Reflections and my 11 in 2011

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

At the start of 2010, I made a list of 10 goals for the year ahead. I wanted to make the year memorable, and if I was able to embrace a healthy and happy lifestyle throughout, then I would be one satisfied girl.

Well 2010 came and went, and it sure was a wonderful year.  I baked, I biked and I blogged.

And, at times, mud was involved ;)

I haven’t, however, taken the time to reflect on the goals I made last year, and consider my focus for this year. Actually, truth be told, after a hectic end to 2010, the start of this year has felt quite aimless.

  

I find myself at the end of January with no real 'goals', and therefore no real direction, which is causing me some consternation, particularly given I am the type of person who loves to plan!  And yes, I am aware that it is February and normally these sorts of things are thought about at the start of January lol. Bear with me ;)

I really do believe that there is merit in taking a step back every now and then and seeing where you "are" as against where you want to "be". If the two don't align, the next step is to work out what changes need to be made.

And what road needs to be travelled.

So let's start with a reflection on my 2010 goals shall we?

1. Embrace a healthy lifestyle – Success. I really feel as if I challenged myself in 2010 to focus on the long term when it comes to health. This was my first year wheat-free, and my body thanked me for it. I avoided all colds / illness in 2010 so I must have been doing something right ;)
2. Spend time doing what I love - Success. 2010 was certainly a year filled with fitness, adventures, blogging, photography and writing!
3. Build our new house - Success. We moved in in December!
4. Be a better wife, daughter, sister and friend - In progress.  Sometimes I can get a little carried away in my own affairs, and take my family and friends for granted. I made a real effort in 2010 to spend more time with friends and family, even if it was just a phonecall or email, but this is something I want to continue to work on.
5. Write letters - FAIL. I don't think I wrote any letters in 2010. Epic fail indeed!
6. Adopt a consistent skin care regime – Success! I cleansed / toned and moisturised almost everyday in 2010, and my skin sure thanked me for it.
7. Try one new recipe a week – Success. This one was actually quite easy, and not to mention fun!
8. Complete a full distance sprint triathlon – Success. I not only completed a sprint triathlon, but I also completed a half ironman!
9. Complete a half marathon – Success. I ended up completing 2.
10. Be more organised, and maintain a clutter free house – In progress. While I have definitely improved in this area, I am working hard on keeping on top of organisation so as to free up more time for number 2 above.

So it seems that by the end of 2010 I was, for the most part, where I wanted to be. Which brings me to the next consideration of where I want to be at the end of 2011. Speaking figuratively not literally of course ;)

With that place in mind, it is time to set my 11 in 2011!

Life

1. Work on preparing our family tree (and hopefully add to it!)
2. Start compiling a family cookbook.
3. Continue to furnish and decorate our new house.
4. Continue to blog regularly, daily where possible.

Body

1. Complete my 3rd half marathon.
2. Strength train twice per week.
3. Run 1000km in 2011 (I am so behind on this already....damn lazy January!)

Soul

1. Find time for creativity.
2. Treat my body and mind with the respect that it deserves.
3. Write more letters (yes - a must repeat from 2010!)
4. Make time for adventures!

Ahhh and there they are! I cannot begin to express how much better it feels having 'goals' to work both with and towards in the year ahead. I just know that 2011 is going to be an exciting one!

What about you? Where do YOU want to be at the end of 2011?

Happy Baking :)