January Aspirations Realized

 

So hard to believe that January is coming to an end. True, I was sick for the first 10 days of it, but I have kept busy for the later half of the month. In my effort to focus on my word of 2024 - " Aspire" I have been very busy.

In January, I ASPIRED TO....

1. Better health by purposely being active 4 days a week. 
   
   I have been healthy enough to begin using my video Ring Fit Adventure again. With some slight adaptations, I am almost to the same level where I left off over 2 years ago. I also purchased hand weight to begin to build some protective muscles in my arms. Wow It has been a journey. Balance and not over doing is key, but I think I have found a rhythm. And I am ok to say "Not today".
   
   
2. Create opportunities to connect and spend time with family and friends. 
   
   I am happy to say my book chat began meeting again. There are only 3 of us, but we had a great discussion about our January read "Maybe Next Time" by Cesa Major.
   
   
3. Improve my mental and emotional stamina through books, learning activities, and thoughtful and kind introspection. 
   
   After a year and a half, I finally finished my Storyworth book "Life Through My Eyes". Actually it is two books - volume 1 and 2. I am still struggling with reading, but I have advanced from Wordle to pop culture crossword puzzles. 
   
   I have not been as successful with a daily meditation time as I would like. But I began to reinstitute my favorite quote notebook. This week's quote "Life is like a camera...you focus on what's important... capture the good times... develop from the negatives and if things don't work out take another shot." - Unknown
   
   
4. Discover and appreciate new places by traveling and actively witnessing my surroundings both home and away. 
   
   I have been a bit land locked with illness and weather, so no traveling this month. Well I did go to Target one day. I haven't been there in over a year. Does that count?
   
   
5. Try something new each month whether a new activity, new project or a new recipe. I can say that I have tried several new things this month. 
   
   I built a faux mantle and hung it on the wall above the wood burner stove. I also created a fabric garland to hang on the mantle.

I assembled a few dry pantry mixes adjusting the ingredients to my liking. I have only made a few so far - chocolate chip cookie mix, brownie mix, biscuit mix and pancake mix. All very basic, but I love being able to grab the jar and just adding wet ingredients. This also allowed me to purchase a new kitchen gadget. LOVE MOMENT Electric Mason Jar Vacuum Sealer Kit. I think my label maker and vacuum sealer are going to battle it out to see which is my favorite gadget.

I became a puppy foster mom for Rescue Village. I am caring for 3 (yes 3) 13 week old Heeler mix puppies that will go up for adoption in a couple weeks.

This was not on my 2024 list, but I want to celebrate the completion of a 10 month long project. I am thrilled to say I completed my son in-laws cross-stitched Christmas stocking. And to imagine that is began as a blank white cloth.

It was a rocky start to the year, but January is ending with a bliss filled joy.