Well, it's that time of year again. The time where you resolve to change something, do something different, or maybe start or even stop something. I have a love/hate relationship with these New Years resolutions. I love having goals and something to work towards, and I think that they are completely necessary to keep progressing in whatever aspect of your life you are working at. The downside to these resolutions is that we rarely keep them. Today I'm sharing my 5 New Years resolutions, that perhaps you want to adopt too, that I think are 100% realistic and attainable.

1. Be more present.

The amount of time I spend on my phone is ridiculous. Although I try and do a pretty good job of staying off my phone when I am spending time with other people, I can always do better. We all can. I am resolving to put my phone down more, and be more present.

2. Be healthier.

In the past I've set myself fitness goals, as probably 90% of those who set resolutions do. Workout 5 days a week, stop drinking soda, cut out sugar from my diet...blah blah blah...I never keep them. Life gets busy, or I simply come up with excuses (ex: I like food). This year, I simply want to be more healthy. Maybe that means working out more often, skipping dessert every once in a while, or just eating more fruits and veggies. Maybe it's all of those combined. I just want to be healthier. For myself, and to set a good example for my daughter.

3. Print more pictures.

A while back I wrote this post titled 6 Things to do Before you Die. One of those things was to print pictures. Although I have a nice camera on which I love to take pictures, it's so much easier and convenient to take those quick shots on my phone. One way I've found to print these pictures is through Chatbooks (check it out, they're super cute and affordable). This year I'm resolving to print out more pictures, whether through Chatbooks, Costco, or on my home printer. 

4. Be a better friend.

I'm a busy mom. Do I think about my friends any less than I did before I had a baby? Nope. Do I reach out less than I did before? Unfortunately, yes. When you have a baby, you suddenly seem to hear from your friends significantly less than you used to, and it's hard. It's definitely a two-way road, and I personally need to do a much better job of reaching out to my friends and let them know that I'm thinking of them. I simply need to be a better friend.

5. Love more.

This one is simple, and goes hand in hand with #4 up there. Not only do I want and need to love my friends more, but I need to love everyone more. My family, my husband, my friends, and even strangers. Not only do I want to tell these people more often, but I need to show them. It's as simple as that. Life is short. Love hard.

I look forward to the fresh start of the new year, and am excited to put these resolutions into action.

(Photo courtesy of Jennifer Weems Photography. She's amazing.)