Small Steps, Small Goals, My Future

Every year I make the same resolutions to be healthier and finally get myself into shape, but this year must be different. I have a new baby I need to worry about, and this might be the final chance I have to finally get healthy, before I’ve gone so far that there is no way to come back from it. On top of that, there are other goals I must focus on as well.

This isn’t just about getting back into shape, because I have never really been in shape. This is about health. I must show my children that health is important, and I have to start at the basics. Nutrition is important and I have always felt that if I want to be healthier, that is the best place to start because you can’t always jump into it. I feel for me, slow is the best way to go about it. Otherwise, I won’t get anywhere.

I have already started this year by getting put on medications that will eventually help me along in my journey. That was my first step. I have so many medical issues that aren’t just attributed to my weight but also due to other medical issues. What this means is I was in shape when these issues first started.

The next step for me is small goals. I plan to take the unhealthy stuff out of my plan, to a point. Meaning, just because I have a bag of cookies in front of me, doesn’t mean I have to eat the whole thing. I love veggies and fruits, but I must be careful and mindful of the veggies and fruits I consume. I already eat a great number of asparagus but need to add some other items as well so I don’t get board of it. So Spinach, Kale, brussels sprouts and green beans are my healthy veggies I will eat more of (and still include my beloved asparagus).

Next, I plan to start walking or using the stationary bike in the living room. I had a doctor many years ago tell me that the stationary bike is perfect for me for some of my issues, but that gets boring. I love Zumba, but with COVID there is no way I will trust going out and doing it. So, I can do Zumba in the privacy of my own room so I don’t feel so judged and I can put on a movie for baby in the living room, while he is in his swing and I am doing the stationary bike. When it comes to walking, I can push baby in stroller and start with small steps, like a walk around the block.

As I mentioned before, I plan to take small steps in meeting my goals. Instead of some huge number for weight loss, I would first like to drop 20 pounds and then go from there. Once I drop the 20 pounds, I will more than likely reevaluate my goals and plans and change them up a bit.

Although my health is my main concern, I also need to focus on my financial situation. I am tired of living paycheck to paycheck. We are a one paycheck family and are on financial assistance through the state. I know at them moment with my medical situation, I can not work, but I can try to get things under control in some way. That way we aren’t so deep in trouble with our finances. I need to shop much more frugally than I am. I need to build a budget and plan to do so. This may mean more dollar tree visits and less of the fun Wal-Mart trips we take, but Dollar Tree is amazing, so we won’t be too sad about that one.

Finally, I really need to work on my writing. I need to write more and focus more on that. I used to find joy in writing. I think my neuropathy is what got in the way, like it does everything else. Again, small goals. I can write here as well as a few other places and maybe I can start blogging. Combating writers block for myself, really needs to happen this year.

Making goals this year for me isn’t just about weight loss, but many other things. My finances need to be put in order. I can’t let my kids live with the bare minimum anymore. I need to find new joy in writing and make it a passion again. These are very important things I need to focus on this year and I can’t slack anymore.