The year is flying by; we’re at February already. Where has the time gone? As we discussed in January, and as is habit for many I’m sure, January is a great time to set your intentions for the year ahead (read more here). That means that February is a great time to reflect on the goals we’ve set and see how we are all coming along. It’s super important to revisit to make sure we’re on track and make sure that the bustle of life hasn’t taken over and knocked us off course.

And I did mention in January that I’d be sharing my 2014 intentions with my amazing readers! I’m getting them out there – so here goes it…

1. Take singing lessons. I am afraid, nervous and anxious publicizing this one. Doing this will see me face one of my biggest fears, gulp, and put myself and my singing ego, on the line. I desperately want to learn how to sing, but the idea that someone is going to have to hear my attempt at singing while teaching me makes me so nervous. What if they tell me I am tone deaf? Okay maybe I’ll start with online lessons 😉
2. Mirror self love and lose negative speak. I do not want to be responsible for teaching my children negative self-talk and poor body image. I have definitely had my struggles with negative self-talk, but I want my children to have a better experience and I want them to love and accept themselves the way that they are. The best way I can do this is to lead by example and love myself fully, perceived flaws and all, and only speak kindly of myself. I will not let myself say things that I would never allow another individual say about my own children. This is key.
3. Take up a new healthy habit or activity. I need to shake things up. I am in a bit of a rut with my daily routine and I want to do something for myself that is active, fun and creative. I danced my whole life and lately I have been missing an activity that I’m really into and is super fun. I’m leaning towards barre fitness, pole fitness or a dance class for the retired, er, I mean adults.
4. Monthly juice day. I am loving my juicer and I try and juice as often as possible, but I am making it a goal of mine to spend one day a month solely juicing. I want to give my digestive system a break and fill myself full of antioxidants. Because I am nursing, I will not be doing a juice fast, but I will include protein smoothies for the calories and more balanced nutrition. I’ll keep you all posted on the recipes!
5. Be the first to apologize after arguments. Man this is a toughie for me – but no one said this self-work stuff was easy! I have been told many times by my spouse that I have difficulty apologizing or owning up for my actions in an argument. And to be honest, I appreciate him pointing it out because the more discussions we have, I become more aware of my patterns. I am very quick to tell others why they are in the wrong instead of listening first and then owning up to my mistakes. So I am going to do my best to listen first, not speak first and apologize before it’s asked of me.
6. Express myself clearly and fully. I am with someone who absolutely cannot tolerate being misrepresented and being a naturopathic doctor, I fully understand why it is important to express myself clearly and be fully understood. This year I am going to ensure I pay closer attention to this. I will choose my words wisely, listen more and be sure to clarify my point when I am not being fully understood.
7. Technology free Saturdays. My name is Michelle and I am a technology addict. It’s true. This has been a constant source of stress in my home and it’s a challenge for me since being an ND requires that I am connected and available. But it is easy to blur the lines between Michelle the ND and Michelle the mom and partner. This year I will work harder on each valuable relationship and ensure that when I am with my family I am fully connected and present. So I am committing to a family night once weekly where I turn off my phone and put away my laptop and ipad. I am looking forward to technology free Saturdays!

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it will definitely keep me on my toes. To ensure I stick to my goals and my family theirs, we made family vision boards, prettied them up and hung them up in our bedroom. I love being reminded daily what my goals are, it helps focus my attention on what I want to accomplish as well as inspire me to use my time wisely.

How are your 2014 goals coming along? Do you find you’re on track or off course? Feel free to share!

In great health & happiness,

Dr. Michelle Peris