Yes, it is that time of year again when we look ahead to the year before us and consider some new resolutions that we want initiate. You look back at last year and think…hmmmm, I should eat better, I need to exercise more and spend more time with my family and friends. So, great my decision is made and I will do better at all those things. But then you suddenly recall that you made those same promises to yourself last year, and come to think of it the year before too. Then you conclude that you aren’t very good at this and just toss those thoughts aside.
BUT wait…maybe it’s because you didn’t have a plan. You can not move forward without some kind of strategy to help you out. First you need to set a goal, an achievable goal. If you have a hard time changing your habits then set a very small goal that you know you can accomplish. I have found for myself that I can only set one goal at a time. I may also further break it down into smaller steps that make it seem easy to achieve. That way when you look back over the year you will be amazed how far you have come.
This year my goal is eating better. So what does that mean? Everyone will have different objectives depending on what they eat now. I have been working on my diet for some time, but there are still many areas that need work.
1. Stay away from processed foods, eat only real food
2. Eat more veggies (I eat 1-2 servings a day and the recommendation is 4-5 a day)
3. Cut back on chocolate…I love dark chocolate and tell myself that it is an antioxidant and is good for me! I have to limit the number of calories a day of chocolate to 200.
These are my three goals for the year. I will take one at a time and work on it step by step. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but looking back over the last few years I am astonished how much I have learned about nutrition and therefore changing my habits.
Women tend to take care of everyone but themselves. This is the year to look inside and make a resolution and come up with an action plan of how you can become the woman you want to be. Small tiny steps at first. As you achieve one small goal after another your self esteem will rise and so will your self respect. It is a great feeling when you take care of yourself!!
Start by making an appointment with your nurse-midwife to get going on improving your health. Do you need a health maintenance appointment? Do you have birth control that you can count on? Are you up to date with your immunizations? Need to talk about other health concerns?
Planning a pregnancy? We are here to support you in your efforts to be healthier and to set goals for you in 2014!!
Karin Marshall, CNM
Midwife Matters 
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