Christmastime for the Jews

That particular phrase was coined from the epic Saturday Night Live sketch of the same name:

Christmastime for the Jews

This Christmas started off like any other and then suddenly turned tail and transformed into a day like no other. During past holidays we have spent the bulk of our time watching movies, playing video games, and eating tumultuous amounts of food. The food aspect remained the same this year while everything else changed. We swapped out video games and movies for conversation and board games. It was surprisingly nice change of pace in the family.

With the end of Christmas and New Years right around the corner it’s time to start thinking about how I am going to make 2014 different from 2013. During 2013 I transformed in leaps and bounds and had a hell of a time doing so. However, with all of the fun I had, I also faced my battles, turmoils, and difficulties.

Now that I am 21 I am excited to take this next year by force and make some serious changes in my days. I have always had difficulty keeping promises to myself and this upcoming year I want to change that. One of my goals is to be kinder to myself and use forgiveness instead of anger towards myself. When my plans fall through I have been notorious for beating myself to a pulp instead of sitting down and figuring out how I can change my choices.

I am also looking forward to my new diet and exercise plan which I have already started implementing. With those two things under wraps I should be able to better focus on what’s important to me in right now: my music and my work. I have a feeling that once I move out of my current apartment I will find that last kick of motivation to really work on perfecting my craft and creating the career that I’ve always dreamed of.

2013 was my best year yet! I have a sneaking suspicious that 2014 is going to be that much better. Happy holidays everyone!!

 

Gratitude List:

1) My Grandparents — who gifted me one of greatest presents in memory, I am overwhelmed by your generosity and I promise to use it wisely!

2) My Fears — motivating me to change my life for the better

3) My Resilience — this month has been my toughest of the year, it’s amazing to see what I can survive, overcome, and accomplish during my darkest of days.

 

Love you all!

The Era of Change

Everyone faces weeks where their life completely, totally, and drastically changes. These past two weeks were my time.

I have avoided taking that final leap into adulthood for many months now. After waves of failed plans and nothing but disappointment, my life came to standstill last week.

I was given the news that if I did not complete re-vamp my diet, exercise plan, and lifestyle that my body would suffer. These are steps that I have been meaning to take for the past couple of months but always found an excuse to avoid. I found out last week that I cannot afford to avoid my problems anymore.

So what did I do? I changed. I have cut out white flour, high sugar, artificial sweeteners, processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol. This has been the largest dietary overhaul in the history of Natalie. It’s only been a week but I already feel so much better than I have in a long time. By cutting out my distractions, I’ve been able to focus on what really matters in my life: My work, and my music.

This overhaul has also made me question my love life and look for ways to change in that category. As much as I love them, casual hook ups and drunken one night stands are no longer an option. I am tired of being constantly run over by people who are only interested in sleeping with me, rather than getting to know me. I want to be with someone who loves me and who I can be completely myself around.

For the next couple of months I’m going to focus on me more than ever, continuing to push myself musically, working on building back up my physical strength, and learning how to live a healthy lifestyle. As silly as it may sound, last week was my threshold from teenager to adult. I’ve finally made it and it feels so much better than I could have ever imagined!

 

Gratitude List:

1) My parents — I couldn’t have made it through last week without the two of you. I thank you so much for your constant love and support through one of the most difficult times in my life!

2) My job — There are days when I feel like I’m falling apart, and then I have days like today where I find strength in my abilities

3) My schedule — It’s been tough trying to manage you out, especially when its so easy to ignore you. Thank you for sticking it out with me and helping me achieve my best!

 

Keep your chins up and I’ll see you all next Wednesday!

 

Natalie