GOALS

 Hey, Y'all!

I hope the new year is treating you well so far! 

In my previous post, I shared my New Year's resolutions. There are only 2, but they are pretty powerful and require some solid goals to accomplish them.

My Resolutions-

To- Focus on strengthening my physical and mental health. 

To- Move forward with hope, faith, humor, and optimism. 

I decided to keep things simple and not set unrealistic goals for myself. 

Goals-

MOVE EVERY DAY

Physical activity is strongly linked to better mental health. Even a moderate amount of exercise can ward off anxiety and depression, help improve sleep, and lead to improved quality of life. 

By exercise, I don't mean a hardcore, grueling workout. While I want to focus more on walking on the treadmill and some upper body exercises to help with my lymphedema, many other forms of movement could be physically and mentally beneficial.

Committing to 15 minutes of some type of exercise every day should be an achievable goal.

EMBRACE MINDFULNESS AND MENTAL WELLBEING

Most of us know that cancer can have a significant impact on our physical health, but we tend to overlook the mental and emotional strain that comes with it. 

Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga, can help manage some of the stress we are dealing with and contribute to a healthier mental outlook.

I've always had trouble focusing when meditating or doing breathing exercises. I've also never been good at yoga, but I've found an easy beginner's video geared toward those with upper body lymphedema that I will try. 

I'm aiming for 3 days a week of yoga, which will help with meditation and breathing.

NOURISH MY FAITH AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Just as a tree needs sunlight, good soil, and water to grow, our faith also needs daily nourishment. 

Spiritual growth involves nourishing the soul through meditation and self-reflection. However, prayer and studying God's word are essential for growing my faith as a Christian. 

I plan to start my morning with at least 15 minutes of prayer and bible study. I'm also hoping to find an online bible study group to join. 

FOLLOW A NUTRITIOUS DIET PLAN

While trying to follow the Intermittent Eating plan, I also want to focus more on quality, nutritious meals.

I aim to put together a menu each Sunday of nutritious meals for the week. 

CULTIVATE AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

A grateful attitude can make such a difference in how we feel. I read an article on how thankfulness helps people deal with adversity and is linked to greater happiness. 

I've decided to take time each day to write down 3 things I am grateful for.

WORRY LESS, LAUGH MORE

It's easier said than done, but I will try not to focus so much on the negative thoughts by finding other things to occupy my time. Ideally, things that make me laugh!

I plan to spend more time watching funny TV shows or movies, talking with my BBF on the phone more often (we crack ourselves and each other up!), and just laughing more often!

PAY IT FORWARD

I remember how terrified I was when I first received my cancer diagnosis in October of 2016. I know there is someone out there who has just received a cancer diagnosis of their own who is experiencing those same feelings.

It's not always possible for me to meet with people in person, but being available to talk on the phone, sharing tips, and even sharing my knowledge via this blog might be helpful in some way.

My goal is to do something at least once a week that is helpful to someone facing their own diagnosis.  

LIVE LIFE

It has been a challenging few years, and there have been many things I missed out on that I would have liked to do because of my lowered immune system, COVID-19, and the pandemic.

I'm sad I've missed so much, but I intend to make up for it! I still have to be very careful and wear a mask when I'm out around others, but I plan to live life to the fullest and enjoy and treasure every moment I have with the people I love!

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS FOR CANCER PATIENTS AND SURVIVORS

The new year signifies a fresh start, offering new possibilities and hope for the year ahead.

Making resolutions and setting goals is a great way to focus on our personal growth and well-being for the coming year. 

The typical New Year's resolutions often involve changing our bodies, mindsets, and diets. I don't remember ever starting a New Year without putting losing weight at the top of my resolutions list! 

Resolutions for cancer patients and survivors are a little different. They tend to revolve around things that will make survivorship easier, making it very important to see them through. 

Constant fatigue can be an ongoing struggle, whether it's due to being in active treatment, the body reacting to what is happening during the recovery process, or drugs meant to keep cancer from returning. It can be more challenging to stay motivated and stick with resolutions in the face of reduced stamina and endurance. 

And yet, I want to continue with the tradition for the New Year!

RESOLUTIONS OR GOALS?

But do I make resolutions or set goals? The two go hand in hand, but they really aren't the same thing, are they?

While waiting for my first cup of coffee to kick in, I contemplated the difference between making resolutions and setting goals.

I'm not very alert in the mornings until I've had at least one cup of coffee. Lately, the second cup does not guarantee any degree of alertness or coherency due to my constant lack of sleep. However, here is what my sleep-deprived, under-caffeinated brain came up with on the subject......

A resolution is a pledge we make to ourselves. A type of commitment without a detailed plan that is usually open-ended.

A goal has a clearly defined endpoint. We can set short and long-term goals for ourselves and give them deadlines. Goals are the building blocks of our resolutions.

RESOLUTIONS.

As a cancer patient/survivor, I felt it essential to come up with resolutions that encompass my total well-being, physical, mental, and spiritual. 

I only made 2 resolutions. Both are huge, but the second one is probably the most powerful resolution I could make. 

Resolution #1

To focus on strengthening my physical and mental health. 

Just as physical strength is a component of physical fitness, mental strength is a part of mental fitness, and I really need to work on both.

Resolution #2

To continue to move forward with hope, faith, humor, and optimism. 

This second resolution is more geared toward my mental health and happiness. A commitment to worrying less, laughing more often, and spending more time in prayer. 

Goal Setting

As I started writing this post, I didn't have a concrete plan in mind, except for the topic of resolutions and goals. Now, after discussing my resolutions, I need to take some time to establish specific goals that will assist me in achieving those resolutions in the coming days! I'll be back soon to share those with you!

In the meantime, please share any resolutions or goals you may have for the coming year! If you are currently dealing with a cancer diagnosis of your own, how have your resolutions and goals changed from previous years?

Happy New Year!

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year, Y'all! 

I hope you had a wonderful New Year's Eve and that it left you hopeful for the coming year!

I spent a quiet evening at home with my husband and crazy pup, Brady! 

We had lasagna for dinner, followed by some eggnog with a bit of Scotch Whiskey I got for Christmas. I don't usually drink whiskey, but being a huge Rod Stewart fan from way back, I decided to try Rod's new Wolfie's Whiskey!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                       This stuff was darn good in eggnog!

We had bought some champagne for our midnight toast, but we enjoyed the whisky and eggnog so much that we decided not to open the champagne and just make our toast with that instead!

New Year's Eve has evolved significantly over time. In the past, we used to party all night long, dancing and drinking. Occasionally, we would head to downtown Atlanta to witness the Peach Drop. 

There was also a year when we lived in Minnesota, and my friend and I ran a 5k race around a frozen lake in -27-degree windchills!

For years, we played board games with the kids and watched Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve Show on TV while waiting for the countdown to midnight to watch the ball drop in NYC.

Over the past few years, we have spent relatively quiet evenings at home, but they are still nice. 

Have I mentioned how thankful I am to be here for yet another New Year???

That's it for now, but I plan to share my goals for the coming year in my next post.