I have really mixed feelings about resolutions this year. During the holidays my life felt so out of control that I've really been feeling the need for change . I have all sorts of thoughts swimming around my head of ways to improve my life. The problem is that if I'm going to set goals I want them to be realistic and attainable. But, I feel like have so little control over my own time right now. I also feel pretty stressed out and frazzled just taking care of the kids and the house that I ought to just cut myself some slack in other areas of my life. Problem is, if all I ever do is take care of everyone else, how will I ever improve myself ? Even though I am a mom, I am still a person! Linn says everything must have it's place for order to exist. I'm really struggling to find the right "place" in my schedule for exercise and scripture reading---even though these have been on my resolution list for several years now. Old habits die hard! These are some of the things I've been thinking about. Normally, when I make goals and resolutions I like to make them specific and measurable, but right now I'm not quite up for all of that commitment. It's not likely that I'll master these areas of my life this year, but I'll give it my best shot. Baby steps. . .
1. Less TV time for the kids and more quality time with Mom. Everyone keeps telling me to enjoy my kids while they are young because it will be over too soon. That actually seems impossible to me right now, but at the same time, my baby #1 will be starting Kindergarten next fall and he'll be gone every day. I want to make sure I have no regrets about the amount of time I spent with them.
2. Healthier lifestyle: More exercise, less sugar, more sleep, less stress, more laughter.
3. Read more. I thought I would be ambitious and make a goal to read 20 books this year. Then I found out that Lacey read something like 50 books last year (correct me if I'm wrong, Lacey). Wow! Okay, so I'm a slow reader. I admit it, and I'm still going to shoot for 20! I also want to make time to read the Newsweek magazine that I just bought a subscription to.
4. Scriptures. I clearly like to read, so why is this so hard for me? I usually manage scripture reading every day (when I discipline myself), but I can't say that I'm learning much. I can't say I'm very focused. Let's just say I've got a long way to go. I got new scriptures for Christmas and they have no markings in them. Hopefully that will be a motivation for me to find scriptures that are meaningful to me.
5. Speak kindly: To my kids, to my husband, and to myself.
6. Major Project: Organizing, editing, and printing my photos. Get them in albums so we can enjoy them, and figure out a system that I can keep up with.
Here's to a better 2008! Wish me luck!
6 comments:
Jessica, You are the woman! You are fabulous and are doing a great job. Good luck on your goals--man if I could do just one of those I would be happy.
I do have to say, I got all sorts of excited to see your last goal. Friend of mine, I can help you with that. Not that I am an expert, but I have several options that might work. I am tweaking what I am doing with our photos and albums, etc. and it is definitely on my mind.
Good luck with everything!
Linn, I'll take all the suggestions I can get---especially from the expert! What I've been doing obviously isn't working. I've been thinking of all kinds of questions for you to address on your website. I'm sure I could keep you busy for a very long time! Not that the new baby won't be doing that already!
It seems to me like you fit in a lot of quality time with your kids. I'm sure they just have a blast with you sometimes.
Jessica, I have a great idea for your photo goal. I think it's going to save me the obligatory scrapbooking that I really don't like to do. I'll call you to explain the details. Good luck on your goals!!!
Jess, you really amaze me. Every time I visit your blog it seems you are reading something new. 20 books in a year sounds great to me! My reading goals consist of the RS manual, scriptures (though I have the same issues as you there), and usually a parenting book when I'm at my wits end. I don't know how you find the time to read as much as you do! I think I'm just going to copy all of your goals this year!
If it's all right I'll just copy your resolutions for my self. :-) They sum up nicely what I have been thinking about for this next year. I probably won't read 20 books though, my goal is 12...one a month for book club. And if you figure out a method for managing all of your digital photos, scrapbooks, albums, etc. let me know!!!
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