Hi Girls!  There are many reasons why many people loathe the thought of New Years Resolutions.  I think one of the reasons is because they generate a lot of pressure.  It's like "oh no, it's January 1st....time to start morphing into the perfect woman!"  Ugh!  Where do I even begin???

So how about if we start by getting rid of the whole "New Year Resolution time to right all our wrongs and give up everything that brings happiness" pressure.  Sound good?

Lets simply look at making some lifestyle adjustments in hopes of making positive changes in our lives.  For example, I know that once again I put on a few holiday pounds this season.  That's what happens when you take everything you can get your hands on and dip it in almond bark!   But hey- once a year it's fun to overdose on a waxy substance that has no natural ingredients.  It helps you appreciate the purity of a pear when your face breaks out and your eyes are puffed shut.  Can I get an Amen?

Of course I look forward to the year when I do not succumb to the "oh it's the holidays.....time to live large (and get large) routine.  But hindsight is 20/20 so what's the point in looking back?

Now other years, I would have set a weight loss goal.  I also would have tortured myself and my family for 6 weeks while I reached that goal.  Well I was set free from a life of dieting this summer and I refuse to place myself in that bondage again.

Instead of making a weight loss goal, I decided to make one lifestyle adjustment and a fitness goal.  Sure, it may take a little longer to get into my skinny jeans, but really, in the big picture of life....who cares?  I sure don't.  And trust me...my friends and family are all for this approach. 

Now you may have set a specific weight loss goal and a plan to get there.  And to you I say "You go Girl!  You can do it!  Let me know if there is anything I can do to help!"  and I sincerely mean it.  There have been many times where I had to follow something strict and specific.  I am not discounting the value of your plan.....

Which brings me to my tip for today.  Well I guess it's my second tip (the first one being take the pressure off yourself and start small if you feel overwhelmed).  So here it is: your plan is your plan.  It's not someone else's plan.  Just because someone else has a more intense or a less intense goal does not mean the goal you have set for yourself is not right.  It is yours.  You are the one who has to carry it out.  Don't go worrying your little head about the goals anyone else has!

This "pay attention to your own goal" tip is one that carries well into all areas of your life.  The more you keep your eyes on your own work, the happier you will be.  Nobody wins in the comparison game.....ask me how I know!

Besides, I'm not the one who came up with the tip......God did.  So if you don't like it, take it up with him.....

Galatians 6:4-5  Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else.  For we are all responsible for our own conduct.

Love, blessing, and a comparison free day to you all-
Jen