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My family is getting back to “normal” after the craziness of Christmas and Noah’s first birthday immediately following. This time every year is a time for me to take a good look at the year before, both personally and professionally, figure out what worked, what didn’t, and make a plan for the new year. There are a few changes and plans I’ve already made and some that I still plan to execute. I don’t ever remember loving New Years as much as I love this one. So for the first time EVER I’ve created a list of goals for the year. Here’s my list and a little explanation of each, in no particular order. Feel free to glean anything from my plans that may benefit you!
1. My health.
Spiritually, physically, emotionally, all of it. So often I put myself last and ignore obvious signs something is wrong. I’ve suffered from back and neck pain for seven years and didn’t so much as see a family doctor for it. “I’m tough. My body will heal itself.” I thought. Well, I guess my pride’s been worked on a bit because I finally had my first few visits with a chiropractor. On the first visit he examined me and pointed out everything that was wrong with my spine. Every push, pull, twist and stretch hurt a bit. I went in knowing that I’d have to hurt a little before getting better. The doctor has to move me around to get at the source of the problem and fix it. After the visits I’ve been a bit sore as my body is healing from the adjustments by becoming stronger in the weaker spots and more flexible in the stronger areas. I think God is a bit like a chiropractor. He reveals our flaws, our sins, both open and secret, and twists us, pushes and pulls us, if we will allow Him to work on us in order to heal us. Just as I avoided the chiropractor and suffered with pain for seven years, we have to willingly go and ask the doctor (or God) for help. What’s awesome is that all we have to do is show up. Going to the chiropractor was one way that I planned on healing myself physically, and in the process God surprised me by teaching me a bit more about Himself. That’s just so like Him.
2. Leave a legacy.
I’ve always been the type of person to live like today was my last and make decisions and plan as if I were to live forever, at least in my head. I know life is short and can be taken all too suddenly. Now that I’m a mom and have this little life depending on me, I take it that much more seriously. I’m trying very hard to document Noah’s life, not just for my hubby and I, but for Noah, too. For a parent there’s so much more than just photos and video to document a life. There are feelings, experiences, prayers, hopes and dreams. My goal is to start writing down and journaling all of those things for us and Noah so we can look back and remember the prayers I prayed for him at one year old, 11, and 21, and on and on. Hopefully one day he will appreciate and cherish these letters I’ve written for him. This idea came from Karen Stott, a beautiful momma, photographer, and founder of Pursuit 31. Along with “leave a legacy” is where I want to “store up treasures” and invest myself and my time. First and foremost is in my relationship with my Savior and with my family, then followed by my extended family, friends, community, and my career. I want to be the hands and feet of Christ in everything I do. I want to meet the needs of the needy, comfort the hurting, and encourage others. I’ve been so inspired by Bob Goff’s Love Does. I don’t want to just have opinions about the Christian life or keep His love to myself, I want to be Love. I can’t do that perfectly, sure. But, I want God to teach me how to be more like Him every day. All in all, I am making strides to not just make a living, but make a life.
3. Simplify.
In order to do both of the things above I know I need to simplify my life. That means better organization, better time management, and cutting the clutter out of my life. To help me with time management I have invested in an amazing planner by Emily Ley. This planner is designed to help the working mom plan her day as well as be intentional in making awesome family memories and time for herself. I am trying to be better organized by cleaning up my office and moving it into another room in our home so little hands aren’t constantly pulling plugs out of the wall. :) Lastly, I’m planning on having family members watch Noah a few days a week during my busier season so that I can be more productive during that time and focus on him 100% when I have him. This part is challenging since my husband works crazy shifts that are always changing. With God’s grace we will figure something out that works for our family.
We threw a “hot cocoa” party for him with a hot cocoa bar with peppermint hot chocolate, marshmallows, pirouettes, and candy canes, hot cocoa cookies, and hot cocoa cupcakes! It was perfect for the time of year and cold weather here. If anyone wants more inspiration for a hot cocoa party, check out my Pinterest board here.
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Very encouraging!