a follow up post.

remember when i wrote this post in total stream of conscious and gave three really vague resolutions? me too. the lack of specifics bugged me. this post is a follow up meant to help me clarify goals, and keep me more accountable. 

i've added three specific strategies to each of my three umbrella goals. because i want to be realistic, i'm going to try these things for this month. one month! less than a month, because it's already the 5th! how hard could that be? in february i get to choose whether or not i think it's realistic to continue.

what do you think, friends? fair? or am i being too easy on myself? here are my clarifications:

this year i want to be more present

-limit screen time in the mornings and evenings. none before gid leaves for work, and none after 9:30pm. (is it just me, or does using the term "screen time" make me sound like i'm trying to parent myself? next thing you know i'll have a sticker chart for drinking enough water and pumping enough milk.)

-tryyyy to only use my cell phone for calling and texting, and avoid holding it and using it to keep busy. when i was in grad school, everyone on the campus shuttle had their phone out (including me). i catch myself walking around my apartment with it. sometimes while gid and i are talking i'm sneaking peeks at it. let's see if i can use the ipad for instagram posting, and leave texting and calling to my phone.

-speaking of using your phone for calling and texting- i'm going to try to keep in touch better with friends and especially family. aiming for 1 call a week to my mom and sister, and shooting a text every few weeks to my (harder to stay in touch with) brothers.

this year i want to remember

-take more photographs and video. don't be embarrassed whipping out your camera and keeping it with you. it's fine.

-make an effort to be consistent with blogging. this one is tricky, because i want to be more present too, right? aiming to find a balance between writing and being with my boys. tips and tricks?

-plan one outing every month. a trip to the zoo. a visit to a museum. this sounds so easy, and yet as i type, i'm rolling my eyes because i know it's going to be a crazy challenge. lately we've been really into staying at home, watching house hunters and ordering chic fil a. we can do better.

this year i want to really try

-research and find courses to help better my photography and videography skills. also look into well written memoirs. the more i read, the better i write. (suggestions always welcome.) 

-make an effort to fade out the chatter in the back of my head that says horrible things about the way that i look, the things that i do, and the person that i am. start a gratitude journal. i'm starting by writing one thing a day (maybe even just one word) because that sounds doable to me.

-make to do lists every day. small things. like planning a meal, sending a text to a friend, or organizing that cupboard that i can't reach and have no idea what's in it. easy things like that. but every day. to keep me moving.

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what do you think guys? is this realistic? would you do it?
now i'm all pumped.
xo