Last year I had a list of 10 things. I revisited them a few days ago and shared how I did and what I learned from each of them. I had mostly successes and one massive failure (to keep the house clean). Keeping a cleaner house is definitely a huge focus of mine for 2013.
This year I have 10 main goals to share:
To listen more – “listen” is my word for 2013, so this goal is an extension of that focus for the entire year. Earlier this year I started working on listening with my eyes as well as my ears. Meaning to say I’ve been working on looking at my family when they are talking to me, not at my phone, a book or the computer. It’s sad that this is even a struggle for me, but it is something I have to be intentional about. Along with that, I want to listen to other people more than I try to talk.
To be intentionally quiet and still – I’m horrible at being quiet. I constantly have music going, or some kind of background noise. Even just the clacking of the keyboard as I write. I can handle quietness for a maximum of 10 minutes (if I’ve had a stressful day) and then I need noise. Part of this is because I have an ‘active’ personality but a large portion is because I’m scared of where my mind would go if I’m still for too long. I worry about what memories might creep up. And I don’t want to be ruled by those memories anymore. I feel like the next stage of moving forward is facing the things that lurk in the quiet, so that I am able to enjoy silence and stillness. I will probably never prefer calm over chaos because of my personality, but I don’t want to run from it either.
Keep our house cleaner – If you read last year’s goals, you know that this a re-do from my goals for 2012, this was the only one of my goals that I truly failed at, so I’m hoping to do much better this year! It’s weird to think that this time next year I will have 2 toddlers on my hands instead of a toddler and an infant. I’m not sure if that will help me be more organized or if it will be harder, but I’m up for the challenge. Our home will be cleaner and more organized this year!
To maintain a healthy body weight – I know that most people would write this down wanting to lose weight over the next year, but mine is the opposite! I’m hoping not to lose any weight this year ;) I have a super fast metabolism and I tend to lose weight even when I’m not meaning to. I know that sounds like every woman’s dream, but it’s really not that great, I promise ;) I end up being WAY to skinny if I’m not careful.
To eat (and cook) better – The thing about my weight is that I can eat terribly fattening foods and never gain a pound. I’m realizing that just because my body looks healthy on the outside doesn’t mean that I’m actually healthy on the inside, so I’m going to be endeavoring to eat better and learn how to prepare yummier (but healthy) meals for my family.
To become a paid blogger – I know this may seem like a shallow goal, but it is a very real one for me. I absolutely love writing (and blogging). A dream of mine is to be published in a magazine one day, and I have dreamed of writing books ever since I was a kid (more on that later…shhhh). So, for me, becoming a paid blogger is just one step closer to those goals. Honestly, who wouldn’t want to be paid for doing something they love?! but it’s more than the money, it is what that money will represent to me. . . that I’m one step closer to reaching the dreams that I’ve had for over a decade.
To be less stressed – This one could also read “to trust God more“, because really, my stress is just an outward representation of a lack of trust in God Almighty. I realize that those words sound absolutely ridiculous together (because it is ridiculous!) and that’s why I’m working on it! This year I want to really grow in my faith, truly trust that God is in control of EVERY situation, even the ones I don’t like.
My every year goals:
To be a better wife
To be a better mama – Could also be phrased “to not lose my mind when I have 2 toddlers on my hands later this year.”
To be happy – maybe it sounds silly, but it’s a goal and a lifestyle choice for me. Choosing to trust God, be less stressed, listen and love more.
There are a few more goals that I’m keeping to myself and not sharing here, but these are the main share-able ones.
What are some of your goals for the new year? Do you make yearly resolutions?
I’m also working towards my 30 before 30 list this year, although I have a few more years to finish it off!
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