There have many many posts going around about choosing a word for a year, as I read them I became inspired to come up with one for myself. At first, it was quite daunting, I came up with a few words but nothing resonated with me. By day three I began to think it was futile... but I didn't want to give up, that was when FOCUS came into my mind, then each day that went by, I heard it and it reverberated with me more and more.
With choosing the word FOCUS, I came to a conclusion about my health... sitting here wanting to find a way to make a change is all good but without making a plan then nothing will change. I kept hoping that an easy method would be laid out in front of me, which is silly as it won't be simple, it will take a great deal of work and a great deal of FOCUS. When I was successful in the summer of 2013, I didn't let anything get in the way... not even my 50th birthday, I was in a zone, I was FOCUSED.
So, I made a plan to get started, this weekend was the one to make plans, first I sat down and created a budget... I had played around with one for the last few years but never really sticking to it... There were times I would go to the grocery store and wonder if my bank card would have insufficient funds, other times I would check at the last minute and realize I would have to take money out of my savings account to cover living expenses. This year is different, I have budgeted for everything I can think of and mainly I have started a decent savings account which I don't want to dip into unless there is some sort of emergency.
I really had to make a budget as Valentina will be seeing the orthodontist in the next six weeks and I will have a monthly bill for a few years ... it's a necessity though as I feel teeth are extremely important for your self-esteem. I am very aware of this as my teeth were damaged excessively from the medication I had to take after the fire I survived as a baby The Fire - 48 Years Ago. I was very blessed to have met a woman from my church in my 30's who offered to pay to have my teeth fixed, the dental school then took me on as a project and I didn't have to pay anything, for this I was incredibly grateful. It changed my life in ways I never would have believed, it was a blessing...
With the budget, I made room to spend a little money on my health... I will talk about it more in upcoming posts, although I have a great deal of weight to lose, I am not thinking about a number, I am using this opportunity to get healthy. Many of you gave me some really great ideas, I plan to try the indoor walking again as I physically cannot handle walking great distances outside and Yoga is my number one plan as I need to gain balance. I have seen it work for many older people, it gave them back their lives.
When I started working from home I took the opportunity to sleep in until 7:00 am and sometimes 7:30 am when Valentina has no school. With that I was staying up much too late at night, sometimes 11:00 pm which isn't helpful for me to get the proper rest I need to function... So, I am making 10:00 pm my bedtime and then getting up at 6:30 am spend 30 minutes doing yoga and meditation. Also, one of the best things I have done for myself is that I plug my phone in across the room so that I no longer play with it at night and when the alarm goes off, I get right up... it was a good decision... it will help me keep FOCUS....
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it is a beautiful post. Keep sharing dear :)
ReplyDeletehttps://ohladymania.blogspot.com
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That is a GREAT word for 2017, and I think you picked it thoughtfully... I hope you find this word anchors you to your goals and hopes and dreams for 2017!!! - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
ReplyDeleteI am always happy to hear what your thoughts are, Launna, and I think it is great that you are sharing. And I love your talent with words. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteFocus is such a great word, and can apply to all areas of life! I do so much better when I make a plan, so I think you are definitely headed in the right direction. I have such a hard time getting up in the morning - I put my alarm clock across the room so I have to get out of bed to turn it off, and it's made all the difference!
ReplyDeleteYes, go for it with the yoga! I said it before and I'll say it again: it does wonders for body and soul.
ReplyDeleteOh yes: Focusing is the secret!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Launna!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
Focus is a great word. In fact, as I read your post, adopting the word for me Ron's would be a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great time my dear
ReplyDeleteA big hug
I think you are really focused and things will get much better.
ReplyDeleteJasmine x
So much here!!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, it's great that you are focusing on your life and those needs that it comes with. We all need to live on a budget. I was looking at Nordstrom.com last night and I came across a Dolce & Gabana dress that was $3K worth of gorgeousness! I thought about how wealthy people shop...and I realized...while they can afford the super expensive couture, they still live like us... I can afford a $100 dress, whereas a wealthy person wants the $1,000 dress and they typically can't but 5 of them, just as much as I can't buy 5 of the $100 dress. Of course, they've got me beat if they love the $100 dress... hah...but typically, they have more money and spend it on pricier things. ANYWAY, it's great to have a budget. I'm trying to start saving money again. Getting laid off last year in January changed up my lifestyle. I have nothing saved anymore. And lately...after having a root canal and some other very unexpected expenses, I'm drowning more than swimming. Thank goodness tax season is here. Hopefully I get something back to save...
I knew about the fire you survived. But I didn't know your story about your teeth. It's true, a nice smile is a huge self esteem booster. My best friend hated her teeth. In her early 20s, she got braces and now she loves to smile. Good for Valentina and she's lucky to have you as a mama!
♥
Amber
All the Cute
Hi Launna!
ReplyDeleteHow nice from the lady in the Church to pay for your teeth, I am curious to read the story of the Fire so I will be looking that post.
Have a lovely and focused week ;) xxx
www.travelera.es
"Focus" is a terrific word to choose as a guiding light for the new year. We could all benefit from more focus in our lives. With that attitude, you WILL succeed at whatever you tackle.
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic Launna. I truly believe in you and pray for all the energy you need to keep FOCUSED this year. Plan, prepare, focus, achieve. You can do this! Focus on xoxo
ReplyDeleteI loved this post Launna! Your word is amazing and I really hope that 2017 brings you such happiness and FOCUS! Focus on the good, on the bright side, and always keep your head up!
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Patricia
www.thathappymess.com
Focus is definitely one of my words for 2017. I also think it's a great idea to try yoga---I want to try it, too, because I've heard such good things about it.
ReplyDeleteYou and me sitting under the money tree......
ReplyDeleteLast year KILLED me financially and a lot of it was summer camp, BRACES which I still have to pay this year, and all the dance fees. Everything is going up. I too am budgeting and cutting back.
Foodwise I have been a lot healthier lately...Launna, during the week my diet is 90% salad and veggie soup. Sderiously. And i make it all myself, no canned soup for me.
My basc veggie soup which I bring to work is veg broth, I always add lots of fresh spinach and whatever veggies I have- peas in the pod, broccoli, carrots, anything. I drop in a couple eggs and let the whole thing simmer for 8-9 mins, no more. It is easy enough to make every day and I do pretty much.
My salads- same thing. Greens, chickpeas, kidney beans, sometimes tuna, olives, sometimes tofu....and i add oil/vinegar or sometimes a little dressing. The beans, or protein if you add it, make it very filling and it is also very healthy.
Hugs, let's go shake that stupid money tree.
The word "focus" is one of the great inspirational word. I know you are a great source of inspiration for many who are regularly reading your posts in this blog. I'm sure you will achieve your plan in 2017, thanks for this wonderful post, Launna.
ReplyDeleteVery positive post .
ReplyDeleteI love that word!! Great choice!! I need to focus on longterm goals instead of right now, if that makes sense.
ReplyDeleteIts good to hear you have a plan. A very inspiring post! January is such a cold hard and long month. Definitely, so hard to get moving. At the moment, Spring can't come soon enough..until then..I feel like I'm slipping on thin ice. All the best on staying focused! Live well!
ReplyDeleteYou have great plans to get your life back on track in 2017, Launna. I love the idea of heading to bed earlier and wake up earlier for yoga. Please try that and I swear it will make hell of a difference in your life. Don't push yourself too hard in yoga if you are new to it, it's easy to get hurt and I'm speaking from experience.
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
I've had problems with doing too many dang things at once, which seems exciting at first, but can eventually be quite stressful. I've been using this really cool planner that I put stickers in to keep a little more organized, but I sure have a long way to go. I love your word because it's true for most of us. (lol) Hugs...
ReplyDeleteFocus is a very great word to follow for the new year!
ReplyDeleteI've learned its importance especially in years of ballet before agonistic martial arts then, and now it's so part of my life that I take it for granted.
But you've remembered me the importance of it in this post: focus and organization is the key, I bet you'll really improve your life in no time at this race! :D
xxx
S
http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it
I like the word you chose. It is applicable in all kinds of situations too.
ReplyDeleteObrigada, Launna! <3
ReplyDelete"Foco" é realmente a palavra que você tem que colocar na sua mente. Assim você vai conseguir alcançar o que quer mais facilmente! E eu acredito na sua força de vontade!
Ótima terça!
Beijo! ^^
I love that you came up with a plan. It definitely makes things more manageable when we know what we want to do and how we want to accomplish our goals. Budgets and sleep patterns can be tough to tackle, but it sounds to me like you came up with a good plan. Starting off the day with yoga (or something similar) is excellent! Best of luck. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Focus is a very good word. It helps me help my self. Your posts also inspire me to help my self as well. Thanks, as usual.
ReplyDeleteHello dear Launna!
ReplyDeleteHow has you health project been going? I've lost 0.5kg, but weirdly enough, my pants number got bigger T.T
I tried following you @ instagram since I use it a lot (not to post, but to comment and send direct messages), but the link doesnt work ):
Now about the post...
I believe a budget kind of organization is extremely important, I still depend of my parents so I dont organize money, but I do organize all the other things around since I'm already 21. This year I'm trying a bullet journal and its working amazingly well!
I also make things harder for me to keep my focus on my health plan, in university, for example, I only the stairs because I have claustrophobia anyway - I used the elevator once because I had a heavy load of books, and I immediately regret that.
xoxo
http://www.thesecretshoot.com/
FOCUS is the epitome of everything in life.. a person with focus is a lost sheep in my opinion & I am exactly like that... I like that you have made a plan fr this year and u know what to focus on.. Wishing u a lovely weekend xoxo
ReplyDelete<3 yipii Launna- dear! You know, you found it..I know you will...your way. I have noticed, taht in life..once your mind and/or body will stop you, it is a process. It will start to look new ways, new inspiration and sort of keeps you still as long as is needed. Then, it release new, pure energy and off you go! Does that sound funny? Maybe..but somehow I have felt that so it goes, with my body and mind...hugs!! xoxoxox
ReplyDeleteFOCUS, such a great word!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day darling!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Instagram
I'm happy Launna that your are saving each month to live better and pay for Valentina's orthodontist. In Italy too teeth are really expensive to cure. I wish you a lovely weekend ahead, I hope you can sleep and restore a little. I will try as well.
ReplyDeleteCiao :)
Hi Launna, sorry I haven't commented in a while. Things have been really difficult as you know, so I wanted to say thank you so much for the support you have given me this week, I really appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteI think Focus is a great word to choose. It's something I need to keep in mind as well as I'm struggling a lot, not dissimilar to you actually. My health is slipping and I'm to blame actually as I seem to turn to bad food choices even when I know they make me sick, when I'm under stress. Your new routine sounds good and I like that you plugged your phone in across the room, that will definitely help you! I hope the finances will be ok for going forward xx.
Raindrops of Sapphire
I love that word FOCUS. It's the great divide between achieving and dreaming. This is inspiring. Thanks Launa
ReplyDeleteLaunna! Apesar do pincel não ser tão bom, eu gostei muito daquele lápis labial. Ele tem uma cor realmente maravilhosa! ;)
ReplyDeleteÓtima sexta!
Beijo! ^^
Great Post Launna! Focus on the important Things sound really inspiring!
ReplyDeletekisses
Just stopping by to say hello and Happy Saturday! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteHi Launna, it's me again.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I've been losing focus lately... Its close to the back to university time, and I think anxiety is getting the best of me, I'm buying things compulsively and the guilt kills me after. I also feel like I'm forgetting something daily which just pumps up my anxiety.
Either way the scale shows 0,5kg less, totalizing 1kg lost since the start of this year, but I don't want to count this last 0,5kg yet cause my weight floats a lot. How is your health plan going? Are you already stretching daily? I still have to plan my stretching routine and time, I don't even know were to start but I'm thinking of only doing it after I get used again with uni routine.
xoxo
ps: I'm impressed with how beautifull you are seeing you from your instagram, I don't really think there is anything wrong with your teeth nor valentina's, but I know americans are more meticulous when it comes to dental health. I just wish you would show your teeths when smilling more!
http://www.thesecretshoot.com/
Focus sounds like a great word to me. We can accomplish so much when we really, truly focus! I think most of the mistakes we make in life (at least mine) are due to a lack of focus. By the way, thank you so much for always taking the time to visit my blog, I really appreciate that. Unfortunately I can't read the blogs I love, like yours, as often as I'd like nowadays, but I hope that will change soon :)
ReplyDeleteMaking a budget is very helpful. My son will be going to the orthodontist too so I have had to do the same thing. Regarding weight loss I totally agree with you. I feel people focus on numbers or the scale too much and sometimes the scale can be very discouraging. I think eating right and feeling healthy is much better.
ReplyDeleteSimera |Beautetude
Love this post! You always inspire me. Focus is very important Launna! :-) It always helps myself to achieve the things that I want to do.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Dascha
Happy sunday my lovely friend!
ReplyDeleteKisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
We played the one word game at our staff meeting and what a coincidence, my word was FOCUS. Great minds think alike, :). You sure were one lucky gal to have that paid for. Angels do live, bless her and her kind heart. I'm loving the idea of having the phone away from me at night. Hmmm, I may give that a try and see how it works for me. Have a fantastic week Launna!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fashionablyidu.com/
It's really helpful, more than resolutions. I love picking a word for the year. I love your choice. Focus is so important in getting things done.
ReplyDeleteThis is great life reflection, Launna.
I love the self-discipline you'll be appyling into your routine, Launna! Being aware of the time you have to rest is always a good decision. Geeting up and doing yoga to start the day sounds truly great. That's probably the best moment you can do it as it will set your mindset for the rest of the day. I did yoga for a while almost dragged by my sister haha. But tehn I remember I loved it it. It was an hour for me and my own mind. It felt really great to have that moment. Plus, Yoga helps you to let go of the pain, the fears, the negative thoughts, the resentment... and embracing all that's good for your soul. Oh, i can't believe I miss yoga now!
ReplyDeleteI also love the word you chose for this year. Focus is a strong word, a call to action and a goal at the same time. Plus, we all know that we can achieve great things whenwe're focused. You did a good job by picking that workd for 2017, my friend. :)
Dear Launna,
ReplyDeleteI hope you are well, I'm trying to keep control over stress and food... I don't sleep too much...
A big hug!
I love the first quote, it's my mantra!
ReplyDeleteKisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Instagram
Launna! Sempre tento fazer meus vídeos com bastante animação. E aquele batom é realmente único! É bem diferente, né?! ;D
ReplyDeleteÓtima terça!
Beijo! ^^
Focus is a great thing to focus on. Focus helps you get things done. Best of luck in keeping with your word this year!
ReplyDeleteHope your week is going well and that you are staying focused on your goal. I am going to go walk in a half an hour now that I have reread this post. I only have 20 minutes, but it is better than no minutes of exercise. Thanks!
ReplyDelete~Jess
I think having the goals and the plan in place is half the battle. It's a lot easier to be disciplined when you have something like a step-by-step plan.
ReplyDeleteI think Focus is an excellent choice ... and one many of us should perhaps consider for 2017.We are not quite at the end of January so never too late to make a choice on how we want 2017 to develop.
ReplyDeleteThoughtful post Launna, thank you.
All the best Jan
Loving this post!! :D
ReplyDeleteFOCUS, such a good word!
I really hope 2017 gives you a lot of happiness and that you can really focus on everything that is important to you!
Have a lovely week my dear
Patricia,
Xx
www.thathappymess.com
Focus indeed. My word for the year is simplify. We've got some BIG changes coming in my household, and I'm never going to survive them if I can't declutter some of the excess busy stuff.
ReplyDeleteHere's to 2017 and getting on top of things, eh?
I'm so happy when I read this post. Changes, in the benning you were scared of, now you have the control over them.
ReplyDeleteKss a lot
=)
New post in my Lifestyle Blog
I hope your week is going great Launna. Sending love!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fashionablyidu.com/
Hey Launna, stopped by to wish you an incredible day out there. Hope it shines for you in every way.
ReplyDeleteLovely Greetings from Vienna! Lots of Hugs <3
ReplyDeleteGirl, you get a lot of comments which is totally awesome! What have you been up to these days? Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day Launna!
ReplyDeleteKisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Instagram
Hello dear! I am not good at focus, It is good you are good focusing. It is nice that a woman in church paid and your teeth were fixed long time ago. Take care. xoxo
ReplyDeleteHappy WE my lovely friend!
ReplyDeleteKisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Instagram
Hi Launna!
ReplyDeleteJust pop on your blog to see how you were.
I wish you a great weekend! X
Launna! Aquele creme para mãos é sensacional. Um dos melhores que já usei! ;D
ReplyDeleteÓtima sexta!
Beijo! ^^
Focus is a very positive goal to have. It makes all the difference. I look forward to seeing your progress this year, you can do it! Also, thank you for your support with my fitness blog, I appreciate your comments.
ReplyDeleteI understand what you mean. I have big problem with my teeth.
ReplyDeleteDear Launna,
ReplyDeleteI think you chose the perfect word: Focus. I try to focus in so many projects and this makes me feel good.
Have an adorable weekend
kisses
Maggie Dallospedale
Indiansavage.com
Hi Launna!
ReplyDeleteThe word 'focus' is a strong and positive choice, which will help to keep you determined and positive. Well done for taking a pro-active approach with regard to your health, wellbeing and finances!
It's great that you've made a realistic budget for yourself and taken into account all your expenses. This is something we often fail to do.
I'm sorry to hear what you went through as a baby, and the long-term effects on your teeth. It's fantastic that your teeth were later fixed, and your confidence improved as a result of having the dental work done.
I wish you the very best of luck in all your endeavours, and I'm certain you will get there!
Thanks so much for your sweet comment on my blog, and for always leaving a thoughtful and sincere message.
Lots of love Saba xx
www.trulymadlydeeplyfashion.blogspot.com
Have a great start of the new week Launna!
ReplyDeleteKisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
getting enough of sleep is really important. If you need to get up around 7am then it is best to go to bed early. It can be difficult as most of us don't feel sleepy early- but we must try.
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always uplifting!