Today Is the Day to Transform Your Life

Today marks a change: my stress level is finally easing, my mind slows when I wake, and I’m carving out time for myself and the incredible people in my life. I’ll choose nourishing foods, prioritize meaningful exercise, and make room for laughter. Today is the first day of summer, and I’m ready to make the most of it.

Please join me in congratulating my sister for graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Professional Strategic Communications, with minors in history and political science.
Looking ahead: graduation is on my mind for next May.
The family came up to Minneapolis this weekend to celebrate her achievement.
She’ll be moving to Colorado in August to pursue a law degree at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her path is inspiring me to chase my own dreams.
Her friends are heading off to exciting opportunities across the country.
Sister Boy and Sister
Brother, Mom, Me, Sister, Dad
On that happy note, I want to revisit the goals I set at the start of the year.
Lee’s Goals for 2011
*Items highlighted in pink have been completed or are in progress.
1. Wake up positive, go to bed positive. I borrowed this idea from Michelle at Give Me The Almond Butter. Starting the day in a good mood sets the tone for everything that follows. Cultivating positivity—surrounding myself with upbeat people, healthy food, and a calm environment—supports my overall well-being. This is an ongoing effort.
2. No cheating on the 28-Day Challenge. It’s only 28 days. Start date: Monday 1/3.

3. Find time for myself every day. I want to practice more yoga, drink more hot tea, take naps when needed, and skip class when I need a mental break.

4. Add at least one original CFF recipe per week. The recipe should be cost-efficient, healthy, and delicious.

5. Travel to a place I’ve never been.

6. Minimize my carbon footprint and do more DIY. Inspired by friends who make their own hygiene products and live more sustainably, I want to buy in bulk, reuse bags, make spreads and dips at home, and reduce laundry frequency where practical.

7. Volunteer. Giving back to the local community is important. Volunteering benefits others and contributes to personal growth and ethical development.

8. Declare a major. This needs to be finalized—remember when my proposal got approved?

9. Find an internship.

10. Chew less gum and drink less coffee. Gum is a nervous habit and I go through too much. Coffee in the morning is fine, but extra purchases at Starbucks and other shops add up. Cutting back will save money and reduce dependence.

This summer I’ll focus on the goals that still need attention:
1. Find time for myself every day.
2. Travel to places I’ve never been (I already have several trips planned).
3. Reduce my carbon footprint through more sustainable daily choices.
4. Chew less gum and drink less coffee.
Additional goals:
5. Drive my car as little as possible. I want to rely more on walking, biking, and public transit.
6. Socialize more. I’ve struggled with social anxiety around alcohol since turning 21. I’m ready to enjoy social settings sober and feel less awkward in groups where others are drinking.
7. Read the news regularly. I’ve gotten lost in the blogosphere and ignored mainstream news—time to stay informed.

8. Be more confident in a swimsuit. I want to accept my body and feel comfortable at the pool or beach. Everyone has insecurities; mine are muscular thighs, and I’m working on embracing them.

9. Meet new people without judgment. I’ll try to look past stereotypes and let people be themselves.

Now, breakfast calls. I’m craving:
Perfect Oatmeal
Happy Monday!
-L
What goals have you accomplished since the start of the year?
What goals have you set for the summer months?