New Year 2014

Hello friends, and happy new year! We've made it through The Holidays and now it is onward and upward. Generally speaking, of course.

I'm definitely on the resolution bandwagon, although I tend to do this multiple times a year. I was not born with a natural inclination for self-awareness but like any good Millennial I've trained myself to think about myself a lot. Luckily my life is fairly well put together, in the scheme of things, so mostly I just keep making small tweaks to my current situation and habits.

So, for 2014, here are some of my resolutions, large and small:

• Dedicate a minimum of 30 minutes per day to walking my dog. I take Seven outside several times per day, obviously, but I want to consciously set aside a 30 minute block of walking time, unless he's already been overstimulated that day (i.e. doggie day camp.) This dedicated walking time is going to be good for both of us.
• Pick out my work outfits for the entire week every Sunday night. My mom read this tip somewhere. It is so simple but I had not thought of this as a way to prepare for the work week. I am not a morning person and eliminating this decision from my morning routine is going to save me a bit of time and angst.
• Get rid of my car. This is my biggest project right now. I've been car-less for much of my adult life but over the last four years I have come to rely too much on my car. In many places a car is nearly a necessity, but I am a Millennial living in a dense neighborhood with an easy public bus option for my commute. For me, having a car is practically a sign of weakness. Plus, my car is 14 years old. We've been through a lot together, my Grand Am and I, but it doesn't make me happy any more. My first step was to give up my $165-per-month parking space, effective yesterday. I'm assuming that parking is now going to be so difficult that it will spur me to get rid of the car. However I may have overestimated the parking problem. Still, even if I hang onto my car a bit longer than originally planned, I will be saving $165 per month and will inevitably use the car less as I won't want to give up a good street parking space.

That's it, really. Notice how many caveats and alternatives I gave myself in just three little resolutions?  Every time I am strict with myself I end up failing miserably. If I build in a little breathing room, I accomplish much more. Learning this was huge.

My effort to give up my car will probably have its own mini-series of blog posts. Stay tuned and good luck with your resolutions!