ARE YOU READY FOR 2011!!!!

I really love this time of year, there's just something so refreshing about a NEW year. It's a time to take a look at our lives and ask ourselves,  Is THIS where I want to be? If not, then What do I need to DO to get to where I want to be? 

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It's important to be grateful and content with our lives and where we're at, but we also need to continue to better ourselves with each passing year.  I think one of the biggest mistakes we make when making our new years resolutions, is forgetting to see all that we HAVE accomplished. A lot of times we get discouraged because we haven't stuck to our goals as perfectly as we had planned. First of all, there is NO such thing as perfect. Don't beat yourselves up over eating that piece of chocolate cake when you vowed you'd cut out all junk food this year. Don't throw in the towel, give yourself some credit and try again tomorrow.
One of the most popular new years resolution is to LOSE WEIGHT, don't we all know it.  The market for weight loss products and services was worth nearly $121 billion in 2009 and it only continues to increase.  Although I have not ever been overweight, I, like most women, have struggled tremendously with body image. I tried everything under the sun to lose weight, including starving myself which didn't ever last very long. I was an emotional eater so starving myself just made me MORE anxious and in the end I would binge. Which then of course led me to the idea of purging, and to be completely honest, I tried and tried but could not make myself throw up, sorry for the graphic details. I guess my gag reflexes are pretty strong. Of course I'm glad that I wasn't able to throw up because that could have led to a major eating disorder I'm sure.

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It wasn't until my mission in Germany where I finally began to love my body the way it was, even 25 pounds heavier. I was able to get to a better place emotionally and I wasn't so obsessed with the way I looked.  I started enjoying food on a healthier level mentally and emotionally. I quit beating myself up each time I indulged in all the yummy food and chocolate Germany had to offer. I noticed I started eating slower and took the time to enjoy what I was eating more and in turn I would eat less.
Overcoming poor body image and loving your body is the first step for an overall healthier life. When I first did a cleanse it wasn't to lose weight, it was simply to better my health, and when the weight started coming off it was just an added bonus.  I'm not saying I've got it all figured out and now I NEVER struggle with poor body image, it's an ongoing battle, especially after having kids. I'm still learning to love my body, saggy skin and all. I think this is something women will constantly have to work on. We need those simple reminders that, looks aren't everything, our HEALTH is what we need to be concerned about.
I try to make healthier choices where I can, but I also enjoy a nice juicy hamburger or a some chocolate chip cookies once in a while. Oh, and by the way, I found some YUMMY organic candy bars recently you'll have to try. They are called Angell candy bars, my favorite is the snow angel, it's white chocolate with a creamy coconut center. You can find them on Amazon, Snow Angell Organic Candy Bar 12-Pack

Okay so anyway, back to new years resolutions. I recently told you about my new goals for trying out all the things on my bucket list.  Each month I'm choosing a different item from the list to help me focus on improving my talents and developing new skills. November was to write a song, still in the works, I'm coming back to this one for sure.  December was to brush up on my German so I was reading Twilight, watching DVD's, and reading my scriptures ALL in German.  January is going to be my month to learn more about photography. I don't want to become a professional photographer, I just want to learn how to take better pictures with my camera I got not too long ago. I plan to share what I'm learning too, for all you beginners out there.

Well I hope you are all finding the motivation to make this year the best one yet!!! Have a wonderful weekend and Happy New Year!!!!!!

By the way, if you haven't entered my giveaway yet, be sure to check it out. I'm giving away one of my planners with 3 complete months of meal plans and grocery lists. Ends January 5th.