I’ve been looking forward to writing this post because it’s always motivational to see your goals and remind yourself about what you hope to accomplish in the coming year.
I had originally planned to take a look back at my 2011 goals, but I think it’s best to start fresh and with a positive outlook instead of focusing on what wasn’t accomplished.
Here are my top goals/resolutions for 2012!
Eat at home more often— When we were buying our new home, one of the huge selling points was the open kitchen with lots of storage space (cabinetry) and a huge island. I promised I would cook more when we were moved-in, but that hasn’t really happened. My H cooks more than I do, but we cook the same things over and over. Wanting to start the new year off right, we challenged ourselves to stay in and cook a meal together instead of going out. H found a healthy chicken parmesan recipe online, we went grocery shopping together to get everything we needed and we cooked a lovely meal together.
I don’t want to set unrealistic goals, so H and I made a deal that we would alternate weeks and try to cook one new meal every week. I figure once we learn to cook some meals, it will be much easier to motivate ourselves to cook more often.
Eat healthier— This one is a spinoff from the first, but we would both like to committ to eating healthier. I’m pretty good during the day but after work is usually when I vere off course. I still eat too many processed foods and not enough vegetables. I want to make sure I focus on eating more real foods this year. One thing I do have to commend myself for is portion sizes. Last year I really focused on listening to my body and eating until I was satisfied and not until I felt my stomach was about to burst.
I also really need to work on my sugar intake. My beloved Sour Patch Kids need to go. Not only do they tend to make me feel sick after I eat an insane amount them, they are also probably horrible for me. I’ll never go cold turkey because you only live once and I love sweets, but I need to stop eating so much sugar and candy and control portions better when it comes to the sugary stuff.
Continue working out— 2011 was a fantastic year for me fitness-wise. I was working out on average 4-5 days a week up until when we moved. Moving and settling into our new home was stressful and totally threw our schedules out of whack. We continued to work out, but usually only 2 days a week. We would both like to get back to working out at least 4 days a week and 5 if we can.
My goal was to be in the best shape of my life before we have a child. I have heard being fit makes pregnancy easier (and sometimes even the delivery) and also keeps up your energy levels and helps you get your body back after baby. Working out makes me feel so good and I’m looking forward to continuing my progress in 2012.
Oh, and while we’re on the topic of working out, this happened on New Years Eve. I love her. So yeah, that was pretty amazing.
Read more—I think this one migrated over from last year’s list. I read maybe 2 or 3 books this year. Awful, I know. I order all of these books on Amazon and then never make the time to read them. I’d like to read a book every 2 months or so because I love reading. Maybe I should join a book club!
Worry less— A lot of you already know I struggle with anxiety and ocassional panic attacks. It’s very difficult to admit that it has gotten worse over the years, not better. I always feel incredibly guilty for my anxiety because I am so lucky. I am 100% aware of the fact that I lead a very blessed life and I am incredibly fortunate to have a great husband and family and a beautiful home and a job…but for some reason my anxiety still gets to me at times. On one hand, I’m thankful that my anxiety and worrying doesn’t cripple me (prevent me from living my life) and on the other hand I wish I didn’t worry and stress so much. I did buy some books about overcoming anxious feelings but, as you probably can already gather, I haven’t read them yet.
Keep it clean— I’m a neat freak. I love to clean like it’s my calling in life. I enjoy the process of cleaning and love to throw on some tunes and just clean the day away. However, what I’m not great at is keeping things neat and clean in between my deeper cleans. Our bedroom and bathroom are particularly bad victims of this. I hardly ever make the bed (I leave last so it should be me doing it), I sometimes leaves clothes on the floor instead of putting them away, I leave my hairdryer and hairbrush out. Basically, I’d like to be neater on a daily basis. I can make a room look perfect, but keeping it that way is a challenge for me. I’d like to make my bed everyday and put my stuff away before I leave for work so I can come home to a neat room.
Travel— I’ve still got the travel bug in me. H and I may go to London again this summer. Not 100% sure it will happen, but it would be lovely if we could take another trip like that this year.
Stop picking— My cuticles, that is. I am always picking at the dry skin and hangnails and it’s awful. Need to stop this ASAP. I also need to stop picking at my split ends and just cut them off when I see one.
Style evolution— While looking back at old posts, I’ve seen just how much my style has evolved and I’d like for that to continue. I loved adding more brights and colors to my wardrobe and my plan for 2012 is to continue to step out of my comfort zone, while still being true to clothing and styles I love.
Blogging— I love blogging. I love how many amazing women I’ve “met” through blogging and I love being part of this community. I want to make my blog better each year and write content that people enjoy reading. I want better photos and better quality everything. I think I’m starting off the year right by having switched to tripod photos and I want that to trickle into all aspects of my blog. I’m even planning a 2012 re-design which I’m so excited about. I value each and every person who reads my blog and makes it so meaninful for me with your sweet comments, emails and overall support. If I don’t say it enough—THANK YOU!!!
Be Grateful— This year, during one of the few times we attended church services, the sermon really inspired me to think differently about the way I pray. Instead of asking God for what I want and what I hope for, I’ve started off my prayers telling God what I’m thankful for and thanking Him for bestowing so many blessings upon my life. I think oftentimes in life we are so overwhelmed with all we have going on that we sometimes forget to thank God for how incredible our lives are and instead we focus on what we feel we are missing. Of course you should always ask God to help you through your struggles and we should all pray for those facing difficult times, but I always try to tell God a few things I am thankful about first because I think it’s important to acknowledge those blessings.
On New Years Eve, H and I decided to take it easy and stay in and cook our own dinner. We went grocery shopping to get what we needed and prepared a yummy chicken parmesan dish.
Then, this morning, we decided to continue our cooking streak by making pancakes with fresh blueberries (they were amazing!)
xoxo,
Veronika.
fifi says
Happy 2012! Wishing you all the best in the new year!! xo
les yeux bleu says
Could you please share your chicken parmasean recipe? It sounds delicious!
Sarah S. says
Happy New Year! Your resolutions are mirroring my own ^.^ Best of luck (and hard work) to us, right?
Laura says
Great resolutions! I love the websites skinnytaste.com and https://www.healthy-delicious.com/ for simple, quick and healthy recipes! Also if you don't have a slow cooker, I would highly recommend one! Great for busy gals! Happy new year!
Mary Ann says
Happy New Year Veronika! I know what you mean about a sweet tooth, except I have a salt tooth! ;-p
[email protected] says
thanks laura 🙂 i know about skinny taste but will check out the other blog 🙂
@les yeux bleu—the link to the recipe is: https://www.myrecipes.com/ingredients/chicken-recipes/most-popular-chicken-recipes-10000001934338/page2.html
*Reeny* says
Great resoulutions Veronica. Loved your last one so much. You are very grecious. I adore your blog, keep up a good work. Happy New Year :)xo
Anonymous says
Do u believe in horoscopes?
Mrs. V* says
Happy New Year! I started cooking a lot this past year and found a ton of wonderful cooking blogs from the ladies on What's Cooking on the nest.
I also suffer from anxiety and my goal for 2012 is to get it under control. I found some yoga poses to help anxiety on pinterest. https://imaginethespirit.wordpress.com/2011/06/17/10-yoga-poses-to-fight-depression-and-anxiety/
[email protected] says
thanks mrs. v 🙂 i am checking those out now!
Loqua57 says
Hey Veronika! I too struggle with anxiety issues. If you get a chance, I'd love to hear if you find any of the books you purchased helpful! Happy New Year!!
Loqua57 says
Hey Veronika! I too struggle with anxiety issues. If you get a chance, I'd love to hear if you find any of the books helpful. Happy New Year!!
Anonymous says
I just found your blog and i love it! This is a great post. I especially love the part about being thankful for your blessings. That is something i need to remember to do.
[email protected] says
@anon— thank you
@loqua— I will let you know—the book is called "when panic attacks"
Marley says
Can you share the recipe for your chicken parmesan meal? It looks fantastic!
[email protected] says
@marley—see the comments above—I posted the link there 🙂 it's called parmesan herb chicken
megan says
Great list! It's eerily similiar to mine. Almost identical really. I guess great minds think alike.
Best wishes!
Megan
Anonymous says
Happy New Year Veronika! One of my resolutions is to start exercising again. It seems that l'll start back at it BUT I don't stick with it!
I'm going to try that recipe you and your H made! It looks delish, thanks for posting the link to it 🙂
–Melissa M
Veronika says
Oh My Veronika! =) I just came across your blog & not only are our names the exact same…you sound SO much like me…it's scary! =) I am as OCD as it comes, love me some Marisa Miller, etc. etc. =) You are ADORABLE & I'm so glad I found you! Happy Happy New Year! May ALL of your dreams continue to come true! XO
Calling All Dolls!
[email protected] says
@veronika—how fun that we have the same name!!! checking out your blog now 🙂
Ana says
Happy new year! I hope 2012 is a great year for you. My number one resolution is to live my life for me, stop putting my happiness second, and stop being so picky about my faults. Ok that's three but, overall, it's for a more serene and happy me.
Anonymous says
Happy New Year V! I can't wait to read all your new blog posts in 2012 🙂 I love all of your resolutions! I hope I can follow through with some of them as well!
-Kate
Corinne from TwirlieGirls.com says
I'm awful about cuticle picking, too :- I've read that it's a symptom of anxiety, which makes sense. I'm an anxious person. Let me know if you find any tricks that help you stop!
Jazzy Cazy says
Happy 2012! The cooking thing is great to commit to. I didn't love cooking either until I got a lot better at it, now I can do things like chopping onions quicker it makes the whole thing so much easier and enjoyable so. I also highly recommend the cook book Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. It has some great easy recipes and is a great reference for learning some basics.
natasha {schue love} says
Great and realistic goals! You should post your weekly meals each week to keep you on track…plus it provides fun inspiration! 😉
Marionberry Style says
You can really tell that you spent a bit of time thinking about how you would like to grow and evolve in 2012 Veronika!
Regarding the anxiety issue – I wish you luck with that journey. As a psychologist, I work with a lot of kids who experience differing levels of anxiety. Sometimes, just focusing on one thing and doing it well helps.
For me…I find cooking to be therapeutic. So maybe you'll have a double-whammy there as you start having fun in your new kitchen!!
🙂
XO – Marion
Megan says
We also have decided to try to eat at home more. It's just so easy to get take out! Good luck!
Katie says
Thanks for the post. I'm new to reading your blog and went back through all your archives – just wonderful. Thanks for all the fantastic beauty and life advice you give.
I, too, have an anxiety disorder (OCD but also some general anxiety). Thanks for letting us know a bit about your journey. It's inspiring for those who struggle with it too.
[email protected] says
Hi Katie 🙂 welcome to my blog, glad to have you here!
Ally says
That's so cool Marisa responded to your tweet, maybe she even read your blog. Now that would be cool!
Anonymous says
Hey Veronika,
I just wanted to say Happy New Year from Sydney Australia. I came across your blog in November last year. I love reading your posts about beauty and life.
Lyra
Emily says
Hi Veronika! Thank you for sharing a bit about your struggle with anxiety. As someone who also personally suffers from anxiety and OCD, as well as being a mental health professional, I hear ya girl. My only suggestion is that self-help-type books CAN be very helpful for some people, but typically those with mild or infrequent anxiety/panic issues. If you are having more frequent anxiety or panic attacks (i.e. it is beginning to interfere with your life), my suggestion would be to seek a therapist as opposed to trying to treat it solely by yourself. Happy New Year! <3
Alethia says
I hope you accomplish your goals! Good luck! 🙂
[email protected] says
Thanks Emily 🙂 I'm fortunate that my anxiety doesn't really affect my day to day life but I do already see a therapist 🙂
edustory says
Just started following your blog a few days ago and it's really great to start following you now, we have a lot of resolutions in common and it's nice to be able to follow your progression and get tips. Wish you all the best this year!
Roanna says
Hi, I also suffer from panic attacks. they are truly awful, so i sympathize totally. One great thing I came across was listening to guided meditations (although they can be a little "new age" they are great to give you time to yourself to completely leave worries aside for 20 mins!). Now that I'm expecting a baby the guided meditations of my hypnobirthing practice are helping very much as well. Have a wonderful new year!
Sheila says
Isn't it the greatest thing when your favorite celebrity replies to your tweets? Thats so fun, everytime I get a reply I get so excited 🙂 Your fitness and health posts last year were so encouraging. I am sure you'll continue to make progress.
Mandy says
I'm a champion worry-wart myself but am realizing that my worrying doesn't change the future. Just got this yesterday at my church's sermon: Matthew 25-34…definitely rings true 🙂
Miss K says
these are great goals! good luck in accomplishing each of them, i know you can do it!
*maja* says
We share about 90% of all our resolutions! You'll be successful in whatever you do!
SShaw says
Those all sound like good, achievable resolutions. I think my resolution for this year will be to just generally be more productive. It's so easy to get sucked into tv or the internet (case in point!) but there are so many better ways to use your time.
For your eating in resolution, Real Simple magazine publishes a recipe section in each issue called "Five Easy Dinners". They have a short ingredient list, are quick prep, relatively healthy, and are almost always delicious. Perfect for putting together after a long day at work. Here's the link to Jan's:
https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/quick-easy/easy-weeknight-meals-january-00000000050509/index.html
Oh, & get yourself a bottle of real syrup! I believe HFCS is the top ingredient in Aunt Jemima & the like. Real syrup does cost more but it tastes so much better and it's better for you. 🙂
Lucia says
Happy New Year! I wish all your resolutions come true in 2012.
hellolucie.blogspot.com
Heather says
great goals!
Happy New Year!!
Eleni says
Great resolutions Veronika.
Have you ever tried meditation for your worrying and anxiety? My fiance meditates all of the time and is probably the most calm, soft spoken person I know. He is ALWAYS telling me to try meditation because I too am a constant worrier.
Do you find going to Church helps your anxiety?
All the best to you in 2012!
[email protected] says
@eleni— I would love try to meditation but I am SO impatient and I know my mind would just race the entire time. It probably takes alot of practice though. I need to work on my patience too!
Beautygirl24 says
I agree with all of these…I especially want to be more positive. My anxiety ruled my life in 2011, and unfortunately, it did cripple me. I no longer want it to control me, I want to be able to control my life! And my worries…
Happy New Year!
~Noelle
Honeysuckle says
oh my gosh, i once ate 1/4 of a pounder bag of sour patch kids and felt so extremely sick afterwards too. i was too lazy to get up to heat up my lunch at work so grabbed the closest thing to me. i haven't been able to touch one since. lol!!
can't wait to see what is in store for you in 2012. happy new year!
Carolina says
Hey Veronika! Great New Year's Resolutions!! I hope you will succeed!My number 1 resolution is: try to enjoy every day of my stay in China and document it as often as I can on my blog so that I can remember it later:)
Anonymous says
HEAVILY moisturizer your cuticles. I'm a cuticle picker and find that if they are healthy and moisturized, I can't find a tag to start picking and pulling. ALSO, get a fidget toy. Something to play with, one handed, to keep you occupied while you do other things. Squosh(Sp?) balls, little toys you can find at party stores….fidget stuff. Worry beads might do the trick.
violetsage says
I love reading other people's resolutions!! I decided to go the route of monthly resolutions instead of a bunch for the year. I'm hoping it will work out well!
Cheers to 2012!
Theresa says
Great resolutions! I agree that oftentimes we forget to thank the One that gave us the brain to even THINK about resolutions let alone follow through with them…. so taking time to thank God is always important and a good resolution to follow. 🙂 Happy New Year!
Julie says
Veronika-thank you for sharing about your anxiety and panic attacks. When you admitted that it's getting worse as you get older I started crying a bit…I feel the exact same way and I've been so afraid to let myself admit it.
I am seeing a wonderful therapist and she has a lot of great insights about why that might be… she says in this stage of life we're a bit more settled after years of running around with little time to reflect (college, internships, part time jobs, boyfriends, crazy social life, etc.). We actually have time now to take a deep breath and analyze which can lead to increased anxiety-weird!
In many ways we have everything we always wanted (the education, the beautiful home, the great career, the loving husband, the close friends) and that can make it hurt even worse, we're still troubled. Now as we contemplate motherhood many of our own unresolved issues from childhood are being stirred up, she said that's natural. Still it's so hard!
I know I've read a ton of self-help books but I had to force myself to actually DO the work. That means taking care of my mental health and mostly being kind to myself (letting go of perfectionism, working less hours, learning how to say "no", finding time for hobbies, travel, reading, brief meditation, journaling, etc.). It's all about using those coping strategies as pro-active and positive reactive measures so that I don't feel like the anxiety is controlling my life. I know that I will always be a sensitive person who is prone to feeling anxious and that's OK. At the same time that also make us more likely to be empathetic towards others and truly have the capacity to feel joy and that's pretty awesome.
Please do write more about your struggles with anxiety (if you feel comfortable doing that of course) as I think it would help SO many of your readers. Whenever you feel anxious please think of me and all the other people you helped my sharing, we are all in this together:)
[email protected] says
Julie— thank you so much for posting this! maybe we can email sometime to talk about our struggles—sometimes it helps to just chat with someone who can relate 🙂
as for what you said about it getting harder as you get older even when you are so happy (great marriage, job, house, etc) …you're right, all of that can cause us to worry more (what if I lose my job or something happens to my husband etc?)
Now that I am thinking about having a child, I worry about that too. But you know one of my therapists once told me "if you have one foot in the past and one in the future, you're pissing on the present." I thought he had a good point. There is no point in worrying about things that are out of your control!
[email protected] says
and yes Julie, we are all in this together 🙂 your comment totally made my night!
Julie says
Yes I would love to email sometime:) I really like that quote from your therapist!
sarahkindel says
Your last one is great. Make 2012 a year where you seek God's presence before his presents. You will be rewarded!
Anonymous says
Hi Veronika,
Love your blog (it's my favorite read) and your resolutions. Just wondering – you seem to have had so much success with your workout regimen and I'm in dire need of something to tone my legs (specifically my thighs) to prep for the summer season. Do you have any recommendations for routines, DVDs, target exercises etc. that would work best for this? Also, would you ever consider doing a post dedicated to the specifics of your workout regimen?
Thanks in advance and Happy New Year!
-Dawn 🙂
[email protected] says
happy new year Dawn! for legs I have been having amazing results doing the bar method—they have DVDs on amazon.com. You work your legs so hard your muscles shake!!!
Anonymous says
Thanks so much, Veronika! Might I also add that I really want to commend you, as so many others have, for being so open about your issues with anxiety. As someone who suffers from my own issues with OCD, anxiety, and hypochondria, I find your candor refreshing. It's so reassuring to see someone who is so "normal" and together as yourself willingly sharing such a deeply personal part of your life with your readers. Your posts about this topic have been of great comfort to me as a reader so for that, I thank you, thank you, thank you!
Have a great night!
-Dawn
[email protected] says
Thanks so much for your kind words Dawn, they are greatly appreciated. I think that as a blogger, the more open you are about your struggles, the more relatable you are. Let's face it, blogs can sometimes create a very false image of who someone is because all you see is the good stuff. I would never want to give the impression to my readers that my life is perfect and I don't struggle with anything. I feel more connected to my readers when I share parts of me I'm not proud or that I struggle with.
have a great night as well 🙂
Veronika says
=) Awesome! Thanks so much! XO
Rachel says
Veronika – I forgot to post the first time I read this, but I wanted to go back and say thank you for doing this as a regular blog post as well as a video so I could read it at work. 🙂