7 for 2017.

And, with this post, week one of my month of writing is done. It’s getting easier every day as I let go of it being perfect and instead focus on getting it done – no easy task for someone who’s type A! 

For the second week, I’m teaming up with a few rad triathlon friends and bloggers – Caitlin, Christine, Elizabeth, Hailey, Jen, Laurel and Lizzie – for this one: the top seven things each of us is looking forward to in 2017. Here are mine!  

1 – raising a happy (and well behaved) puppy

Of course Luma makes the list. We’ve wanted a dog forever, but the time wasn’t right until now. She’s been part of our little family for 10 days, and we can’t imagine life without her… well, maybe the feisty biting part. From our current puppy obedience class to dog park fun, I’m so excited for all our adventures ahead!

2 – less screen time + mindless scrolling

Reflecting back on 2016, I realized I spent far too much time staring at my iPhone, laptop and TV than I did reading a book or actually doing stuff. This year, there will be far less screen time – something we’ve already implemented. I deleted the Facebook app off my phone last week, and OMG it’s amazing to not look at it during the day. I’m practicing being more mindful about scrolling through my twitter + instagram feeds, too, which means no more screens once crawling into bed. Nick and I are also cutting the DirecTV cord because Netflix and Hulu are more than enough. The bonus: the money saved!

3 – simplifying 

Life’s complicated, right? One goal this year is to make mine simpler – a key takeaway from Hawaii in October. There will be more aloha spirit here in Minnesota (and hopefully in Hawaii!)… in both my attitude and my home. And, that means surrounding myself with things that bring me joy – and eliminating the things that don’t, á la KonMari – and make me feel good. Along with this, it also means simplifying to create better routines – crucial when juggling work, training and caring for Luma (who’s currently in the let’s-bite-everything phase).

4 – training + racing

I’m five days into a fresh TrainingPeaks calendar, and man, does it feel good to have a schedule again. I’m far from in shape – that’s what a six-week sloth-like break will do – but I love feeling my body, uncomfortable and sore, crawling out of offseason one workout at a time. That training grind is the very best part. My goals this year are really big, and I’m so excited for all the hard work ahead to reach them.

5 – stronger relationships

My tribe means the world to me. And, the older I get the more I realize that these are the relationships that deserve the most attention. So, this year, I look forward to investing more time and energy into them – time with my sis, niece, gal pals and family. They all make my life so much more meaningful ♥ 

6 – less talking, more doing 

It’s really easy to talk a big game… I’m gonna do that and that and that and OMG that looks like so much fun… let’s try that! But, then, moments later – usually after writing it on a post-it note or in my planner – my enthusiasm fades and then it never gets done. Well, this year, I look forward to talking less and doing more – including more experiences. As I heard on a podcast today: Inspiration is great, but inspiration with action is even better. 

7 – strength training

Why is it so difficult to strength train (and stretch and do mobility work)?! It’s the one thing that I usually cut from my schedule even though I know how important it is. But, not this year! I’m committing to sessions several times a week – whether it’s functional strength, pilates or yoga – as well as daily mobility work like foam rolling. 

Here’s to an amazing 2017!