2012 Goals

Ah, an entire year has come and gone! 2011 was full of laughter, sadness, surprise, worry, joy, love, family and friends. Every year I take a step back and try to really evaluate the past year.  What do I want to work on as a person? How can I grow? How can I serve others more? And what new things do I want to try? This year, I'm only creating a few goals so I can really focus on what's important! I'm also going to try my best to check in every month, see how I did with past goals, and possibly make some new ones! 
Instead of just rambling off my New Year's goals, I've invited some of my best blog pals to share theirs as well. We can all keep one another accountable (:

Here we go....


To work smarter, not harder.  And to compete less (or feel like I need to) with others and more with myself.
~Rhiannon of Hey Gorgeous


To start off each day with prayer, go to bed by 11pm each night, drink less diet coke, and make sure my husband, family and friends know how much they mean to me every day.
~Megan of Mackey Madness


To exercise 5 to 6 days a week. I am going to start a log so that I keep on track. 
~Cristin of Simplified Bee


I want to live in the present. (Hoping to savor every moment with my little ones, my husband, and loved ones. Its too easy to dwell in the past or look to the future, and miss the blessings of the present.)
 I also want to write more handwritten letters. Snail mail is becoming a rare and valued art these days. I am determined to send a few more personal and handwritten letters to friends and family throughout 2012!

~Anna of In Honor of Design

I'd also like to train for another race in order to stay in shape and have energy for each new day.  I want to launch my custom design shop for invitations, along with my other works of fine art.

~Drew of Coral Cafe

I want to run at least once a week with both dogs. We all need to get into shape! I also want to get the outside of my house painted... it's 1952 exterior needs a little something something if you know what I mean. This was actually a goal from 2011 that never got accomplished! And finally, read at least one book a month... I just finished the Hunger Games series and I LOVED it! I forgot how much I love getting into a good book. Sometimes it's good to put down the technology and just read!
~Michelle of Ten June

My major goal for 2012 is to get serious about learning photography and start up my own business!
~Jenni of Story of My Life


I want to be more crafty! I have so many DIYs pinned & bookmarked, I want to drive right in and actually start doing some of them!
~Jessica of Creative Index


I want to continue on with healthy eating and living.  I would love to get back into yoga and kettlebells/weights to get really strong.  I would love to do all of that so that I can successfully complete my first half marathon!  I would also love to expand my etsy shop with paintings--and really dive back into painting with oils! And as always, I want to work on becoming a beter wife and becoming closer to God.  I want to live a life in abandon for HIM alone, and that is something I am ALWAYS striving for. 
~Ashley of Adventures of Newlyweds

 2012 better bring back my pre-pregnancy weight.  Just a few more lbs to go!

I also need to get better about following a budget.  Here's to discipline. 
~Chassity of Look Linger Love


This year I want to continue to work at growing my blog, but remember that real life and my family are more important.  Another goal would to be finally master the art of couponing so I can save the extra money for cute clothes, fun stuff for my house, and craft supplies. ;)  Lastly, I want to take chances--the project might not turn out the way I envisioned, but it's okay to try!
~Amanda of Serenity Now

I'm never very good about keeping New Year's resolutions but 2012 is different!!  I have a little one on the way and resolve to do everything I can do take care of my health in preparation of his or her arrival!  And once the little babe arrives, I want to be the very best mom I can be.  It definitely puts a new spin on how I look at the new year.  Fresh start, new beginnings, and an addition to our family. 
~Natasha of Schue Love

And mine? 

To those of you who read this blog, whether you comment or not, thank you. Thank you for encouraging, motivating and inspiring me daily. You are so appreciated!
  2012, you are going to be a wonderful year! 


Here's to a year of love, laughter, & growth...oh, and lots of DIY projects, too! (: 
What are some of your goals for 2012?
Love,