Okay.  These might be hella scattered but that’s okay!  I’m just writing them out as I go (and I’m writing them as if I’m writing a letter to myself btw haha!) Also they might seem stupid, but these are the things that I’ve reflected on and that I find important for myself.  Here we are:

1.  Be realistic with your weight loss goals.  Aim to lose at least 6 pounds a month for 6 months, and then see how you feel.  Saying it like this will make it seem much more reasonable than “lose 30 pounds by June” like you’ve always said before.  

2.  Eat when you’re hungry, but just eat something good!  Have an apple or cut some veggies if it’s late at night rather than just eating a bunch of empty carbs. This will set you off nicely for a good sleep.

3.  Walk more.  Once the weather gets a little nicer, step outside for a walk with a friend.  Alone.  With the family, whatever it really doesn’t matter, but this will help you reach your step count goals and feel great.  

4.  Eat breakfast.  Like seriously, you love smoothies.  Make them and enjoy them!  Don’t save all your calories for late at night, just listen to your body.  You need breakfast to give you some energy for the day, don’t be so tired.

5.  Work on your cardio.  Yes, you hate it and you are rather terrible at running and such too, but working on it is the only thing that will fix that.  Do intervals, and walk to start.  Weather will be nicer soon, and there are some trails close to home.  You can improve, you just need to put some effort!

6.  Pray.  Pray.  Pray.  Praying will not only work miracles when it comes to trusting God more, but prayer works.  Remember that. 

7.  Do NOT be cruel to people because you can or because you think they deserve it.  You don’t do this often, but you can be so cruel sometimes, with your words, and your actions. Think it through.  Is it necessary?  Quote with this one :

"Sometimes I wonder why I am kind to people who don’t deserve it? Until I remember what it means to be human, what it feels like to be human.  I cannot – and will not – hurt people just because I can. I may not be better than you but I am better than that.” ~ kvtes

8.  Stop procrastinating.  Honestly, it just makes you even more anxious than you already are and is useless.  Use the time you have, work hard, relax later.  It’ll be worth it.

9.   Be grateful.  For everything you have.  There is a study that says being grateful will make you 25% happier.  Work towards gratefulness.

10.  Give back to your community.  Whether it’s volunteering (once you’re 18 in July more likely) or just donating to a local charity once a month, try your best.  Or do a random act of kindness.  There’s so much you can do.

11.  Be kinder to yourself.  Loving yourself is so important.  Compliment yourself.  It’s not too hard to find good things.  You deserve your own love.

12.  Make monthly goals.  Read these over at the beginning of every month and add more.  A new month is a new month.  This will help your progress mentally and physically.

13.  Strive for progress, not perfection.  Take steps, not jumps.  This is for everything you do.

14.  Devote yourself.  This is for everything, devote yourself to God, to your goals, to your body and your needs.  

15.  Focus on happiness.  This is so hard for you, you get sad and down so easily.  Try not to get offended so easily, people don't mean to hurt you.  Smile, you deserve it.  Go out, grab a friend and go for coffee then the pet store.  MOST IMPORTANTLY, when you’re sad, try to think of or write down as many things that you’re looking forward to waking up for the next day.  This will help you so much.

A couple more quotes I plan to focus on this year :

“If you want 2016 to be your year, don’t sit on the couch and wait for it. Go out. Fucking make a change. Smile more. Be excited. Do new things. Clean your room. Throw away what you’ve been cluttering. Unfollow negative people on social media. Go to bed early. Wake up early. Kick ass. Every damn day.” -umibenome

“So, do it. Decide. Is this the life you want to live? Is this the person you want to love? Is this the best you can be? Can you be stronger? Kinder? More compassionate? Decide. Breathe in. Breathe out and decide.” - Meredith Grey

After winning an honorable mention from the National ARTS Foundation at work I saw my lovely family walking back to the car and had to capture the moment.