Revelations & Resolutions

As we close out 2012, it's obviously time to determine my 

New Year's Resolution.  I actually really love the concept of it: a brand new year to start fresh.  For 2012 I simply resolved to stop drinking pop - and I really did it!  So my goals for 2013 are going to be set a little lot higher.  I have a few areas of my life that need a change and I can't go another year without making those changes.  As cliche as it is, I really need to lose weight.  Okay, it's not completely about losing weight.  I want to be healthy.  I want to live a longer life with as little sickness as I can control.  But, yes, losing weight is a big part of that.  I've never been "skinny" and I really don't want to be.  I do want to be lean, strong, and healthy though.  I was on my way there about a year and a half ago when I lost sight of my goal about half way there.  I maintained that weight for almost an entire year which I was still really proud of.  But then I made a huge change in my life. 

I started blogging.

In the last 4 months since I began my journey here on Opal & Violet, I regained

basically all the weight I had originally lost.  With my irregular retail work schedule, my workout schedule is naturally just as irregular.  Before the blog, I'd work out before work if I was scheduled to close that day or I'd rush to a class at the gym on days when I opened.  But since I've been blogging, I've been filling those time slots up with outfit photos, blog writing, photo editing, posting, promoting, etc.  I don't regret the blogging at all.  Not for one single second.  I do regret my decision (or lack thereof) to neglect my health/fitness while doing so.  

So here comes 2013.  

I'm ready to learn to balance my passion for this blog with my passion for being healthy.  I have about 40 pounds to lose and I need all of you to keep me accountable to eat healthy and exercise.  I, personally, don't believe in following diets.  I'm going to do my best to just eat whole natural foods: lots of veggies, fruits, and lean meats.  This is so hard for me, you guys.  I really don't like a ton of veggies but I want this so bad that I'm determined to find a way to like them.  I'll be using the app MyFitnessPal to journal my meals and workouts.  If you'd like to follow along and encourage each other please add me: mrsskiles.  

The Inspiration Photo:

I realize this photo isn't of the best quality, but it was the best one I could find

showing my body close to the time of my lowest weight.  So my first goal will be to get

back to this point - about 20 pounds.  My second goal will then be to lose about another 20 

pounds.  I say 'about' because I'm not set on an exact number.  I just want to feel good about 

how my body looks.  As long as I'm in a healthy weight range, then I'll be extremely happy!

Feel free to tweet me (@opalandviolet), email me (opalandviolet at gmail dot com), 

or leave comments for me here on the blog with any thoughts, questions, and inspiration

that you might have.  I need all of you to help keep me accountable!!  I'm incredibly motivated

right now, but I know that I won't be able to reach my goals without the support of everyone

in my life!  Yes, that means you! :) 

Do you have any similar goals this year?  Or do you have any tips for me on how to 

balance a full-time job, blogging, and a healthy lifestyle?  Let me hear it!!

Here's to being the best that we can be in 2013!

♥Jordan