Goals for my 29th year

Last week, I turned the big 29. As birthdays usually go when you get older, it was a lovely day where I received lots of phone calls and texts from close friends and family, read through a ton of Facebook messages from people I haven't seen in years, and was treated to a delicious dinner out with my boys. It was perfect.

One-year-old me with my Dad.

That evening, I was reflecting with Matt on what a great year my 28th was: I started blogging more and joined the MKE Moms Blog contributor team, we celebrated and stood up in Matt's sister's wedding, we adopted our second pup, George, and, probably the most life-changing for me, I transitioned from a full-time working mom to a part-time one (and threw a job change in there). I already know there are great things on the horizon for the final year of my 20s: more weddings of people I love dearly, fun trips, and just watching Callum grow and learn new things every day.

Still, there were a few things I would've changed about last year. So, to ensure a great year ahead, here are a couple areas I'd like to work on personally over the next 365 days.

1. Want less.

Whether it's a new sweater, a larger house, or just a change of circumstance, I'd like to work on wanting less. I think we're all guilty of just wishing we had something bigger and better. Now, I'm not talking about dreams and goals, those are good motivators and tend to have positive effects. I'm talking about those destructive wants. The wants you don't need. The ones that can become toxic and make you feel less than. It's so silly to waste my energy on what I don't have, when what I do have is greater than I could've ever imagined.

2. Slow down.

I think this is going to be especially important over these next few months of holiday madness. This next year, I'd like to make it more of a priority of just being in the now. The dishes can wait five minutes while I sit and enjoy conversation with Matt. I can give myself 30 minutes to enjoy a book during Callum's nap, instead of stressing about getting some work done. I think a less-rushed verison of myself will be a happier one.

3. Eat less sweets.

Brought to you by this year's Halloween candy.

Seriously. I have a been a fun-sized candy bar eating machine. Sweets have always been my downfall. I can easily pass on a bag of chips, but offer me a piece of cake and I won't refuse. I can always feel a change in my body when I cut back on sugar, It's always a good change. I feel better. I sleep better. I have more energy. It's just always a struggle to remind myself of that.

4. Stop feeling guilty about making time for myself.

Whenever I do something just for me, I often end up feeling guilty about the time I'm taking for myself. No one is making me feel bad about this. In fact, Matt encourages me take the time to refresh and re-energize, but I still wind up feeling bad about it. I need to do a better job of enjoying my me-time. After all, taking care of myself will make me a better mom and wife, and make me happier all around.

So, bring it on, 29! I can't wait to see what the next year holds.