Every new year comes with new possibilities, resolutions and gym memberships. Because I am goal-oriented and results driven, I always get super excited to start a new year, reflect on the previous and track results and achievements along the way.

Spring has come and we’re three days away from the start of the second quarter of 2018. It’s often said that time flies when you’re having fun, but it’s also true that time flies when you’re busy. Both have been the case for me in 2018. As I review the list of goals I set for the year, I’m thankful that I’ve been able to increase my credit score, nurture my blog, give more of my time through volunteerism and maintain a more balanced diet.

There are several items on my list that I am on track to accomplish, but won’t be able to check off until we near 2019, but those below are things that I’m struggling with and how I plan to push through.

Connect

One of the hardest challenges in moving to California for me is being away from my family and friends, which presents a great opportunity to meet new ones. Life happens and it’s easy to let weeks turn into months since the last time I’ve spoken with friends and extended family. Connecting with my family more and on a regular basis made the list. Although I haven’t done a great job of it yet, I’ve set a plan to hold myself accountable and be more intentional about checking in and keeping up with what’s happening in the lives of the people who are most important to me.

Read

The earliest resolution I can remember setting is to read my bible daily. I wrote it on my list from high school through college. Every year I felt embarrassed to have to write it again. Although it took more than five years to establish a daily practice, now devotions are apart of my morning routine. It allows me to keep God first and stay grounded in gratitude, love, and accountability. Although I’ve mastered daily bible reading, I’m struggling with reading in my leisure. When I was in high school I loved to read and got lost in stories from “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” to Steve Harvey’s “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man,” and everything in between. Now social media and Netflix fill a lot of my free time. Last year I set a goal to read one book a month and read four. This year it made the list again and three months later I haven’t read one. What's on your reading list? What books have you read that you enjoy.

Run

Although I have a strong exercise regimen and run at least 3.5 miles three days per week, one of my goals is to participate in a 5K. I’ve always wanted to join one but just haven’t. Signing up is the first step, and I'm planning to research some local races coming up this spring, the perfect time to be outdoors. My goal is to complete four this year.

Travel

In college and grad school the most traveling I did was for conferences, and I loved it. Last year I went home every other month. I usually occupy my weekends with cleaning, church and Netflix, but this year I want to take more time to explore California and surrounding states.

What New Year’s Resolutions did you set for 2018? Are you making progress? Share below.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate