Thrive.

Last week, I posted a 2017 recap of my "Try More" motto for 2017. Yes, last week. The third week of January. But, it's fine. I'm here now so that's what counts, right?

For 2018, I wanted to pick a word again. I guess I technically went with a phrase last year, but it was the same concept. It took me a little while to figure out my word for this year after all the insanity of last year (see the bottom of last week's post for details), I had some things I needed to do for my personal well being that I wanted to work into my word. 

After writing down all my little mini goals I was to accomplish at work and in my personal life, I finally settled on: 

THRIVE. 

To grow or develop well or vigorously. To flourish. 

I want to be the best, most healthy, most organized, most productive, happiest version of myself. I want to thrive in 2018. 

Before I even came up with my word last week, I had started making a few changes to my daily routine that really fit in with this perfectly. For starters, my friend from work and I are currently on the 21 Day Fix (even though, I definitely had Chick Fil A for lunch on our "snow day" last week... but hey, snow days never happen!) and I feel SO good. There are definitely still some cravings hanging around, but that's what I like about this program. I am allowed "cheats" a few times a week and the focus is on portion control of good foods! We have eaten some really good food the last couple of weeks. If this interests you at all, I post a lot about meal prep/dinners on InstaStories. 

In addition to 21 Day Fix, I started Kayla Itsines' workouts on the Sweat App. Week one absolutely KILLED me and I felt so out of shape after 6ish weeks out of the gym. But, week 2 went a little better and I have a feeling week 3 will be even better this week! 

On top of those pretty big changes, I also am trying to make myself a morning workout person. I've been meal prepping like crazy so I can have everything packed the day before including my gym bag. My alarm goes off at 6:25 and I throw on my clothes, brush my teeth, make my protein shake and head out the door. Having EVERYTHING prepped the night before is truly the only way this has been possible. Let's see if I can keep it up, though. 

And finally, I've been focusing on my self care. For me, that's more reading, hand lettering practice, a bath, some nighttime yoga and trying to disconnect from my screens before bed and going to bed earlier. It's clearly working because I'm not hitting snooze 1,000 times and I've read 3 books already this year. 

There you have it. In 2018, I'm going to thrive. I can't wait to see where this year takes us!