As 2024 comes to an end and 2025 on the horizon, it's a great time to do some self reflection. Are you where you hoped to be now at the start of this year? If you are congratulations! That is amazing, setting goals, and holding yourself accountable until you achieve them is something to be so proud of! If you have made progress but aren't where you had hoped to be by the end of the year, good news.. There's still time and you can accomplish more than you know when you really set your mind to it. For me, I'm not where I had hoped but I have come a long way...
Backstory.. Last year after Halloween I had the realization that in nearly 4 years I had accomplished nothing. I was stagnant. Working as waitress (which I hated) drinking too much and living for the next party. This was such a hard pill for me to swallow but I am so thankful that I had this realization and was honest with myself. Although this truth had seriously messed me up, starting to slip into depression, thoughts of shame and guilt, I decided I had to take action and couldn't waste more time. I went full hobbit mode, no longer attending events, parties and avoiding social situations. I needed this time all to myself. When you suddenly realize how much time you're wasting, you cannot get that time back, how far could I have gotten in life if I hadn't wasted the time? So in the final two months of the year I put in work. I went from waitress at a shitty restaurant, unhappy with my body, making poor choices, and being a party monster. To getting hired as a support worker for people with disabilities- making a positive impact on lives, I got in shape, I felt really genuinely happy again. I have to admit I did slip back into old habits after a few months. Things got bad again, not as bad as they were but I was feeling very unhappy again, I lost my relationship with my sister who means the world to me- slowly repairing that now. I didn't know if my husband and I would make it after a devastating blow out. I gained weight, I felt shitty and was just not doing well mentally at all. I was lucky enough to still have a job that I loved and the knowledge of how far you can come when you set your mind to it. So again, I made the changes only a little different this time. The work I put in last year was not lost on me, I had faith that if I worked hard at this I could accomplish anything and end 2024 on a massive high.
With 6 weeks left of 2024- 6 weeks until new year's resolutions, wouldn't you love to wake up January 1st and already have a massive head start? I know personally how good it feels to be ahead of the game. Better than you were. It feels great to know that you are being the best version of you and know that every day you're getting closer to what you want.
I know this year will be my first year not having the resolution to lose weight, one of the most common new years resolutions there is. Since the end of August I'm down 14 lbs and 5 inches, and for the first time, in a very long time, I am happy with the way I look and feel. Finally reaching my goal weight. It's not all about the numbers it's about how you feel. Well, I feel fucking fantastic. With 6 weeks left if you start now, you could potentially drop that excess weight. Losing 2 lbs a week is a completely realistic goal, so how happy would you be to start January 12 lbs lighter? Start now, stick to it,
walk daily, strength train 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes or so (thats literally two hours out of the 168 hours in your week. Prioritize getting in your protein and veggies. Follow a 80/20 lifestyle- meaning 80% of the time you stick to a healthy diet and 20% of the time you allow yourself to enjoy what you love. (pretty easy) if you do this starting now, you will start your new year feeling strong, accomplished, and confident. Setting yourself up for success in the new year! How amazing would that be? Not feeling tired, sluggish, bloated and unhappy in January! Set the tone for the year ahead on a high!
But this isnt all about weightloss, what other goals do you have? Why put them off? If you start now you will be 6 weeks ahead. Want to make more money? (I mean who doesn't) Start the side hustle, start the search for a better job- get your feelers out there. Even if you don't want to start before Christmas at least you see what's out there, Worried about what people will think if you start your own business or side hustle? ( whatever it may be) Well, fuck em! For me I was terrified to announce this blog and my social media @myhealthymomera imposter syndrome damn near got me again! But you know what, I thank god it didn't. Although I'm not yet where I want to be, I have a very long way to go, I am a hell of a lot father along than if I hadn't started at all. And let me tell you, the feed back I've been getting has been so positive and supportive, some people even telling me that I've inspired them - and that is what it's all about. Inspiring others to live their lives to the fullest and to make the changes to a better life! That feels so fucking good... There has been a bit of constructive criticism, but to be successful in any niche you're going to have to learn to take it and grow from it. So please, dont let your fear of judgment stand in your way. Chase your dreams, take the risks. I seen a quote that said " The real risk in life is not the risks you take, but not taking the risks at all" Mark Zuckerberg. and that hit hard for me. Believe in yourself and step out of your comfort zone, beautiful things lie just beyond your bubble.
There are so many small changes you can start now and improve your life immensely. Setting yourself up for your best year yet! Dont put it off till January. Start now. Want to quit smoking? Start reading- The easy way to quit smoking by Allan Carr. Or stop by the pharmacy and grab some quit smoking support pamphlets. Want to drink less? Do it, take a break. Try making a festive mock-tail instead! Want to spend more time with the family? Cancel plans or use a sick day, and plan a day full of family fun! Maybe you want to volunteer your time? This time of year the need for help is huge. Look into helping out at the food bank, the shelter, or a local toy drive, drop into the SPCA and see if they can use some extra help. There are so many options. Want to read more? Start meditating? Go for it! Even if it's just for a few minutes here and there, it's still an improvement. Anytime spent on bettering your life is time well spent. As I said earlier you can't get the time back, use it wisely, you only get so much.
Love,
Celeste
