Clean Slate!

As the new year presents itself, fresh, clean, unblemished, I find myself assessing my life. The 2012 calendar is brand new, full of promise. If only people could throw away last year and start over so easily.  Since I can't do that, I will start making a few changes to "clean up" my life. Not resolutions, mind you. Resolutions are made to be broken. And broken resolutions heap mess on us. Who needs more mess?

Instead, I'm implementing a few simple changes to get started right. Hopefully, some will become habits I maintain all year long. Feel free to join me!

First, I decluttered my email! Yep. We can opt out of junk mail in the old fashioned mailbox -- and we can opt out of junk mail in email too! This morning, I went through my email and "unsubscribed" from all the junk that has grown over the past year. Honestly, I don't shop that much so why am I getting sale alerts every day anyway? What a time waster. And a temptation to spend. No thank you!

I'm also watching what I eat... yeah, I know. It sounds like a "resolution," but it's not. A few weeks ago, I was researching healthy eating and discovered a GREAT website: caloriecount.about.com. I played around on it for a few days, then I realized what a gem it is! It serves as a great weight-loss tool, but its greatest benefit (in my humble opinion) is how it teaches healthy food choices. As I use it, I find myself wanting to get an "A" for the day's nutrition -- and I make healthier choices. Our whole family is benefitting from more balanced meals. It doesn't hurt that as I eat healthier, the muffin top is shrinking! The website works for those trying to build muscle (my teen boys) as well. It also tracks activity. Want to indulge in cheesecake without having it live on your hips? The website suggests things you can do to burn the calories BEFORE you eat them. Really! 

Most importantly, I'm continuing my trek through the Bible. Sure, I only got through the first two books last year, but I learned so much. So here I go.... hoping to finish a few more books this year. We'll see how far I get. My son, who finds the Bible frustrating because he doesn't understand the timeline, is reading a chronological Bible this year. He's finished the first chapter and already finds it enjoyable to read! The more time I spend with God, the better the day seems to be.

2012: a clean slate. What will you do with it?

Lots of love!