As this new year begins, I've spent a lot of time thinking about goals I would like to focus on for the year. My good friend Goodwife H had a great post on her blog outlining her ponderings for the new year so I thought I'd follow her example.
I also like the way she outlined her goals into categories. I tend to think that way so I'm going to steal borrow her idea on that as well.
With that said:
Health: This is a big one for me this year! First, I turned 40 in 2009. Second, last year was a tough one health wise for me! It started when I experienced my first panic attack out of the blue in March. I'm working on discovering what causes them and how to deal with them when they come. I hope to eventually eliminate them altogether! In May, I was diagnosed with hypertension and began taking medication to control it. Problem? It's still not controlled. Along with the hypertension, I also learned that I have Hashimoto's Disease which results in an underactive thyroid. My joint pain has also increased. It seems that the minute I turned 40, I completely fell apart!
So, in the interest of my health, I am focussed on doing the things I already know how to do as well as continuing to learn how to better my health. I am committed to exercising for a very minimum of 20 minutes every day. I will also make sure I am getting enough sleep. And, my plan is to lose 5 pounds per month over the course of the year. I figure that's pretty realistic.
Homeschool: I need to be more consistent doing preschool with On the Loose. He loves it and thrives on it! I also plan to faithfully take him to the library once a week. It's his favorite place!
I will also keep up on reading the literature that the older two kids are reading. It drives me crazy when I get behind as it's nearly possible to catch up.
Lastly, I will continue researching college options, testing, transcripts, etc. to prepare for Turned Loose's senior year.
Home Management: This area continues to be a huge struggle for me. I'm great at financial budgeting but not so great at time budgeting. So, this is an area I'm working on-telling my time where to go just like I tell my money where to go.
Meal planning is also an issue for me. I really don't like to cook. I also just struggle putting a meal plan together and sticking to it. So, I'm going to work on improving in this area. There will be an obstacle, though! We will soon be starting a major kitchen remodel. Will be gutting down to the studs and starting over. I know that cooking will be even more difficult without any appliances. :-) If anyone has any suggestions for me in this area, I would love your help!
Family: I will work on planning our big trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks coming up late spring. This will possibly be our last major family vacation for all five of us before Turned Loose takes on some college courses and loses much of his flexibility to travel with us.
Personal: I am slowly learning to take care of myself and realize my limitations. I went on for years pretending that I was "supermom" and could be everything to everyone and do it all. I plan to continue setting some healthy boundaries so that I am caring for myself.
Spiritual: I recently decided on my "Word of the Year" for 2010: Sanctify. This is what I want my spiritual life to be about this year. Sanctifying Christ in my heart and participating in my own sanctification along with the Holy Spirit to conform me further into the image of Christ.
With God's grace, I will diligently pursue these goals and experience some degree of success which will allow me to grow over the course of this year.
I also pray that all of you will succeed in your goals as well!
