New Year, New Goals

Well everyone, we made it to 2021. Of course, we're all hoping for a better year than last year but the jury's still out on that one, right? If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that there are many things we cannot control in this life. However, there are a few things I can do to better myself and the circle around me so I'll choose to focus on those things and let God take care of the rest. In my younger years, I'll have to admit, I wasn't very good at setting goals but as I get older (and time seems to be whizzing by), I realize without a goal, desires are only wishes. 

I've always wanted to live life on purpose, not to merely exist. For me, that works better when I have a plan or a focus. Or some may call them goals. Here are a few of mine for 2021. I've shared them with my family and I thought I'll share them here as well because after all, sharing them helps keep me accountable. 

So without further ado...

1. Be more present. If there's one thing I've learned about myself over the years, it's the fact that I don't do well when I have too many balls in the air. I hate feeling overwhelmed, distracted, and stretched thin. Some people thrive on pressure, deadlines, and the busyness of a full schedule but I'm the opposite. My heart needs less to gain more. More of the good and lasting stuff. More time for deep conversations, belly laughs, sunshine, and good books. This year feels like a gift to me. A chance to breathe, refocus, and start all things new. Hallelujah and Amen.

2. Read 30 books. I debated on the number of books for my goal this year. Last year, my goal was 50 and I read 40. Considering the quarantine time we had during a pandemic, you'd think I would have made my goal but no, I didn't. I can chalk that up to various things (like I also started listening to podcasts last year). This year, taking all things into consideration and knowing we have another move to make in the summer, I wanted to make my goal attainable. And I have absolutely no shame in that because reading 30 books is still better than reading just a few books without having a goal.  

3. Bible Study. After 10 years of CBS, I sure do miss my bible study and the friendships I've made over the years. My goal is to get back into studying God's Word and being in fellowship with other women. Thankfully, we visited a church this past Sunday that we really liked and they start their Women's Bible Study in-person this week. I'll let you know how it goes but I'm excited to start and hopefully, meet some new friends.

4. Quiet time. I want to be super diligent about my quiet time every morning. My day always starts off optimally when I have at least 2 hours to myself before everyone else gets up in the morning. I use that time to read my bible, my devotional, pray, and read a chapter or two of a book. Once I start bible study, I'll use my quiet time for that as well. And if I have extra time, I love to pop on here and blog.    

5. Exercise. It's been a little tricky here in Texas because for years, I like to exercise in the early morning to get that out of the way but with it being cold here, I'm having to switch that to the afternoons and I'm not sure how I feel about that yet!😏 That being said, I'm off to a slow start in 2021 but my goal is to exercise at least 30 minutes a day/5 days a week. That could be walking, doing the treadmill at the gym we have in our neighborhood, riding bikes with the kids, or going on a family hike, weather permitting. Basically, just getting outside and moving!

6. Date Nights. Last year was a terrible year for date nights, right? This year, I am determined to get back into a groove of making that a priority. We have no excuse as we have a whole new town to explore where restaurants are open, as well as free babysitting! Morgan would like it to be twice a month but for right now, I have it scheduled monthly. I actually have it written on the calendar for the 3rd Friday of each month. Again, making it a priority as well as attainable. 

7. Calling Friends. I debated whether to put this one on here or not but again, accountability, right? I'm an introvert by nature so I'm not the greatest at phone calls. They actually kind of stress me out. HOWEVER, one of my goals this year is to keep in contact with some of my dear friends by PHONE, not just by texting. Texting is so easy and gives introverts like me the feeling like we did reach out, without putting forth too much effort. We all know texting can be convenient and fast but it doesn't allow us to have the kind of deeper friendships we all need. It's like nibbling on an appetizer without ever having the main meal. Since we moved to another state, I hope to actually call and talk to my old friends from time to time.

So that's it. These are some of my personal goals I'll be intentionally working on this year. How about you? And I know, I'm posting this and it's almost half-way through January already but it's been a weird season y'all! And GUYS, my Christmas tree is even STILL UP. What?!! I'm giving myself grace this year. 😉