Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans: A Look Ahead: 2011 Goals

As the year winds down I always find myself reflecting on how far I have come and where I want to go. Some may say that resolutions are for those who haven't yet learned to accept their own greatness, that they are looking to change something because they aren't satisfied with who they are now. I don't believe this to be true. For me, a resolution (be it New Year's related or otherwise) is more of a goal for how I can continue to evolve, as I have always done and will continue to do.

With every passing year I grow as a person and 2010 was no exception. I had a great year, full of many great memories and "firsts" that I will always be proud of. I challenged myself in ways that I never thought possible and exceeded my own expectations. I am proud of who I became this year. Goals for the year to come simply mean I can continue to add to my long list of accomplishments. I haven't reached my limit yet and I am definitely not willing to stop now!

In 2011 I vow to......

Blog more. I love my blog (and all of you!) I really do. Through blogging I have held myself accountable, learned new things, been inspired and motivated and dealt with challenges. I want to do more of all of that and hopefully be a bit of it for you while I am at it.
Make time to relax. I plan and schedule for everything possible except for time for me. I never intentionally give myself a chance to wind down, take a deep breath and just be. I will do that in 2011, even if I do have to put it in my day planner in order to get it done.
Practice the principals of Intuitive Eating. I have struggled with mild bouts of binging and stress eating throughout the years and I want to adopt a more healthy approach to food by giving my body what it needs when it needs it (even if what it needs is a cupcake from time to time!)
Experiment more in the...... kitchen (ha!I bet the Boyfriend almost did a cartwheel reading that) I plan on giving myself the fuel to be healthy, strong and happy but in doing that I want to be creative and awaken the taste buds and culinary skills I don't yet know that I have.
Take more photos. I treated myself to 2 new cameras this year (Olympus Pen and Nikon Coolpix point and shoot) and I plan to put them to good use.
PR at the 1/2 marathon in May. After much contemplation I am forgoing the 30k race in March to allow myself to train consistently for the Mississauga 1/2 marathon on May 15th. For some it may not be a one or the other deal but I know the training in April will matter if I plan to beat my own personal best and with a planned vacation to Cuba mid-month I can't afford the recovery time. Its a sacrifice but one I am willing to make.
Try long distance cycling. The intention is to eventually complete a sprint duathalon.
Make happiness the priority. I am currently reading The Happiness Project and plan to apply some of the principals to my daily life After all, whats the point of the rest of this if I am not smiling when all is said and done right?