Finding the Fundamentals

I've never been one for resolutions. It's...too much pressure. They're usually too big and scary to keep up on and are mostly forgotten by March. I have tried, though. Made a list to change about myself. I have no idea what they were, so there ya go.

I've been rolling around an idea in my head for the last couple weeks. It was sparked by a friend of mine, I suppose. She's also my visiting teacher. We met for a visit at a nearby bakery for a bagel. This was during the craziness of the Holidays that nearly killed me, so half an hour in the morning before a 16-hour work day was barely what I could spare. We sat and talked. She brought up the subject of resolutions. She, too, doesn't believe in New Year's Resolutions. Instead, every year on her birthday, so decides to make the coming 12 months the "Year of ____" (fill in the blank). This latest birthday brought the Year of Letting Go. Just...letting go of the things that you've held on to, grudges you've held on to, things you can't change.... Excellent idea.

So, I decided to do something a little similar. Sorta. I've been thinking a lot about the simple things I miss these days. And why i was missing them. I would say I don't have the time (which is pretty true, actually), but it's not just that. What am I doing with what little time I DO have away from work? Not much. Nothing of consequence, anyway. Silly tv shows and nonsense online, which I do enjoy, but it's really not that important in the long run. So, here's my "resolution": go back to the fundamentals. Back to basics. There's WAY too much nonsense going on in my life. Time to keep it simple. Go back to what was good and sincere.

And here's what I mean:

Reading:
I've always been a HUGE bookworm. I absolutely love books. Seriously. Even though I haven't had (or found) the time to read much, I still have bought at least 4 books in the last month or so. I can't stop myself! Bookstores have always been my solace. I see the books on the shelf and I just want to give them a good home! So, I resolve to read at least half an hour a day, probably before bed. Not much by my usual reading standards, but it's a start.

Sleeping:
I have no problem sleeping. Really. Probably cause I'm tired all the time, but alas. What I mean is that I need to aim for 8 hour of sleep. No more stay-up-til-2am-and-wake-at-10am silliness. Even when I get home from work at 11:30pm or so, I need to be in bed by midnight (and read for a bit) and then wake at 8am. Simple, I know, but that's the whole point! Remember back when you had a bedtime and you grumbled and groaned that it was too early? Well, too early is not an issue now, but I do need to get on a better schedule. I try to set an alarm, but I tend to shut it off and go back to sleep. And then I wonder why I'm rushing to work at noon....  *sarcasm*

Exercise:
Now, I've never been super diligent in working out. But when I do, I prefer to do yoga. It's too cold to do anything strenuous (for me anyway) outside and I don't snowboard often enough (or at all) to call it a workout, so yeah. Yoga. 3 times a week. Usually at home, but I did find a beginner's class at a local yoga studio that just might work with my schedule! Yay. : )

Eating:
I eat better than some already, what with my higher in-take of vegetables and stuff, but I still do enjoy the junk food. Less is the goal. And to eat more regularly. Work kinda kills that idea most days, but I'm gonna work on it.

Spirit:
Once again, back to the basics. I just need to get back into the habit of scripture reading and scriptures and everything. Apart from preparing my Sunday School lesson, I've slacked off a bit. Improvement is necessary.

Unplug:
Now, I love my gadgets. A. Lot. My iPhone is my life and connection to the outside world. I rely on it. But I do need some time away from my phone and computer at times. An hour or so a day is the plan. Unplugged.



So, that's how I plan to simplify my life and bring back the things that make me happy. Wish me luck!!

Any resolutions for you?