good sleep, get moderate exercise, eat healthy food, and don’t stress.” This month is about paying attention to what my body truly needs.

I’m really not as ambitious as it may sound. In fact, I broke down and ordered pizza earlier with the excuse that none of this is official until I post it online and that nobody starts resolutions on a Saturday anyway...right? I know I need accountability and structure for these changes to actually happen, so without further ado, my happiness project begins now :).