Resolutions for a New Year

Like many, every year I make a list of New Year’s Resolutions. As soon as I write my resolutions down I email them to Doug and he does the same with his. I find that sharing my resolutions with him holds me more accountable for them. Throughout the year we check in with each other to make sure we are on track.

With only 4 days left in 2011, I wanted to share my resolutions for 2012 with you. I hope they inspire you to make and keep some healthful resolutions of your own.

Live Every Day Fully

When my brother unexpectedly died in 2002 at age 34 I resolved that I would live every day fully, without regret. Sometimes, as the years go on I lose sight of this. I rush through life, check things off my list and do not appreciate what is in front of me.

This year, with the unexpected passing of my beloved SoulCycle teacher Clare Veronica Walsh I am once again reminded that life is short. Sometimes, much shorter than we think. Clare was a force to be reckoned with and truly inspired me to be present every moment. On the bike and off.

This year I resolve even more to live every day to it’s fullest, regret nothing, appreciate what I have, and hold my loved ones close. You never know when the last time you will see someone is.  I will make sure I always tell those I love how much I love and cherish them.

Fit in Yoga

If you know me, or read this blog even a little bit, you know that SoulCycle is a major part of my life. I have been known to take up to 9 classes a week on occasion! That’s everyday plus two doubles!

While I adore the full mind body workout I get at SoulCycle, I know that I have to start fitting some cross training in.

My sister-in-law is a truly gifted yoga teacher. I have had the privilege of taking her class several times, and I always leave feeling blissful, relaxed, and invigorated. She gave me the most amazing private the morning of my wedding. It allowed me to face the day calmly and fully present. Sadly she does not live in NYC so I only get to take her classes on occasion.

This year I resolve to fit some yoga into my weekly exercise routine. There are some amazing studios near me and I cannot wait to check them out and report back!

Make Time to Meditate

Life in NYC can get hectic and stressful. All too often I find myself rushing around and never taking a minute to breathe. This leads to all sorts of tension and anxiety.

In the corner of my office is a set of Doug’s blue meditation cushions. They rotate between there and the basement. We will bring them upstairs for a few months, not use them and then relegate them back to the depths.

This year I resolve to take a few minutes each day (or at least 3 times a week) to sit on those cushions and meditate. I know it will make me feel more healthy, conscious and balanced.

Detox From My Inbox

I work from home. This can be a blessing and a curse. It is wonderful when I want to take a break, run an errand, or meet a friend for a smoothie. However, when your office is only steps away from your bedroom it can be hard to end the workday.

So many nights I find myself sitting at my desk late unable to disconnect.  This habit prevents me from having downtime at home with my husband and dog, and often keeps me up later than I would like.

This year I resolve to set working hours for myself and stick to them. I will not check my email, twitter or facebook late at night. Tomorrow’s blog post can wait until tomorrow.

Give My Juicer More Love

I drink a TON of green juice everyday. Almost 40oz daily. Green juice makes me feel vibrant, energized and full of life.

While I own a juicer, I rarely use it. With so many amazing juice bars and pressed juice delivery options in NYC I rarely make my own juice at home. My juicer is the neglected appliance on the counter. It must wonder why the Vitamix gets all the love.

This year I resolve to use my juicer more. I will experiment with vegetable combinations, and find new pairings I love. All that delicious leftover juice pulp will make great additions to Maddy’s bowl. Vegetables are great for dog’s too!

No More Paper Towels

Approximately 3,000 tons of paper towels end up in landfills every year. That’s a lot of trees.

Up until recently, we went through rolls and rolls of paper towels each week. I would use them for everything. Even for tasks that a sponge could handle better.

This year I resolve to stop using paper towels at home. Not only will it help the environment, but it will save us money. Since we live in a NYC apartment it will be nice to not give up so much storage space to tons of paper towels.

I think I have found a solution that is even better than paper towels, but you will have to check back next week to find out all about it!

If like me you would like to share and be held accountable for your own resolutions feel free to post them here. I would be honored to help you achieve your goals for 2012!