As 2017 came to a close, I took time to reflect on 2017 and look forward to 2018. Now that we are a family of three, my priorities have evolved. Based on these changing priorities, I have decided to put goals in place for 2018 instead of resolutions.  Instead of choosing resolutions that are hard to maintain or achieve, which inevitably that will stress me out, I’ve tried to review the areas of my life and put small, achievable, realistic goals in place. Since it is hard to stay accountable, especially over 52 weeks, I hope to check in on a monthly basis.

1) Disconnect more. While I plan to continue my blog and social media presence, I want to ensure that I take time to energize myself and allow enough time to engage with friends and family. I did a great job disconnecting during a few weekends and then over the holidays but I want to make a more conscious effort moving forward. I have seen a few cartoons recently which put into perspective how children can perceive their parent’s attachment to the iPhone and I want to ensure that I am fully engaged when I’m with Katie. Other than capturing the occasional picture or video, I want to do a better job focusing 100% of my attention on her versus multi-tasking.  However, this engagement is important not only with my daughter but also to ensure I’m showing my friends, family, and co-workers the respect they deserve as well. There is no reason my phone can’t be put away when I’m interacting with actual PEOPLE face to face as that should always take priority. 

2) Train and run a 5k, 10k and a half marathon. I’m not trying to PR these races but I love running and would like to get back to running at 2-3 days per week as well as running with friends and local moms. My weekly goal is to run with the local Brooklyn moms each Thursday morning when I’m not traveling. In addition to those 3-4 miles, I hope to log a longer run one day per week. As Katie gets older, I may consider a jogging stroller, but for now, my goal would be to run either in the morning before she wakes up or at a time when Bo can watch her during the weekend. As I find this balance, I think it’s smart to focus on shorter distances as I become tempted by Spring races. Once I can train and run a 5k or 4-mile race, then I can look towards longer distances. The first race I’m contemplating is the NYRR Al Gordon 4-miler as it is in Prospect Park, just a few minutes away from our apartment and allows for almost 2 months of training! 

3) Survive a 90-minute FLY class or do a double. Now that Bo and I invested in our health and gave ourselves the gift of a FlyAnywhere Flywheel bike for Christmas, this will be a frequent workout choice. In order to ensure I’m challenging myself, I want to make it a goal to graduate from 30 and 45-minute classes to 60, 75 and finally a 90- minute class. My goal is to carve out time for a 60-minute class at the end of January! And yes, since so many people continue to ask, Bo and I will share more about our experience with our FlyAnywhere bike in a dedicated post later this month.

4) Continue reading each night before bed. I did a great job putting my phone and computer away for thirty minutes during December and spending the time reading. In fact, my evening ritual was to sip decaffeinated tea, apply relaxing hand lotion, a face mask, light a candle, and curl up with a book for 30 minutes. This relaxing ritual did wonders for me mentally during this chaotic period and is something I want to continue in the new year. This change helps me sleep better and feel more productive since I was able to read 3.5 books last month. I just finished the Seven Husband of Evelyn Hugo and am still reading Katharine Graham’s Personal History, but I would love to hear your recommendations as I continue to carve out this “me time” each day. 

5) Practice yoga once per month. This sounds crazy but I really miss yoga and know that weekly practice may not be realistic at this time, BUT I can definitely make time for it at least once per month, especially if I can combine it with girlfriend time.  Once upon a time, I practiced yoga 1-2 times per week and loved the way it made me feel mentally and physically. Since there are FIFTEEN yoga studios within a mile of our apartment, I hope to take at least once class per month and will prioritize heated classes at studios like Tangerine, Heatwise and Brooklyn Yoga Project since this is the style I like most. 

6) Blog at least two times per week and share updates via Instagram at least five times per week including more Instagram stories/videos. Even though the blogging world has evolved since I first launched this blog in 2010, I love sharing my life with you all and have no plans to move to an Instagram only platform. Even though I’ve admittedly had a tough time finding my rhythm since returning to work, I believe that this was to be expected and is something that many of you understand as you face similar challenges in your own lives. Based on comments and traffic, you all have the most interest in my Friday Favorites, Katie Updates, Coffee Dates and Training Plans/Workout updates. I will do my best to prioritize these topics as I carve out time each week to blog.  

7) Invest in my relationship with Bo and do our best to enjoy one date per month, whether it is a date night or day date.  Originally, we were going to enjoy a 24-hour vacation in Charleston over the holidays while our parents watched Katie. But, since Katie and I were both sick over the holidays, we canceled this trip. So far we have had two date nights – one in November at a local restaurant and one in December for his company holiday party. Since we have two different babysitters we know and trust, I’d like to make a January date a priority to schedule for a Saturday later this month. Since there are so many amazing movies out right now, maybe we will change things up a do a casual dinner followed by a movie. 

Your turn – What are your resolutions or goals for 2018?

Photo credit Anna Rachel Photography.