So the first month of 2016 is almost over. It's been a bit
stressful with my grandmother going back into the hospital for a few days after
almost six months without an ER visit. I pray we can do at least another six
months before her next one, if not longer. My sister and I are rather tired after such ordeals, and I
have to remember that it's emotionally stressful stuff even though I really
didn't do anything while Gram was in the hospital.
I said I was going to do a post about my goals for 2016. So
here it is. Nothing like a sick family member to make you think about what you
want to do, or not do. I recently took some time to sit down and talk with two of my closest friends to make a list of goals for 2016. Here is the gist of that conversation.
Health is a big one and something I am constantly struggling
with. I do not get sick often but I am very overweight and not very motivated
to change. it's not that I don't want to change. I have dreamed about a slimmer
me for years, but taking steps to make that happen, well, let's just say I am
not very good with the follow through. So I am trying to be and eat healthier;
1) by cutting out fast food. 2) not buying sweets or sugary products (this is
hard because sugar sneaks into a lot of "healthy" things) because I
have NO self control with such things, though we do not buy candy and cookies
very often at all these days, not so much as in my childhood. 3) exercising
more, by trying for two miles 2 times a week and 1 mile two times a week, and
anything over that is gravy. 4) Portioning and food tracking as well as Meal
planning, which helps to see what you are eating and using what is already in
your pantry, which brings me to my theme for this year, Use what you have.
I have a lot. If
you have read previous posts your would know that I have tubs full of stuff
that I haven't seen in years. Using what I have means taking stock of
everything and planning how I can use it in my home, or sell it and use the
money to help pay off some of our growing debt. I have tons of craft supplies,
some of which I plan to sell off outright and others stuff I plan to make and
sell on Etsy. I already have a shop, MirrorImageStudios. I just need to
focus on getting things up for sale.
Organization is really big this time of year. I subscribe to
a few websites like Organize 365 by
Liza Woodruff, that gives weekly posts and podcasts on how to organize your
home and any number of free printables for those of us who like to track what
we accomplish. My family has donated thousands of dollars worth of stuff over
the years, and I especially, get a sense of satisfaction when items get a new
life and a new home instead of going into the trash. I plan to start organizing
the house, starting with the kitchen in a few days. I already have a list and
my printables ready. Cleaning things out also gives me the opportunity to deep
clean some areas that really need it.
Along with organization goes a chore list and keeping the
house clean on a daily basis. It's hard when you are stuck at home 24/7. Most
people don't have a messy house because they are rarely home. (Oh, for that luxury!)
I have to admit that sometimes I become blind to certain things, and my goal
this year is to keep the house and garage clean so that those unexpected
visitors don't catch us unawares.
On a personal level, I want to Love God more, and owe the
fact that He loves me. I have problems with feeling loveable. I am aware of
them, which they say is the first step, but I want to work on my own self-image
and feeling like I am making a consistent effort to be more like God has made
me. For me this means setting aside time to pray and read my bible that isn't
tacking Him on the end of my day as an afterthought or an 'oh, I gotta do that
before I go to bed' sort of thing. I need to trust Him, and spend more time
with the Word.
I also want to write daily. I have several projects that I
am working on; two novels that I am writing that are almost finished, plus artwork
for The Chronicles of Odde series. In certain areas of my life I am a
perfectionist, which doesn't make a lot of sense because I know that they will
never be perfect and at some point I have to stop and let it go. My writing and
art are such areas. I have so many ideas but not the time and skills to execute
them. I am learning to build my skill set, and that patience goes a long way
towards having a successful outcome.
My biggest challenge is not giving up, especially when life
gives me curveballs and I fall off the wagon or wonder off the path. I need to
focus my efforts, and not put too much on my plate a one time. I have lots of
ideas and the key is doing a little bit every day.
Are there any things you are excited about doing this year?
Any goals that you are struggling with but determined to see through? I know I
have a lot on my lists, yes, I wrote lists. Please comment and share your
thoughts and any advise.
As always, I hope you are blessed and remember that all
great journeys begin with the first step. Write On, my fellow travelers! Write
On!
