At some point every June, which marks the year being halfway over (crazy, right?)– I like to look back on the resolutions and goals I set for myself for New Year’s and see exactly what I’ve accomplished so far and what I still have to work on. It’s a less stressful way of checking in as opposed to, say, waiting until December 1st so I can be overtly hard on myself for anything I didn’t quite get to/completely forgot about. It also serves as a nice kick in the ass to re-motivate me- especially during the Summer months when it’s easier to get things done before it’s time to go back into hibernation mode.

To make it easier to keep track- I re-list and re-post my initial goals, noting my progress- before I add some side-things I’m hoping to incorporate before the end of 2016 if I know it’s not going to make my head explode.

So, here’s what I jotted down on December 31st, 2015:

1. Take better care of myself:

I’m actually quite relieved/pleased that the very first resolution I had on my list in 2016 is the one I’ve been wildly successful with thus far. With my anxiety/panic attacks finally having slithered back into the fiery hell they emerged from- I’ve found an enjoyable and most importantly- manageable- routine with eating healthy, working out, and getting enough sleep where I can function like an actual adult. I’ve lost ten pounds. My body is tightening and toning itself in ways I didn’t think were possible. My skin has cleared up and my hair is healthy, thick and not going grey every time I have a bad day. I look better- and I FEEL better- which is the most important thing.

Diet and exercise aside- 2016 has really been the year I’ve taken a stand for myself emotionally and mentally, and I couldn’t be prouder. Gone are the days of simply tolerating and/or overlooking mistreatment, negligence, dishonesty and negativity. I put my foot down. I speak up- and I don’t compromise with anyone or anything that refuses to meet me halfway to find viable solutions to problems or conflict. I recently held my ground and delivered an ultimatum to someone who had hurt me- and I was met with newfound respect, understanding and reassurance as a result. 2015 or 2014 Ashley wouldn’t have gotten that- but 2016 Ashley is moving forward and taking control.

2016 Ashley is finally finding zen and “YAS QUEEN” status.

2. Thrive at my career:

This is another resolution that I’m happy to report has been working out well for me. I started my job back in December, and have gradually been finding my footing as I traverse through training, new responsibilities, new co-workers and new clientele ever since. It took a little while, but I’m finally comfortable with my current position, the team I work with, and my own knowledge of the company and how to be a productive and valuable asset to it. I’ve been getting glowing reviews and recommendations from supervisors and customers, too- which I’m sure will come in handy when it comes time for me to work my way up that corporate ladder to get where I want to be.

My job is very different from my former position at the firm- but I enjoy it- and the benefits and perks are infinitely better, too.

3. Relocate:

This is the resolution that is very, very close to happening. After locating what I can only describe as a dream apartment in Western Massachusetts a couple of months ago, and going as far as to submit a completed application to my would-have-been-landlords- I had to withdraw after a couple of test runs to/from the area proved to be a hassle in my getting to work in a punctual (and safe) manner. With the dynamics of my relationships in that part of New England ever changing, as well- I opted to hold off for a little while on moving to the area- until a chance conversation with an old friend I hadn’t seen in a while happened. Said friend, now a real estate agent- has taken over the search on my behalf and is keeping an eye out for places more suitable to my ideal location, my price range, my commute to and from work- and my own personal tastes.

I’m really looking forward to seeing what he finds for me.

4. Finally get my first tattoo:

This resolution isn’t even close to happening right now, and I can’t say I’m all too upset about it since I have so many other things on my plate for the time being. I’ve settled on a Beatles tattoo, the lyrics from ‘Hey Jude’ or ‘Dear Prudence’ (the two songs I used to sing all the time with my dad,) but I’m still trying to figure out a font, a size- and a place to put it that isn’t going to be excruciatingly painful. I’d prefer the inside of my wrist, but then the daunting task becomes finding a skilled and suitable artist who knows what he/she is doing and won’t screw it up.

Thankfully, my inked friends have been more than forthcoming with their recommendations (and some have even offered to come hold my hand while I get it done!) which has been really helpful- and hopefully by the Fall- I’ll have my long overdue tribute tattoo to the greatest man I’ve ever known.

5. Visit New Orleans!:

Like my goal to relocate, this is another resolution that will be happening in due time. I’ve been putting as much money away as I can for my planned week off in mid-September- where I am aiming to spend a few days in New Orleans hitting each and every thing on my NOLA bucket list I’ve been compiling for a solid five years. Ideally, I’d like to get a couple of my friends in on the action and have them come with me- but if I have to fly solo due to conflicting schedules- than so be it. I’ve never been afraid to travel alone- even to a new and unfamiliar area for the first time.

Overall I’d say I’m making some pretty solid strides and some real progress towards the big five goals I set for myself for 2016. There’s always room for improvement and some tweaking of course- but I’m quite pleased with myself and all that I’ve accomplished so far in such a short amount of time.

On a side note, moving forward into the Summer, I do have a couple of minor things to add to my list of goals/resolutions:

1. Maybe consider trading in my car for a newer one: I adore my little white KIA oh so much, and we’ve been through a lot together over the years- but with over 100,000 miles and an engine that sounds like it’s ready to explode- I think it might be time to trade in and trade up for something a little quieter and that hasn’t been ridden quite as hard. Also, maybe something that doesn’t still have a CD player in it.

2. Finish my HGTV-inspired renovations: One of the bathrooms in my place is completely gutted, and a spare room has been turned into a makeshift storage unit while myself (with a lot of help from family and friends) re-do the walls, floors, ceilings, and everything in-between. A lot of things in my home were long overdue for updates/replacements- and the Summer of 2016 is when I went into full blown “Property Brothers” mode to fix and redecorate pretty much everything. New paint, new appliances, and new furniture. It was time to make a change. Out with the old and in with the new.

I think that’s everything! I can’t load up on too many more goals since I want to have time to actually enjoy my Summer, after all.

How’s everyone else doing with their 2016 resolutions? Have you accomplished everything on your list? Did you throw in the towel and call it quits? Do you need a mid-year refresher like I do/did? I’d love to hear all about it!

xx