I've done quite a bit of self-reflection over the past year and while I've always been introspective, more recently I've been making a conscious effort to really process my thoughts, rather than just "think" them. I'll turn 30 (eek!) in 2014 and can finally say that I'm at place in my life where I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for where my life has taken me and also the only one responsible for taking it where I want it to go next. After all,

“Nobody’s going to save you. No one’s going to cut you down, cut the thorns thick around you. No one’s going to storm the castle walls nor kiss awake your birth, climb down your hair, nor mount you onto the white steed. There is no one who will feed the yearning. Face it. You will have to do, do it yourself.”

― Gloria E. Anzaldúa

In the past when making my resolutions I've kept them fairly vague and without clear instructions on how to accomplish them, so this time I'm going to be specific and include how I plan to succeed.

Without further adieu, here are my 2014 New Year's Resolutions:

1. Live a more healthy lifestyle. I will be mindful of my carbohydrate, gluten and sugar intake while also following a regular fitness plan.

How: I will use the myfitnesspal app to track calorie intake as well as exercise, follow Amanda Russel's Fit, Strong & Sexy program and make the most of the workouts, recipes and tips I find on Pinterest.

2. Save more money. I am moving back to my hometown (Sarasota, FL) in June so saving money for the move is priority 1. I will also pay down student loans and clean up my credit.

How: I will use a savings account I cannot easily access.

3. De-clutter. I will stop my hoarding tendencies and drastically cut down on all I have accumulated thus far.

How: I will use the "40 Bags in 40 Days" system as well as donate 2 boxes a month to charity. Anything worth selling will be sold and the funds will go directly into my savings account.

In addition to those top 3, I also intend to:

Cook more (a.k.a. learn to cook).
Read more (books, not just Us Weeklys).
Take better care of my skin (exfoliate & moisturize, ladies!).
Travel! Though I've been to all of them before, I plan to visit NYC, Key West & Disney World in 2014.

What are your New Year's Resolutions this year??