First Monday of the New Year. I expect most of us spent today working our way back into regular routines and schedules. I hope the transition went smoothly for those heading back to work after time off.

I also imagine today included lots of people starting up the actions for the resolutions and plans to meet resolutions and goals. My gym membership is currently on hold, but I can imagine the crowds of people. Yesterday, people packed our church. When I headed to the grocery store, fitness books/magazines sat in display cases and weight loss shakes or diet foods greeted me as I walked into the store. A plethora of commercials about becoming debt-free sounded through my speakers in the car. It’s obviously the time of the “resolutioners”.

The sudden urge to make changes for the better at the start of the year used to frustrate me to no end. Now, I actually feel proud of every person out there hoping to better his or her life. Who am I to judge the person checking out in front of me with lots of fresh foods and sharing a weight loss goal with the cashier? Who am I to roll my eyes at all of the people sharing workout status updates on Facebook? Who am I to secretly think “yea right” when I hear about business ventures of a particular someone?

The new attitude hit me while at church. More people attended and resolutions likely had something to do with it. But how amazing that people were there, wanting to bring something so positive into their lives! And isn’t that what all resolutions are for? A positive change in one’s life?

While I don’t believe it necessary to wait until the arbitrary date of January 1st (…or Monday…or “tomorrow”), I have come to appreciate the atmosphere of motivation found in so many people geared to accomplishing something new, exciting, and fruitful. I hope everyone achieves each and every goal set that can better the person. I may not care for some things that accompany so many resolutions, like expecting a quick change,  but I can still support those attempting them. Maybe it’s the cheerleader in me…

For example, instead of cringing at a friend’s unrealistic weight loss goals and thinking how she will just give up in a few weeks, why not share some support and ideas for healthier living? Instead of grumbling about the new gym goers taking up space, why not strike up a conversation and let them in on one of the best classes or a fun workout idea? To put it simply, lend a helping hand any way you can. Maybe a lack of support leads to resolutions left behind. And maybe we can change that for someone.

Question of the Evening – What types of things pop up around the start of the year that typically annoy you? And did you have to get back into the swing of a normal routine today?

Thank you all so much for the support last night and earlier today via your comments, tweets, emails, etc. I love my bloggy friends! Although still tired and ready to deliver this baby, I feel a ton better today. It takes work, but keeping the right attitude certainly pays off. I don’t like going through life upset and distraught. So, you will always see me push through with a little help from God, loved ones, and you all. Onto today’s topic! My own personal spin on the resolution game…

Goals. Resolutions. Intentions. Hopes. Dreams. Any other name under the sun. We all have them in some way, shape, or form. Many of us reflect on them as we approach a new year….tomorrow! I have thought about what I would list as my “resolutions” and I do have some ideas.

• Get back to my “happy place” post-baby
• Other fitness related goals such as running a race, achieving old strength training accomplishments, etc that I mentioned before
• Continue developing Faith, Fitness, Fun
• Continue deepening my faith and relationship with God
• Being the most devoted wife and mother I possibly can

Looking at those goals, however, I almost feel like they have already happened. Whenever I think ahead to 2011 I feel an extreme excitement. Something deep within my gut tells me it will be a year full of fabulous changes and growth. I anticipate nothing less than seeing my above “resolutions” happen. 2011 already makes me all giddy inside. I believe it will be that good.

And that, my friends, is exactly the point I want to express. I believe. I believe in myself to take the necessary steps, one day at a time, to bring about the progress I anticipate. I trust that in making the most of each day I will end up reaching, or possibly surpassing, my hopes and dreams. I have faith that focusing on living well and giving time to all things important to me will naturally lead me down the fruitful path God has before me.

Katie, who writes the amazing blog Health for the Whole Self, posted that she plans to have a word to focus on for her year instead of a bunch of resolutions. That really resonated with me. I have decided on my word. TRUST. I trust my body to get to a place where I feel great because I trust myself to care for it. I trust my path with this blog to fulfill me because I trust God’s plan for it in my life. I trust my family will feel my devotion because I trust my love to overflow to them every day.

I will trust. I will believe. I will achieve. Believe in yourself. Get excited for all you can do! You can! You will! Approach the year with faith in yourself and a powerful attitude. I have no doubt whatever is on your list will work itself out, too. Cheers to 2011! It’s gonna be a good one.

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Question of the Day – Do you think attitude has an impact on goals? If you had to pick a word to describe your 2011, what would you choose? Thanks, Katie for that great reflection!!