Today I’m going to be getting real. Maybe even a little bit raw. Today I’m sharing more of my personal realities than I normally would. It’s the new year, so why try to fake it?
In This Post
Every year I’m injected with New Year sights and clarity, inspired to make vows that are too often abandoned or leave me deflated when I don’t reach my goals.
This year my chin is up and I’m striding into 2015 wearing my new favorite shoes with a new approach and optimistic vigor because my friend Paula introduced a variation of New Year’s goal setting to me. It resonated, and so I’m following her lead.
reSolutions for the New Year
Instead of creating open-ended ‘resolutions’ that leave too much wiggle room for neglect, this year I’m defining ‘reSolutions’ and pinpointing solutions to actually make them happen.
You may wonder, “Well, isn’t that pretty much the same thing?” Perhaps. But in my head it’s a new strategy that puts success within reach. I’m going for it because what’s to lose? Maybe…a lot.
Oh My Word
It seems the New Years trend for the past few years is to choose a word that sets the theme for the year. While sitting around over the holiday, gabbing about this and that, I told my family about the word-name-game and I asked them what their words for 2015 would be.
My mom didn’t have to mull it around for even half a second. She quickly replied, “Enjoy!” She deserves every ounce of that pleasure.
Smudge was quick to cop her word, too. “Snazzy.” As only a 10 year old would.
My sister Holly had to think a bit longer. “Productive.” I can relate.
For me, it took a bit more searching. We went through a list. A laundry list. But none fit quite right. The next day it came to me—as most things do—when I wasn’t thinking about it.
My word for 2015 is “Enough.”
My brother-in-law probably summed it up best when he compared “Enough” to a saying they have at his big-gig corporate job.
Make what you do “fit for purpose.” Decide how much you need to put into it and make it good enough, but don’t overthink it. Make it “ENOUGH.”
How Does “Enough” Work Into my reSolutions?
Don’t work out of fear. One of my reSolutions is to stop working out of fear and accepting every assignment that comes my way. I have plenty of work, great clients and lots of opportunity. Don’t over promise by always saying, “yes.” Instead under promise and over deliver and know when to simply say, “Enough.”
Be content with where I am. It’s true you become wiser as you get older. I realize now that I may not be the #1 top dog blogger / magazine designer / mom of the year / hottest housewife but I’m okay with that. It’s okay to be happy with who I am, and to stop comparing with the younger / richer / more talented set. Not that I don’t have dreams I will achieve, but I’m happy with saying, “I am Enough.”
I’ve had Enough and I am sick of being fat. There. I said it. I am frigging fat.
I’m not saying this for sympathy because I am ready to admit it is simply a fact. I spent the first 35 years+ of my life as the the tall, athletic type who could hide 5, even 10 pounds without much notice. While I wasn’t as skinny as I once was, I’d never been overweight even though I always felt like I was and so was on an everlasting “diet” with plenty of cheating going on. And to be completely honest, I simply couldn’t understand how anyone could let themselves get to a point where they couldn’t lose the extra lbs. I mean, how hard could it be to eat healthy and get some exercise? I worked out with a trainer twice a week, took the dog for nightly walks and even started running—and at one point I almost started enjoying. Even after Smudge was born I lost all my baby weight pretty easily. We lived in SoCal, my schedule was more flexible and I made exercise a priority.
And then we moved to Utah and the pounds steadily crept on. Work, work, work, and not moving from my desk for hours at a time, a slowing metabolism (it sucks getting old) and the balancing act of family duties and the guilt that goes with it all, played a part. I didn’t move but maybe 1,000 steps a day, especially after I quit going to an office and instead just walked from my bedroom to my office to the kitchen.
Work was more important than my well-being.
And then there was the super fun fact that I had developed a “mommy bladder” which made it impossible to walk, run or do much, if any, cardio without peeing myself. And please, don’t tickle me or make me sneeze or it’s all over with. Oh how pleasant and why am I telling you all this?
Because if I tell you, I HAVE to commit.
My reSolutions started right before Christmas when I had surgery to have my bladder slung up (technical term is a mid-urethral sling) and that’s another reason why I’m sharing all of this with you, because if someone had reassured me about this procedure I wouldn’t have waited so long. It is a serious Friday Fave.
If you’ve had incontinence too, (oh how I hate that word, it’s stigma, and embarrassment) I HIGHLY recommend you find a great urologist, and get it fixed. The procedure sounds scary thanks to all of the class-action ads on TV, and no it doesn’t work for everyone, but I felt it was worth the risk. It was about the easiest procedure I’ve ever had and I feel like I have my life back. In 4 weeks I’ll be able to get back on the program and make strides to look and feel like the way I see myself in my mind’s eye.
My other reSolution started in the fall when I joined Weight Watchers. I’ve mentioned before that I like this program the best of the rest because of the flexibility to eat what I want. Just less of it. I’ve lost weight on it before, and then went back to old eating and zero exercise habits and have been up and down ever since. But I’m in my mojo and am back to tracking and that makes me accountable and just feels good to know I’m doing something.
I’m guessing I’m not the only one out there who feels this exact same way. I’m just desperate Enough, and had Enough, to say it out loud.
More reSolutions for Me (and You Too.)
De clutter—no piles. The photo above is one of what my office looks like at this exact minute. There’s so much crap I even bought a new desk—that is still not put together and standing in the corner. As if a new desk will help. It’s just another place to PILE MORE CRAP! NO MORE! From here out, I’m setting my alarm for 10 minutes to do a whiz clean each day. And these 50 de-cluttering strategies will get me on my way.
Keep the motivation going. To help me with my weight loss journey I joined this challenge group. So far they’re easy changes to make.
and…
You’ve heard of capsule wardrobes? They’re all the rage. Check out this Capsule Kitchen, it’s next on the list because less is more.
More multi-tasking manicures. I have man hands, my dad’s hands, and they need some serious prettying but it takes too much time. Remember how busy I am? Gah. So I paint them while I work on the computer. This is my secret to making my manicure look totally professional.
Schedule the call. This article TOTALLY hit home. “We can make as many lists as we want and count as many things as we like. But people aren’t widgets, and much of our leisure time is about time spent with the people who matter to us.” This year I will make the time for my family and friends just like I would to speak with a client. Most important on my list: Call my mom, my mother in law and my sister more.
and, because they’re just as important…
Text my friends more. The best apps for keeping up with friends and family. Voxer is actually pretty fun!
Bake more cookies. I never bake cookies because I am on the afore-mentioned never ending diet and again, I never “have time” (see the article above. MARTYR!) Do you know how long it takes to pull together a batch of cookie dough? About 10 minutes. I have time for that. It’s therapeutic, it’s a diversion, and I can test out
Make this cookie recipe, because it’s tried and true.
Make this cookie recipe, because it’s my favorite candy bar.
And this cookie recipe, because it’s skilletized.
Relax my to-do list. Make it doable by writing down just 5 achievable things, a tip I’m taking from 5 incredibly effective ways to work smarter, not harder.
What’s my status? I’m so bad at my personal Facebook and what’s the fun in always being the voyeur? This year I’m going to post 1 Facebook status update a week on my personal page. I wish I was as witty as these guys.
and then…
Check the F out. Do nothing for 5 minutes a day. Every day. How to achieve the art of doing nothing.
Be fragrance-full. Smells totally influence my mood. This is my favorite winter scent (I love the travel size) but I’ve almost taken this over after Santa gave it to Smudge for Christmas. Oh, it is so lovely.
Work out of the house more. 7 steps for working from a coffee shop. Pay attention to #4.
so I can…
Take my new purse with me. Santa, you listen well.
Stop relying on others to be my DayTimer. I am really good about keeping track of what I need to do for work. So why do I have such a roadblock when it comes to my personal life? I end up relying on the other moms as my resource for what time practice is or oh crap! I forgot about the birthday party. So I’m creating a dedicated calendar just for family that I’m going to stick smack dab on the wall. I love that these giant sticky notes that can be tossed once the week’s done!
Oh no, Mr. Bill! I used to sit at my office desk and call into my automated bank teller every week to balance my check book. Now that everything is online I totally neglect it. I’m re-commiting myself to one Sunday morning a week to keep my financial health in shape. And I’m totally stoked to try this app and downloaded it yesterday. I could save millions!
Beyond the Soup and Salad: This Week’s Healthy Recipe Faves
Sure we can be healthier by eating skinny salads and slow cooked soups, but what about when you’re craving something hearty, some comfort food with a healthy twist? These are a few recipes that reSonated with me this week.
Roasted Vegetable and White Bean Pesto Hummus Pizza
Subbing out creamy white sauce is a white bean hummus, that creates a bed of delish for roasty, toasty veggies. 100% guilt free by my count.
Get the recipe | Oh My Veggies
Lighter Cajun Chicken Pasta
You’ll be the only one to know that it’s “light”.
Get the recipe | Taste and Tell
Fiery and Garlicky Shrimp
Burn up the calories with tons of shrimpy flavor.
Get the recipe | Spicie Foodie
Chili Garlic Chicken Skewers with Greek Yogurt Dip
The tang of the dip mellow out the heat of the skewers taking this chicken anything but boring.
Get the recipe | How Sweet It Is
Skinny Chicken and Vegetable Pot Pie with Phyllo “Crust”
Phyllo takes over for my favorite butter crust in this veg heavy pint of flavor.
Get the recipe | Cooking for Keeps
That should pretty much do it. I think if I can make even 5 of these reSolutions work in 2015, I’m going to be in dynamite shape in every sense of the word.
Have a great weekend friends, and make something good.
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Kate
Happy new year, Heidi! I love your concept of “enough.” I am trying to do the same. Accept that I have plenty and looking to what I have already rather than hitting the stores. I really appreciate your honesty and vulnerability in this post (my word or phrase, I guess, is “be vulnerable”). So glad you got the treatment you needed to live life to the fullest! See you in Austin soon.
Denise | TLT
You rock, Heidi. Your honesty is a real strength and I can relate to many of your issues. I truly wish 2015 brings you nothing but love, health and so much happiness. xoxo
P.S. Woohoo! Gorgeous new site!
Courtney
Keep being vulnerable Heidi. I know how amazing/thoughtful/beautiful/talented you are and every time you open up on the blog, everyone else gets a glimpse too. Beautiful post! (AND I love the new site design)
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
Just remember this: your “enough” will always be far more than you’ll ever be able to fully understand and more than most could achieve in a lifetime. Please trust me on this one. Love this post. Love you. Can’t wait to cross paths with you in 2015. <3
Barbara | Creative Culinary
It’s obvious many can relate to several of your reSolutions. I know I can. I don’t make resolutions per se; they seem a prescription for failure but I do focus on change and some of your change is mine too. The desk is one. I’m a neat freak too but I have got to whittle down the stacks of paper and get better organized. I know I work better in a more organized space…but I keep postponing the effort because I say I have no time. Double edged sword certainly. It’s on my agenda; it’s just time.
The weight. Mine isn’t baby weight or middle aged weight but I broke my damn leg and will never walk completely right again. The first two years spent nursing this injury without hardly ever leaving home and the weight crept up on me. Losing it is not going to be easy because I can no longer walk long distances or even consider running but it’s time. Primary objective is to remember that I count too…and take better care of me!
Here’s to a New Year filled with successes Heidi!
Kathryn
Love how you share + put yourself out there Heidi – it’s such an inspiration and definitely inspires me to look again at what I want from the year ahead.
Turner
Thank you for sharing this, Heidi. Best of luck to you!
Patti
Your new site looks awesome.i always love your Friday Faves and your solutions reminded me of an adorable 3 year old as she encouraged her frantic grandmother, who was trying to shove a burning log from the hearth back into the fireplace,with shouts of “you can do it grandma.” You can do it Heidi!” Go for it! XO
Letty/Letty's Kitchen
Heidi,
What a gutsy post–you go girl. I recommend getting a stand-up desk. When I started this blogging thing a little over a year ago my butt had to get used to not standing in the bakery all day. The office chair was not good for me. I bought a Varidesk and LOVE it. I hardly sit at the computer now–I stand, with the option of lowering the desk. Oh and my office is a complete disaster. The problem is when I organize it I can’t find anything!
KalynsKitchen
Great post; very thought provoking. I wish you the best with all those goals. And (as you know) I can relate!
Sue
Heidi-This could have been me writing your blog today. If you knew how many people face the same issues you would probably sigh with relief. We’re right there with you!
Maria
Yay for a new year…and a new site. Love it! You are more than enough in so many ways! You are always inspiring me and others to be better! One of the many reasons I love you. You are just good people! And I am hear for you anytime you want to get a manicure or bake cookies! And if you are still dieting, I will gladly eat more than my fair share. You know, to help a friend out! Love you to pieces! Happy 2015! It’s going to be a GREAT one! xo
Marissa
Whoa, how amazing are you!?!? Thank you for your honesty – can you feel the love and support and admiration from everyone reading this? I certainly hope so. Rock on!!
Kathy @ Olives and Garlic
I need to learn how to do nothing for 5 minutes each day. Decluttering, destressing and taking it easy are all on my list this year.
Jamie | Jamie's Recipes
I have been a long time voyeur so I am stepping out of the shadows and commenting today. Such a great list and I love the word enough. My focus this year is reduce (clutter, waist size, screen time, stress…) I am planning on doing quarterly updates to keep me on track. I look forward to following you on your ENOUGH journey.
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
I just love this, Heidi! Thanks for inspiring me to put more of myself out there, and not second guess myself or hold back out of fear… enough is enough!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
Oh my jeez, I love this! So honest and I’m with you all the way here. My word for the year is “mindful” which is somewhat in line with your “enough”. Be mindful of the draining activities and do more of what gives me energy and happiness! Best of luck with doing enough
Ali | Gimme Some Oven
…and this post is yet one more reason I think you’re amazing. And brave. And smart. And strong. And why I think 2015 is totally going to be YOUR YEAR.
Can’t wait to follow along with your “solutions” and cheer you on. You’ve got this!! :)
Millie | Add A Little
Love this post Heidi – so refreshing to read!
And those links look awesome!
Yvette (Muy Bueno)
LOVE this! This is a great reminder, “I have plenty of work, great clients and lots of opportunity. Don’t over promise by always saying, “yes.” Instead under promise and over deliver and know when to simply say, “Enough.” BRAVO!
You are so darn talented girl and I LOVE your honesty! And your new blog design. LOVE it!
All the best in 2015!!! Hugs!
heidi
You’re so sweet Yvette. And just so you know, I’m having a BLAST working on your new cookbook design, and am so glad I said “YES” to doing it! XO and right back ‘atcha.
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles
I love this. All of this. Happy New Year, Heidi!
SANDY @ ReluctantEntertainer
WOW. Your blog looks so great, Heidi. I love this post, read every word. So glad you got the ol’ bladder fixed (sucks getting older – ha), and you know how much I’m jealous of your office space! I hope you ENJOY this year, because you’ve added so much to mine and a zillion readers, Heidi. Oh, and I love this: “We can make as many lists as we want and count as many things as we like. But people aren’t widgets, and much of our leisure time is about time spent with the people who matter to us.” Great words!
heidi
It was my favorite quote too. It reminded me once again to just sit back and enjoy the people I”m with instead of always feeling I’m not doing something I ‘should’ be doing. Here’s to the New Year!
eva@myfrontburner
Hi Heidi, I’ve been hanging around your blog for sometime now and thought it was time to say hello! I’ve been told that a big part of blogging is becoming part of the community. I started blogging a bit over a year ago, but for some reason I’ve had a hard time reaching out to other bloggers. I don’t know why, but it is my reSolution to change that. Anyway, I really liked your post today. I can relate to it all!!! urethal sling and all. I too sneeze in 3’s. It’s been a long standing joke between and my best friend. Are you still doing WW? If so, how’s that going.
Cheers, Eva
heidi
It seriously gives me chills when I see a comment like this. You make this whole thing (whatever this ‘thing’ is) totally worthwhile. Your comment means more to me than you realize. Cheers back to you!
Kiara
Long time reader, first time commenter. Don’t be embarrassed!!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!! Telling everybody definitely makes you feel accountable to someone. I can relate. Let’s make health and positive body image all the rage in 2015.
heidi
You, Kiara, are the type of reader who I do these dang posts for! I am so thrilled it moved you to comment. Thank you for your encouragement, and yes, I CAN DO THIS! XO
Monique @ Ambitious Kitchen
I just love you to pieces. Such a wonderful new design on the blog too – love wooden spoons! Your goals are wonderful, I think writing them and letting someone else hear them always holds you more accountable. Beautiful – as always!
Deborah
Your posts always have a way of hitting home with me. I love your word – I think it’s one of my favorites that I’ve heard. And I am committed to de-junking my house. I don’t even work in my office because there is too much in there, so my goal is to get on top of it so that I will actually sit at my desk instead of the kitchen table. :)
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
I love this post, Heidi! I also really like the word ‘enough’ as a personal theme for the year, especially because I tend to have perfectionist tendencies and will work on a project for far too long given the chance. In addition to your amazing photography and recipes, I love your honesty. Wishing you all the best with your reSolutions this year! :)