Saturday, January 7, 2012

he who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.


Each new year brings beautiful hope. In the moments before, we stop to think about our lives - what we cherish, and what we want to change. These moments help us to focus on the things we hope to achieve.

In previous years, I have made vague resolutions with iffy results. This year, however, I really took the time to stop and think about what changes I wanted to make. I have set goals for myself, both short and long-term. As a result, I am filled with a renewed sense of hope.

This year, it was estimated that 51% of people planned to exercise more. I am one of those people.

After a holiday season of indulgence, the large scale focus on health only makes sense. Before the holiday season began, I was eating fairly well. Once all of those cookies came out though, I thought - forget it! - and gained five pounds as a result. (Christmas cookies are a delicious way to do it though!)

Now that all of the holiday cookies have been eaten, I have no more excuses. My goals are to work out five times a week, drastically cut back on junk foods, and to drink more water. I want to focus on health rather than numbers on a scale.

Maybe it is that sparkling optimism that comes from the idea of a new year and a fresh start, but I am certain I will achieve my goals this year.

Whenever I want to quit, this is the picture I think of:

Whatever may happen in the future, I am finally embracing change.

Is getting in shape on your resolution list?

50 comments:

  1. Yea I need to exercise more also I never get out :/

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  2. good luck with your resolution! :)

    xxLiora
    http://lioraatsea.blogspot.com/

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  3. Improving my health has also become one of my new year goals. I'm trying to focus more on eating healthy since I already work out almost everyday. Why does food have to taste so good?

    Good luck with your resolution!

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  4. hope this year will be full of smiles,happy new year dear :D
    X
    http://monicakosasih.blogspot.com/

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  6. great goal for this year! im on the same page too and think its more important to eat healthy than obsess over numbers. good luck with it! xx

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  7. great pics dear..;)
    xoxo
    A_C'est moi
    http://www.lamodeouicestmoi.blogspot.com/

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  8. Great post&resolution honey. I have other resolutions bodywise I have none,I stay about the same u know. I love dancing for fun but am a petite size 10 5ft 4 and 9stone I don't think I wanna make changes hehe

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  9. I also have to exercise more :)

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  10. yes it is! but im so tempted when i see junk food to eat it. sign.

    http://beautyandthedreamxo.blogspot.com

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  11. Empowering & Inspiring!!

    http://stylespotlighted.blogspot.com

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  12. Inspiring yes!. You go girl!!!

    I´ll cultivate a new skill !

    Happy new year!


    http://ladiesandthecityfashion.blogspot.com/

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  13. True..New Year brings with it hope and makes us think about what we want to change!
    This year I want to focus on being a good person! :)

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  15. Happy New Year! I hope we will change in a better way.. Your post is very inspiring :))

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  16. Happy new year once more! Actually I am already in a volleyball team, but I am not able to go to every practise. This year however , after reading this post, I am planning to attend to every training.... Thanks for this inspiring post!

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  17. Diet is one of my resolution but it always fails me, hahaha

    www.coffeecreamandthecaffeine.blogspot.com

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  18. I have tons of things to do this year, hopefully I will do everything the way I planned.


    brasileiroantenado.blogspot.com

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  19. Nice post, I am one of the 51% as well :) By drinking a lot of water you save your body from retaining water weight, or so I heard. That is why I drink 3, 16 oz water bottles, every night before I sleep. i am awful at drinking water during the day so I think this works. I gained 30lbs since my high school day when I weight: 97 lbs 6 years ago, I am not comfortable in my body. I wish you luck with your exercise regime and if you have any tips, please link me. I am starting my Weight loss Wednesday soon so let's help each other out!

    Xoxo,
    Mary from ♥ meowwzie.blogspot.com ♥

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  20. Exercise is one of my goals, I quit hitting the gym sometime ago and I am missing its benefits a lot!

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  21. Thanks for you support! I'm not very big on nw year's resolutions but I surely wish you all the luck with yours ;)

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  22. that is a great quote. i never take my health for granted. happy new year!

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  23. haha I completely indulged too much this festive season too lol and also have the 'resolution' to keep my mind well by working out more =) Good luck with your 5 times a week schedule =)

    Eeli xx

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  24. Yes! But I am still thinking if I should go for diet or exercise. Both together would be too much :) Good luck with your work out, hope it works for you. <3<3

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  25. #BEASTMODE
    For me, exercise is a way of life. I do it to better my health, my emotional well-being, and my attitude. The benefits to my body are just an extra BAM of motivation for me. I love working out.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  26. I think it's on almost everybody's list to get healthier and to lose those extra pounds. I know for sure it's one of mine because I've had not so nice experiences of people stating the obvious & hurting my feelings. None the less, this I will do for me not because people think I have to look a certain way. I am however, sick and immobile atm so all I can do is eat healthier. Exercise will come once I'm better. I laughed at the picture though. She's mighty strong!

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  27. Great post! Yeah exercise is important to keep healthy :)

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  28. YES!! I just packed my gym bag for going tomorrow after work. Have got to get back into the groove of working out!

    Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings

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  29. I don't work out but I am Bikram Yoga every morning...health and strength.

    Love, www.shoeocracy.blogspot.com

    Za

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  30. I have my exercise bike I am "swearing" I'll start on Wednesday lol awesome ref pic

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  31. YES! getting back into shape is definitely one of my new years resolutions! Ever since I stopped dancing consistently because I graduated from College....I'm been slowly losing stamina. it's time to get back into shape!

    <3Amanda
    feast.fashion.faves
    Facebook
    Tweet Me!

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  32. Totally with you on this one! I've put on quite a lot this Christmas and I really need to work out more! All the best for your goals!
    xxx

    www.londonlastnight.blospot.com

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  33. Good luck with your goal! My plan is to exercise for healthy body and healthy made, rather than to get in shape.
    Love the reference pic :D x

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  34. Damn! Seeing those flat ab's has made me want to put down the chocolate and excercise....on the other hand - maybe later haha! xx

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  35. Getting in shape is totally on my resolution list! Since having a baby, (five months ago) I'm realizing that I have to work so hard to try to get back a pre-baby figure. But I also want so badly to be strong, especially to set a good example for my kiddo. So everyday I've resolved to take a walk. Some days I take a short walk, just 20 minutes while the sun sets. Some days I walk for an hour, if I can spare it. Anyways, thanks so much for this post, inspiring me to stay on track!! I love your blog and I'm so glad I found it! Come say hi when you get a chance, and follow back if you feel compelled! XO
    real budget, real busy, real body fashion:
    4scarlet.com

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  36. we definitely excersice enough, and we also love to do it, since we are working out together ;)!

    <3

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  37. ciao,

    I just wish to mantain my weight !
    I'm turning a lazy lady

    ave

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  38. Getting in shape is definitely on my list for 2012. I even did some squats last night. Here's hoping it lasts x
    Would love if you'd check out my blog, I'm following yours now x
    http://utterly-butterly-utterly-me.blogspot.com/

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  39. I definitely hope to exercise more in 2012! Happy new year doll!

    xoxo, H
    http://givemeglamourplease.blogspot.com

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  40. Good luck girl! I'm in those 51% too;)So we gonna work our a.. off together;)

    Xx

    Alexandra

    www.fashion-bridge.blogspot.com

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  41. Encantador espacio el tuyo,
    feliz semana.
    un abrazo.

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  42. Good luck! I'm in the same boat... though, I've been working out since before the holidays but 2012 is definitely putting the pressure on. Xox
    Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a $30 gift certificate!

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  43. Good luck with your resolution! I've always wanted to exercise and get flat abs, but laziness kicks in and then I lose all motivation whatsoever. I'm hoping I can slowly break this habit!

    x
    Anna

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  44. i should exercise because even though i'm thin i'm so out of shaped! hope you can reach your goal!

    http://kc-citystyle.blogspot.com/

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  45. Great post! You've just motivated me to do the same :)

    http://daphyin-makeupisart.blogspot.com

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  46. I'm currently at the edge and I'm trying to persuade myself not to give up with the difficulties I deal. Wish my only problem was weight but thats not the case for me :(
    x

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