My Intentions for 2020

Do you set intentions for yourself? I am a goal setter which also automatically makes me a goal fail-er. Last year I tried something new where I set goals for myself that were broad. Which is so un analytical of me and most of coworkers would poke fun at – because DATA IS OUR LIFE . But, hey it worked. The broad goal I set for myself was to run more. Although I do not have paper proof data that I ran X amount more miles in 2019 than I did in 2018, I can tell you with extreme confidence that I did indeed run more. How do I know that? Well, I joined a running club, where we ran 3 miles every Tuesday night and in 2018 I was for not running a 5k a week ya’ll so BOOM – goal accomplished.

Moving into this new year I wanted to do the same but bigger. The new decade got me feeling some type of way! Unlike most I love the start of a new year. I love the idea of starting fresh! Heck I started January 1 by cutting 8 inches of my hair – whats more new new decade then that? I saw that last week Krista over on Covering the Bases set intentions for herself and LOVED the idea. Read Krista’s intentions for 2020 here! I loved the thought of being more intentional about new habits rather than setting cut and dry goals.

Joining a running club in 2019 was one way I was intentional about running more. If I missed a week it was not a big deal, but it was there for me to do each week. I made sure I showed up not only for the group by for myself… and that what I’m really getting at for 2020. I am going to start showing up for myself and this it how I am going to intentionally do it!

A disclaimer… When I started to write this I did not think it would turn immediately into some topics that I would consider not “dinner etiquette” and something you would not bring up with your drunk uncle at the family party. So, if you are not interested in reading what some might consider “controversial” topics, then don’t and if you do keep your comments kind 🙂

Personal Intentions:

1. Self Care in the form of praying, journaling, and reading. I’ve already started 2020 pretty strong with this one. 2019 was all about growing in my faith and I did that by spending time in prayer, reading the bible, and journaling. I want to continue to make these things parts of daily routines. Currently I am reading from The One Year Bible for Women, The Confident Women Daily Devotional, and my sweet sister in law gifted me a 5 year memory journal and I have been really loving writing in that every day. Something I’d like to be more intentional about adding into this routine is actually journaling or writing my prayer down. So that will be something I will be trying to work on in 2020!
2. Church. I’ve already kicked these intentions off with some religious talk and if that makes you uncomfortable I apologize and this is the last section that will touch on this topic so please skip to the next item if you wish 🙂 I have not been to church in an embarrassing longtime. I didn’t feel connected to my faith and did not agree with some Church teachings. At the end of 2019 I found a Church that I felt comfortable with and feeling connected with their message that ALL were welcome. I have been officially attending this new church in November 2019 and I look forward to continuing with that.
3. Eat less meat! 2020 is the year that I am not only going to be intentional about the actions I do that effect myself but also that effect others. I have tried to eat less meat in past years, but have failed due to the social pressures around me. I started 2020 strong by pledging to participate in Veganuary so far I am # days strong! My mom was a little pleased at family dinner this past weekend when I brought my own dish to eat and no the food she cooked. In the past I would have crumbled to the pressure, but this time I stood strong and am here to say I’ve leaving meat in 2019.
4. Drink more water. Easy! I have been more intentional about making sure my reusable water bottle is full and with me at all times! I have made sure I have it for work, out running errands, next to my bed at night, and next to me when teaching. Also, by having my water bottle so easily accessible I not only drinking more, but reducing my need to buy a bottle of water when I am out. Saving money and using less plastic – check! Want to use less plastic this year too? Julia (Lemon Stripes) started a water bottle challenge in 2019 and this year added a plastic challenge too! Read here how you can also join in on reducing your use of plastic!

Social Media:

1. Invest in my blog. Another item here on the blog that I have been “all talk” about for the past couple of years that I am going to invest more into my blog. This is not just a money investment, but also a time investment. I often find myself being busy working on my blog, but never productive. In this new year I am going to start a power hour session each day and choose one day on the weekend to spend a little more time. I hope by making this small effort I (and you!) will see some changes around here on AMB. ALSO! I did take one major leap with my blogging a sought out help from a fellow blogger. I contacted Caitlin from Caitlin Houston Blog to get some guidance on how to be a better blogger this year and she gave me some major tips! And if you want some of those major tips I’d reach out to her too!
2. Spend time offline! As stated above I spend a lot of time being busy and not be productive. This leads to wasted time online and time not spent with my husband, pups, and family! My goal… or intention will be to do my power hour, then shut all my electronic down for the evening.

There it is! Those are just a few things that I am going to be more intentional about in 2020! What are your 2020 intentions? Let me know below!! I love learning about how people are hoping to grow in the new year!

Here is my post from last year where I share the things I “did not have time for in 2019″