When the new year starts, I don’t know about you but I have all of these big plans. Big plans to wake up earlier, eat healthier, exercise more and put myself on a better schedule. Well here we are on day 23 of the new year and I have already had 5 cheat meals, only exercised twice and have only written one blog. So much for resolutions.

IMG_3045

But as I sit here and type all of this out I can’t help but ask myself, “What is the point of a resolution?” I mean seriously? What is it about a New Year that makes people want to change who they are and the choices they make? Most importantly, why do you need a New Year to make those changes?

Last year, I made a decision to lose weight. It didn’t come because of the New Year. It came because I was tired of looking at myself in the mirror. It came because I was upset at the weight I had allowed myself to put on. It came because I was ready to make a better life choice. For me, it was not a resolution. It was a lifestyle change that just happened to start in the month of January.

IMG_3050

IMG_3059

What I think that we all need to realize is that we don’t need a New Year to make better life choices. We just need motivation, determination and a want to be better. Whether it is the month of January or October, any time of the year is a good choice to be a better you. For me, it was something that I wanted for myself and only for myself. I didn’t let anyone else influence my decision and I put in the time and effort to make the changes that I wanted a reality. It was not a quick over night fix. It was hard work and persistence that paid off.

IMG_3079

IMG_3087

I am writing this to challenge you to make a life style change this year. Not a resolution that you will break in two weeks, but a choice to be a better version of yourself. I feel like if you are making a change to fit with your life style, then their is room to customize it to fit your needs. A resolution is so absolute. Do this. Give up this. Don’t do this. A life style change, however, is more along the lines of, “What kind of choices can I make to make sure this change is successful in my own life?” For me, I knew that I could not give up wine or coffee. Because of this I made the sacrifice to give up something that I could live without. I also knew that I would hardly exercise so I started doing little things like parking further from the door, doing small exercises before bed or taking a walk around my neighborhood. And these choices worked for me!

Bottom line, while I do have hopes and goals for the year, just like last year, what I really want is to make better choices for a better me. I want to sparkle in whatever I do.

IMG_3093

IMG_3100

Make it a point this year to make a life style change instead of trying to keep up with a resolution. I promise that you will be much more successful, and much happier, with a change tailored to fit your life. Changes are not one size fits all. They have to be molded into what works for you. I encourage you to be the best version of yourself and leave a little sparkle wherever you go. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below! I always love hearing from you!

IMG_3106

IMG_3109

Top | Pants | Shoes | Sunglasses | Earrings | Clutch

IMG_3057

blog-signature

Disclaimer: Photography was courtesy off my amazing “Instagram Husband!” Let’s give him a round of applause because he is the true star of this post! Also, affiliate links are used and I may receive a small commission.