New Years Resolutions

I have a few resolutions this year. Some are short term some are long term, some are just in my control and some require the participation of other people in my life. (in retrospect, I should probably have only made resolutions that I have control over)  In order to keep myself accountable for the things I have control over I will be blogging about them here.

Here is what I resolve to do in 2020

1) Dry January- I have a mixed history with Alcohol. I can enjoy a beer, although recently I may have found myself allergic.  However I can also go overboard and let the social freedom that alcohol gives me become a demon unto itself.  So I want to take some time at the start of this year to have fun without alcohol.

2) Taking care of my health- For anyone close to me reading this you know that the year has been a roller coaster of health issues.  I struggle with IBS (Irritable Bowl syndrome) it's symptoms can come at the drop of a hat making me nervous to eat anywhere other than home.
In addition it has become painful for me to eat many foods.  After just a bite of many of my favorite foods my ears start to burn, my neck itches and it feels as though my throat is swelling, though I have never lost my airway (thankfully). After a lot of food tracking, soy, wheat and dairy are primary culprits---so nearly everything in my current diet. So I plan to work with an Allergist this year to figure out what's going on.

       *First mini update on this- I did my first grocery shopping of this year, and read so many labels, but there are a lot of things I can eat.  Fruits and Veggies have been my friend, meats, I found a sweat potato burger I am excited to try, a lot of Indian food from the frozen section for when I am exhausted and just don't want to cook.

3) De-clutter and consolidate: I am never going to be a minimalist. It's not in my nature, and that's okay. But what isn't okay with me is how much I have kept that I never where. That isn't my size or that I keep because I think someday it may fit again.

I spent several years in my teens with an eating disorder and if you looked at my closet a few weeks ago you'd say I still had some of those demons lingering with me.  I was keeping clothing 6 sizes smaller than what I am thinking someday, someday.  But guess what. I like who I am.  I like my body, even on the days it fails me, it's MY BODY, and I need to respect it.

So the goal this year is 2 fold. The first is complete. I did an initial PURGE of clothing I don't wear, haven't worn since before my marriage (over 2 years ago), or I KNOW doesn't fit, will NEVER fit and that's OKAY!  In this purge were 30 that's right THIRTY items of clothing to give to charity. 30 things taking up space in my closet.  

The 2nd step will take longer. Now I need to see what I wear of what's left. Do I really go to the same 10 items all the time, or do I wear these other things throughout the year?  Did I shrink any in the wash (I'm known for putting wool in the drier), was I wrong does this really NOT fit? Also the dreaded question do I really need 15 tank tops or 25 t-shirts? Is there such as thing as too many dresses? Too many shoes?


So 3 things I have control over for resolutions this year.  I plan to do monthly check-ins on my progress so at least I'm holding myself accountable to myself.

I want to know what your Resolutions are for 2020.

Signing off for now,
Claire