Goals for 2012

I can't believe it's already January 10th! I've been thinking about this post for several days now, and although we're already 10 days into the new year, it's never too late to write down some goals. Here are some of mine...

1. Let go.
I have a very difficult time letting go of things, and I don't mean material things - I mean worries and fears...stress and frustration. The things that eat you up inside and make you lose sight of your goals and what's important in life. A goal of mine this year is to learn to let go. To try and focus on my dreams and not let that little voice inside distract me anymore.

2. Say yes when it matters.
Work is an extremely large part of my life (between nannying, photography, and The Look 4 Less blog - I have about 3 jobs), and often that means saying yes to work related obligations and saying no to my family and friends. This year I want to say yes more often, to the people that matter most. This also extends to saying yes to myself, taking a little time each day to do something for me (and not feel guilty about it - that's the key!) - exercise, read a chapter of a great book, or watch one of my favorite shows on tv. Finding a balance between work and everything else has been a bit of a struggle for me in the past, but hopefully this year I will succeed (or at least improve!).

3. Learn to listen to my body.
As I near the two year mark of being diagnosed with lupus, I am still working on listening to my body. Often I fight against it, working extra hard when I feel good, only to crash and burn days later (sometimes for weeks on end) and end up a worthless lump on the couch. This year I resolve to pay attention to my body...which might mean going to bed at 7:30 pm if I'm feeling tired (and not beating myself up for going to bed at the same time as a 90 year old woman), or taking a leisurely walk with Einstein if more intense exercise has been aggravating my joints (note to self: not moving at all never seems to help!). I'm also trying to reduce the amount of gluten I eat, and it seems to be helping some, but I'd also like to cut back on dairy (which I eat at nearly every meal). My goal is to get (and stay) healthier, and finally get my disease under better control in 2012.

What are some of your goals this year?

Happy New Year!

I'm not going to lie, New Year's Eve for me typically includes some sort of take out, watching a marathon of a TV show in my most comfy pajamas, and falling asleep on the couch at least 2 hours before midnight. It's a little embarrassing, but hey - that's how it is at the Madigan house! Einstein on the other hand, is a major party animal, and has been gearing up to ring in the new year...



Here's to a wonderful 2012, full of fabulous photos and many new memories!
Happy New Year!

A look back at 2011...

2011 was a whirlwind year, I'm not exactly sure where it all went! Like every year, it had it's ups and downs but was filled with lots of laughter (and a few tears). We decided early in the year to build a house, and moving was exciting, stressful, and at times bittersweet. I hadn't realized how attached I'd become in just a few years to our first home, and it was harder to leave than I anticipated! Exciting and happy news was also sprinkled throughout the year, with Josh and I getting news from his sister that we would be an uncle & aunt sometime early in 2012, and two of my sisters getting engaged this fall. The year wasn't without it's challenges, as I was chosen for jury duty at a very inopportune time (is it ever convenient though? I don't think so!) and also made some excruciatingly difficult decisions regarding my future. 2011 also included a trip to NYC, lots of photo sessions, plenty of snuggle time with Einstein, rebranding my business, time with friends & family, catching a Maroon 5 concert, and making some dents in my 101 in 1001 list.





What does 2012 have in store? One never can tell, but I do know that it will bring travel, a new niece or nephew, and a new brother-in-law. I hope it also brings good health, happiness, and plenty of time with family and friends. What are you hoping for in 2012?