Happy First Monday of 2021!!

I’ll admit, I probably have never been this excited for a Monday before in my life, but knowing that we’re in a new year full of opportunities, I can’t help but smile. 2020 was a helluva year, that’s for sure. While I will always be able to look back on that year as the year I started my dream job, there are plenty of other memories I don’t see myself looking back on too often.

Looking ahead though to 2021, there is a great deal I plan to achieve. Initially as I wrote this post, I had said that there were goals I hoped to achieve, but as I continued to think and reflect, I decided that I wasn’t just going to hope things happened….I want to actively and intentionally work to make the things I want happen. Bumps in the road may occur and there is always the possibility that the things I want to happen in the next 361 days don’t pan out, but I am more determined than ever to make things happen!

Goal 1-health and fitness

Alright, alright….I know this probably sounds cliche. At the first of the year, there is always this push to drop the holiday weight, drink more water, go to the gym more, etc, etc. By no means are those bad goals to have. But for me, this goes a little deeper. Since middle school, I have struggled with my mental and physical health. It’s been an ongoing battle for over half my life. While it is something I will likely have to actively work at for the rest of my life, this year I am making intentional choices to help alleviate as much of the struggle as possible.

One thing that I did in 2020 that has already done wonders for my mental health was leaving a job that made me incredibly unhappy. For several years, I was treated in a way that made me seriously consider leaving the field of education. I love being a teacher and making the choice to leave that district and accept a position in another district (my dream district by the way!) did so much for my self-esteem and overall well-being.

One thing that I feel will continue to aid in my journey of positive mental and physical health is to change my lifestyle a bit. In times when I am struggling with my mental health, I too often turn to food. This year, I am determined to eat healthier and develop a workout routine. One of the ways I am hoping to jumpstart this is doing 2 things. The first is by participating in a 30 day Healthy Living group. I’ve always been one who does well when someone is holding me accountable and that is just what this group is intended to do. It is supposed to help me make lifestyle changes, as well as have friendly support along the way.

Additionally, I am prioritizing fitness. I have joined gyms and group fitness centers before and while they have had some impact, it has generally be short-term. I often find myself making excuses not to go: the weather isn’t good to drive it, the classes don’t fit my schedule, it’s too expensive to do long term, etc. That is why I have been researching ways to work out effectively at home. I currently have a treadmill that I am determined to use at least 5 times a week. Additionally, I am looking forward to trying different workout apps to get more strength training accomplished. Hopefully, at some point this year, I also want to purchase a Peloton.

goal 2-finances

I will be the first to admit that I was one of the lucky ones in 2020 who did not lose their job or face a decrease in pay. I truly do not know what I would have done if I found myself in that position and since then, I have been determined to spend less, save more, and just overall make smarter financial decisions.

Ultimately, I had hoped to buy a home in 2021, however I don’t think that’ll happen. Things could always change, so never say never, however, my finances need to improve a little more before I can make that jump. While this blog continues to find success, I need to start saving more of the funds I am making rather than spending so easily.

goal 3-professional

If you didn’t know, I have been a special education teacher for the past 5 years. It is a career I am so passionate about and work my butt off daily at. In the spring of 2019, I began my journey towards earning my second Master’s degree: a MEd. in Literacy. I put a pause on working towards my Master’s shortly after the pandemic began. My goal is to begin taking classes again this summer and hopefully will complete the remainder of my courses by the end of 2021. Earning this degree will open many doors for me and I am eager to see where my professional career can go from here.

I could certainly go on and on sharing more goals that I have (believe me, there are plenty!) but these 3 are the most important to me in this moment. As things are accomplished, new goals will fall into their places, but for now, I am eager to work hard towards achieving each and every one of these goals and to make 2021 the best year yet!

~Kelci