Happy 2019, friends! Last year at this time I was a newly married woman, and it seems like the year didn’t slow down from day one! After reflecting on 2018, “New Year, who dis” is going to be my theme for all the great things we’re going to do in 2019!

It’s a new year which means it’s the time for fresh starts and new promises. I’ve never been one to make New Year resolutions, but this year is going to be different in so many ways because I’m so tired of the bad and lazy habits I’ve allowed myself to adopt. And since I’m writing it here for everyone to see, this is my way of staying accountable.

It seems like everyone’s number one resolution is to lose weight, and I’m totally jumping on that train. I’m all for body positivity and loving the shape you have, but I’ve become really unfamiliar with my body, and thus really unhappy with it. I’ve gained about 20 pounds since I stopped running half marathons (and running at all, really), and I just don’t feel healthy because I let work and my procrastination take priority over my health. Don’t do that, y’all. Make yourself number one.

I knew I had gained weight, but ya know how it sometimes takes a picture to really put the spotlight on it? I bought a new dress and was excited to wear it and take some photos for the blog – my husband posed me next to the cotton fields beside our house (cute background, right?) and I was so surprised when I looked through the pictures. We were going for my birthday brunch in Southern Pines after that and we sat in the wine room, which had a ladder like you see in fancy libraries, so duh, another photo op. And another disappointing group of pictures that showed me looking like a box in a dress. I’m sharing this picture not to shame myself or fish for comments about how it’s not that bad (again, it’s about me not feeling healthy/happy/good in my clothes, not about the size), but because this blog is about real life, not perfection.

And maybe I also need to accept the fact that horizontal stripes just aren’t my thing?

I stumbled across this picture (below) when I was looking through old blog posts. This was the summer before I met my now-husband. It was my first year at my teaching job, I didn’t have many friends, so my days consisted of running (I was training for the Rock ‘n Roll Savannah half), teaching a little for one summer class, and going to the gym. I was also paying very close attention to my eating. Life just wasn’t as crazy as it is now.

In addition to focusing on my body (I’ll miss you Bojangles), I’m also determined to schedule my days better. My health – eating and working out especially – is always the first thing I sacrifice when things start getting busy. So, I bought an Erin Condren planner to make sure I schedule things down.to.the.hour. I want lesson plans ready days in advance, I want my workouts listed and fit in, I want arranged time to clean up the house, and I want to be done with being the last-minute lady who’s always in a panic to get things done.

Basically, 2019 is putting me first, especially my mental, emotional, and physical health.

Are you starting a new journey this year? Let me know in the comments! If you’re blogging about it, let me know so I can follow you back – it’s always helpful to have people who can keep you accountable and give you support! And if you’re interested in my own journey, be sure to follow my board on Pinterest where I’ll be pinning recipes, workouts, and planner ideas, and my Instagram/Twitter/Facebook (@biscottiandaphd) for daily updates!

And if you’re interested in investing in a new Erin Condren planner (they’re 20% off until Jan. 2!), here’s a referral code!

Happy New Year to everyone!