I cannot believe it’s already time to write this post! Seriously! Haha and I’m even posting it a few days late since it’s now DECEMBER 3RD!!! December is a great month though, well, after those annoying things called finals… But hey, I get a whole month off once they’re over so I’m good with that! Molly is also very excited for the holiday season:
I hope you all had a great weekend, I certainly did! I’ll share more about that with you all tomorrow, but I thought since I’m already late I should do my goals post today! Also, if you’d still like to participate in the November Book Club for A Sweet Life in Paris, remember to send your link to your review, or your review itself to peaceloveandoats@gmail.com by 5am tomorrow morning and I can add it in!
Here’s a re-cap of last month’s goals:
November Goals
1) Work on my relationship with God. It’s definitely a slow moving goal, but one that I feel like I’ve managed to at least keep in mind every day this month. I haven’t been as great about doing my morning devotionals as I’d like, especially over Thanksgiving, but getting them in 4-5 days a week is a significant improvement, and I think it’s really improved my overall outlook on life. This is definitely a goal that I have in the back of my mind always, so I won’t be listing it on here specifically anymore.
2) Make time for new friends. Done and done! I tried to spend plenty of time with friends both here in Chicago and during my brief stint at home over Thanksgiving. Also, lucky for me, I’m headed back to Charleston this weekend for a little time with OLD friends! Miss them SO MUCH!
3) Do yoga.Hmmm. Yea. I’ve done yoga… zero times in November. More about this on December goals. #epicfail
And now we turn to my goals for the month of December! Here’s what I have going on this month so you can see how my goals will work into it: weekend in Charleston for my friend’s wedding, then 2 weeks of finals and writing my 25-page seminar paper, home for Christmas on the 22nd, and then home for the rest of the month!
1. Focus on SCHOOL. This one is kind of obvious, but it’s really important right now! I’ve been avoiding school work like the plague and I need to just sit down and get cracking. I think subconsciously if I ignore schoolwork then graduation isn’t really happening? I don’t know, but I need to put some serious time towards school this month!
2. Do YOGA! Haha sound repetitive? Well it is. At least I’ve already been to yoga once this month, right? I know that yoga will help me avoid injury in the future so I really need to get back to it. I just wish I had oodles of money so I could get a membership at Core Power Yoga here! Along with doing yoga, I want to keep up with all the exercises my physical therapist has me doing, I do them probably every other day… I need to do them EVERY day, and maybe even twice since they’re strenuous. I’m seeing a wake up/bedtime routine in the works…
3. Take a step back from exercise. After talking with some friends over the weekend and doing some thinking about it myself, I’ve decided to take a much more relaxed approach to working out over the month of December. I think my body is just crying for a break.
My goal is to keep up strength training and yoga, but take a step back from high intensity cardio. For example, on bootcamp workouts if it says tabata workout + cardio sprints, I might just do an easy 20 minutes on the elliptical or a walk instead. And I’m hoping to do 2 rest days a week instead of 1, or at least a much more laid back day, like just walking or easy yoga.
I really need to remove some stressors from my life and the pressure to keep up an intense exercise routine is just not one that I need right now.
I also found another great way to help de-stress: COLORING!
Friday I went to target and picked up a bunch of crayons and some paper. It’s really therapeutic just to sit and doodle. I was a very creative child and took art classes as an after-school activity for many years growing up. Since moving to Chicago I haven’t done much art work (my blog is my creative outlet) so it’s nice to do this, even just for fun!
What are some of your goals?
Do you feel pressure to keep up a workout routine?
How do you de-stress?
I really like the notion of making time for new friends.
I’m in.
Haha it’s a good goal! And a fun one.
I love doodling! I am definitely one of those people who sits and doodles while listening in class.
oh me too, I can’t just sit there and take notes!
I have some free hot yoga classes I need to use before the end of the year so I like the idea of doing more yoga!
Definitely use those up!
I’m currently going through the SAME thing as you in regards to needing to cut back cardio/ craving more yoga!! I’m not in school, but working a lot and with the holidays/ my birthday coming up this month I feel so so pressured to workout more. I also need to take a break from running as much, as I currently have pain in the ball of my left foot. Any thoughts on what could help cure this? I’m vegan/ gluten free (celiac) so think maybe it’s a vitamin deficiency? Or maybe because I ran 20ish miles in old shoes when I was home for Thanksgiving? Ahh it’s killing me! Meanwhile, I wish yoga studios were cheaper… oyyy
Haha I doubt it’s a vitamin deficiency! Probably the old shoes, I’ve found shoes are usually a huge part of any issues I have.
I love coloring! It’s so relaxing!
I can’t stop now!
That picture is seriously so creative and pretty. I hope you put in on your refrigerator something!
I also wish that I could afford a membership at a nearby yoga studio as well as my gym…sigh. Maybe if I had won the lottery…
haha we’ll see if it goes up, I have a feeling a lot more drawing is coming in the future!
Coloring is so therapeutic. I need to make some December goals! I think that I stick to my workout plan but try to switch it up so I don’t get bored, but I don’t really feel pressured in this area. I think as long as I stick to something I’m good. I feel accomplished! Great goals btw!
Definitely, it’s important to just get in your workouts and enjoy them, but not worry to much about it!
I color/doodle all the time! A couple of months ago I found that I was getting more and more stressed and didn’t have a good outlet so I started blogging…it has really helped.
Blogging is definitely a great creative outlet for me, I’m glad you enjoy it!
Your goals look great! That 25 pager sounds tough! I definitely need to focus on school (only 1 week + 2 days left!) and my body/mind need some yoga, but I always favor running or circuits over yoga. Your drawing is awesome, I was never good at that!
Yay you’re almost done!!!!
I have a lot of goals this month but my #1 is to enjoy the Holidays and not get to wrapped up into trying to “be good.” I put a lot of pressure on myself to keep a constant workout routine and I thrive on a schedule so lately I’ve been trying to go with the flow more. It’s been good for my stress levels! One major way I de-stress is doing something for ME only-take a bath, read, etc. It works!
That is a GREAT goal – stop worrying and just enjoy the holidays and all our blessings!
Love your December goals! I think cutting back on your workouts a bit is a good idea. I’m sure your body will appreciate it! I love doodling too… I’m not a great artist or drawer by any means, but I still enjoy it! I used to really NOT enjoy yoga, but within the past several months it’s become one of my favorite ways to destress and my body feels much less tight afterward too!
that’s what’s great about doodling – you don’t have to be good at it! It’s just for fun, no pressure!
I am the WORST DE-STRESSER EVER. I get really stressed out about my lack of de-stressing. One of the only thing that works for me is house plan books. I loved house plan books when I was little. Maybe the most de-stressing stuff for us as adult is the stuff we enjoyed as kids.
Hahahaha that’s not good! Lol and house plan books?! I don’t even know what that means, like blueprints? or decorating?
Oh my goodness, hun, I love that you’re taking a relaxed approach to exercise this month. I have so much trouble with that sometimes (especially right now with holiday craziness), so I would like to do something similar in January! Good luck with school and yoga (totally support that goal too…and i wish i had oodles of money to spend at a studio too…preschool teachers make no more money than students though 🙁 )…and I love to color too 🙂
Lol I hope you make more money than me since I make zero! You should look to see if anywhere gives teacher discounts, I believe some Core Power Yoga locations do!
i love your goals! i think taking a less intense approach to exercise is perfect – i’m definitely thinking of doing the same. i’ve been pushing it a lot with bootcamp and i think it’s awesome you’re listening to your body. and the coloring? whenever i doodle its a mess. yours is a masterpiece! what a great way to de-stress. during undergrad my college used to have various events during finals that were meant for de-stressing and for one they would bring puppies and you could go play with them. you have that built in with molly, but i think that’s my favorite way to decompress. puppies!
Haha well I kind of tried on this doodle, you should have sen some of the other pages… Haha and yes, Molly is my perfect stress relief when I need it!
Exercise is definately one of my de-stressers. One of my goals includes allowing myself to indulge a little more than normal because it is Christmas 🙂
That’s a great goal – it’s about enjoying the holidays not stressing out about food and exercise!
amen to coloring, it is how I unwind. permanent marker designs are the best by the way. also for me something like knitting to keep my hands occupied is wonderful. i am loving your december goals!
I used to crochet in high school, but I’ve never tried knitting!
I love coloring but only with a coloring book. I’m definitely not creative enough to draw something myself but give me a book and some crayons and I’m good to go!
Haha I almost bought a book!
I want to run more outside. I tend to become a big baby when it comes to running in the cold but I want to run my first half in march so outdoor running is a must!
I had that problem last year and I just learned to get used to it! Many days on the treadmill though…
Love your goals! This is a great time of year to focus on our faith as well, thanks for that reminder. As for stepping back from exercise, I have a marathon in January, and then I plan to cut back for a month and let my body relax as you are. Our bodies deserve a break now and then!
Good luck on your marathon training!!
Really great to hear that you are going to take a break from so much exercise. Sometimes I just think our bodies need that, I’m sure it will do you the world of good!
I hope it helps!
I’ve taken a more relaxed approach to exercise and love it! Enjoy!
I’m glad!
You am me have the same repetitive-ness in the yoga goal lol! Hopefully THIS month I can accomplish it. For real!
Yes, hopefully we’ll both make it happen!
Oh my goodness, your doodle reminded me of being back in Elementary school! After spraining my ankle a few weeks ago I have learned that taking a slower approach to exercise is just as fulfilling and you can still feel the burn! Enjoy a month of relaxed working out and let your body heal! 🙂
Thanks, Melissa!
I can totally relate! I’ve been working on improving my morning devo time, too. 🙂 Also, I too make yoga plans that I don’t stay true to, but this month I’m trying a new class – Pure Barre! It’s not yoga, but I think it will be similarly fun. AND last but not least, you’re a talented colorer. You’re making me want to pull out my crayons.
I’ve been wanting to try Pure Barre!
Ooo, yay! I love goals!! I am 100% in support of the yoga thing, it changed my life. Taking a step back from exercise is important too. Sometimes I don’t actually listen to my body when it needs rest and I should
I hope I get in some yoga then!
Getting closer to God is a goal I need to have every month! And yoga is the worst goal for me — it always used to be a goal and I never did it, so I gave up 🙂
I love coloring-I used to do it all the time when I was stressed out, I think I need a new coloring book…
Too bad we aren’t doing another white elephant gift exchange…
Coloring is the BEST stress reliever! 🙂
I love spending time colouring! Having a 4 year old niece helps! Nothing beats a brisk walk in the cold air to de stress and blow away the cobwebs!
I need to go on random walks more, I usually only go if I need to run errands!
Okay, that is the coolest way to de-stress! I love the idea of coloring!!!
I need yoga. I want to do it this month too!
It’s so relaxing! And we can both make yoga a goal!
I’m taking a massive deload week from working out over Christmas…our bodies just need a break once in a while!
Definitely! I hope it goes well!
Those are great goals, and I agree that making time for new friends is so important and a huge benefit. You never know what great friends are hiding behind the polite acquaintance. Yoga’s awesome of course! Actually doing more yoga is one of my goals. I teach it but getting into class as well gets tricky with time and schedule. You’re very invited to come to Lululemon’s free classes at the Rush location. One of the studios I teach at is the featured studio of the month. It’s 9:00am on Saturdays. It’s great; we get to model their new clothes and sometimes they let us keep a top or something! Always a perk. and I also agree that exercise should be a pleasure, never a feeling of obligation, especially if you’re not having health problems associated with NOT exercising. Good luck on your goals! I forgot it was already december.
Free class!? YES! I’ll have to check it out, I’ll be out of town this upcoming weekend, but maybe the next!
cool, you should definitely come! Lulu is the best way to get in free yoga, though almost all the studios offer at least one free class a week. If you go to Swim Cafe on Chicago Ave, they have Free First Class passes for Moksha yoga too, just fyi.
Do.More.Yoga.
Yes ma’am!
I am SO in favor of Goal #1! I have also made that a priority this month.. funny how it is SO important, and sets the tone for so much in life – yet it always falls to the back burner?
Exactly!! It needs to be up front!
I love this post! This December I really want to make time for friends and family and get to know myself better as I prepare for graduation!
Definitely good goals!
I love that you’ve been coloring! I’m a first grade teacher, so I get to do my fair share of it already. I think my favorite way to de-stress is to go to a movie, or if I’m at home, read a book or read blogs.
I think you’re idea to take it easy on the workouts is a great idea for December. This is a CRAZY month!
i am with ya on your yoga goal! i have been doing a lot more heavy lifting lately and not stretching enough (because yoga classes at my school cost extra $ and i’m already paying for a group fitness pass) – but while i’m home for 3 weeks over break and i’m not rushed for time i am going to make it a priority!
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