With serenity in the front of my mind, next year my theme will be living life simply, moderately, and on purpose. Of course the obstacles will always be there- that's life. But I want to learn to navigate them with equipped with a little more clarity and direction. Too often, I think about my time, resources, energy, health, priorities, and spirit and feel like I'm missing something or not using them wisely. So here's what I want to practice:
Time: I only have so many minutes in a day. Instead of trying to cram as many things into them as possible, I want to make sure to fill each minute with quality. I want to serve others. When I have spare time, I can use it to help people who don't (one of the greatest luxuries of being a stay at home mom). If I'm playing with Milo, I want all of my attention right there with him and really play. When I have a few minutes to myself, I want them to be used productively (let it be known that power naps are productive :)). When Trevor and I have time together, I want us to talk and use that time, because sometimes those moments get few and far between with all the craziness. I can use my time to beautify my home, or develop some wifely skills that still seem to have escaped me (cooking).
Resources: We don't have a lot of money, but I'm young and energetic and capable. I do not want a cluttered home or mind or anything else. Living in a small apartment, it's easy for it to feel crammed. I want to work on saving money, being more frugal, and decluttering my home. I want to use my resources (energy, time) to help people who need it.
Intellectual: Read more! I miss reading and I love to do it, but haven't in a long time. I want to keep learning new things and growing and developing as a person. I love to learn and I want to nurture that.
Emotional: I've been working on focusing on what I have and what's perfect and wonderful about my life instead of what's hard and painful, and I still have a ways to go. Along with this, I can't compare myself to every perfectly talented and beautiful wife and mother I ever run across (who just so happens to have 4 kids under 4). Everyone's life is hard in some way or another. Everyone has challenges that aren't mine. The best thing I can do for my own emotions is to count my blessings and not dwell on the hard things.
Health: My health has improved leaps and bounds from where I was last year. Overcoming an eating disorder is hard work, and that has taken a lot of my energy this year. Now that I'm in a more stable place, I know I need to keep that at the front of my mind while continuing to improve. More fruits and veggies and real foods from the earth. Less processed carbs and junk. More cooking and developing a repertoire of healthy meals. And continue having a good routine of exercise while working on inspiring my family to reach for healthy things first and exercise regularly. Go to bed early. Get up early.
Spiritual: Read scriptures with a purpose. Pray. Keep my mind clear of clutter and fill it with purpose. Meditate. Discuss spiritual things with Trevor. Remember always that God loves me and I'm his daughter. Keep the faith. Have inner peace.
Moderation: in all things, always. See also: serenity.
I feel good about this year. I have a lot to do and so many things to work on, but I think I'm starting from a good, sturdy place. I know that the more I work on myself, the more my family will benefit. And I'm always thankful for a fresh start. I'm ready for you, 2015!
I just read Jen a Hatmaker's book: 7 and I have set my goals for the new year around that, mainly simplifying. I feel that I've been drowning my feelings, my ambition, my true identity actually in too much stuff--food being at the top. I truly believe that by simplifying my life, I'll feel myself come more alive. Love this post.
ReplyDeletelove this!! thanks of sharing!
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