I'm not one to make resolutions. In the past I've tried, failed and then felt horrible for not seeing simple {what seemed at the time} tasks through to fruition.
This year I wanted to make some changes in my day to day life. Nothing drastic, just simple subtle changes to better myself.
So, I'm claiming 2011 as the year of me!
1.Reorganizing and decluttering
This process is in full swing. I listed out all the areas of our home in need and posted them in my Agenda. The hope is to accomplish 1~2 tasks each week. Each area was purposely divided into manageable amounts of time so that I can accomplish them and not feel stressed. I'm the type that "grows" projects until I'm in over my head and the project has taken on a life of its own. I've allowed for a couple days each week as catch up days in the event that a certain area takes longer than anticipated.
2. Bible study
I've joined the Beth Moore 10 week study. I'm loving it! There are 5 sessions each week that I view online. She is an amazing teacher and even through a computer screen, she is able to reach out and grab you. By the end of the session, I feel empowered and alive! I highly recommend this as well as many of her books that I've read.
3. Photography
Over the past couple of years I've dabbled here and there reading a few books, articles and blogs covering this subject. It's time to get serious. Just in time, Lisa is proposing two options that I'm very interested in taking. Funny how things have a way of working out just when you're in need of them. I've also just begun Project 52. Simply put, I take a photograph a week for 52 weeks. I'm fashionably late to the party but I'm fine with that. I wanted to keep this project seperate so I created a new blog, Simple Elegance. Doing this will also allow me to view my progress as well as create a book at some point if I'm interested.
4. General Ed Certification
After much thought, time and consideration I've decided to switch certifications. I begin classes in a few weeks. I'm really looking forward to this challenge and sitting in a seat rather than standing in front of the classroom. Well, for part of the day anyway.
5. Getting to know my husband
We are very comfortable in our roles and routines. I have no real complaints and in all honesty, I'm very happy. However, we've become complacent and predictable. I think this is true of many marriages that are years old. My husband has been on travel A LOT the past 7 months, we both have busy careers, on-going home projects, and various volunteer committees. I want to hone the focus back on "us" and find activities that we can share together and get to know the man I married again. My first proposal is working towards a 5k next fall.
The first month of the new year is off to a great start. I'm not feeling overwhelmed, stressed or pressured with my goals. This is a good sign!
I'll post my progress in a few months and let you know if I'm still on task.
Leave A Comment
17 comments:
YAY! For you setting goals! I think it is great! I would to get into photography but I don't have a nice camera and will continue as it is. xoxo, Dee
Good luck, friend!
I hope next January you'll look back on this post with a sense of satisfaction on what you've achieved.
Will Bozley and Bentley be accompanying you on your 5k training? :)
So nice chatting w/you today....
~k.
First of all...your photos are beautiful! I love LOVE white roses.
I'm realy inspired by your organizing & decluttering goal. That is something I need to do. I also think it's great that you're working on a 5k together with your husband!! I'll be cheering you on.
I think all your goals are wonderful and love that you shared them.
Great job, you're so motivated! I love the one about getting to know your hubby again. How cool is that?! I think sometimes we all get wrapped up in daily life and don't focus on our relationships. And also - love the white roses!
I Love Your Resolutions! They are fabulous. I, too, want to do Lisa's online course. I have wanted to learn more for so long...just no time, and the "auto" setting is so easy!
This is a great list!
good for you, Jo. I only made a few resolutions and I'm already failing miserably. Why is it so hard for me to go to bed before 11:30??? I know I'll be up early and I'll be wishing I had more sleep. But everyday I make the same mistake!!
This is awesome Jo, you've set some great goals and I'm sure you'll accomplish each one!
Two years ago, I did the whole focus on me thing...major overhaul and it was one of the best things I ever did for myself! :)
I hope you have an AWESOME year!!
These photos are beautiful!!
xoxo
Great goal setting, Jo! I am on the declutter kick too, and I also find it good to break up the big jobs into manageable micro-projects. I love love love the pics of the white roses~ very pretty and clean for the new year! xxoo A
All very worthy goals and I share most of them! LOVE that first photo of the roses...it's simply beautiful! I have to look into that photography challenge. I would so love to take better photos too.
Love that your goals are attainable... I am really focused on my goals this year and have been doing pretty well. Reading about others helps keep me on track!
Love your last goal concerning you and your husband. It's so sad that in life, that relationship - the one we CRAVED - is the first to get neglected.
What an awesome post! It sounds like you have wonderful perspective on some neat shifts in your life that can be made this year. Which bible study are you doing? I'm a huge Beth Moore fan. I just started a bible study at our church called, "Living a Praying Life"... it's one of the first non~Beth studies I've ever taken. :-) Thanks for sharing your heart in this post. I'm super happy for all that 2011 has in store for you!
Beautiful photos, and a great list of goals! Happy New Year!
xoxo,
Diane
What wonderful goals! Go get 'em!!!!
I love your goals for 2011. Lately I feel that my husband and I are in a rut (routine). It seems as if our schedules have become overwhelmed with pressing appointments that by the time we have a day off we are mentally zapped. I don't want to be that old couple that goes through an entire dinner without saying a word. You've inspired me to jump off blogger and go for a walk with my hubby. Wishing you a beautiful weekend.
Gigi
Jo ~ I love your dreamy roses! I'm thinking about the new year in the some of the same ways you are. I would love to know what you are doing with your photography as I'm trying to improve mine too. What camera do you use? I try to edit with PSE8 and Picnik. How about you? What have you had success with? :)
Hi Jo! I'm visiting from Lizards and Lollipops! Love your list...you have some great goals there! I did my first 5k last year when I turned 40...and I'm not a big fan of running! I think it's awesome you want to reconnect with your husband...it's so important and makes such a difference. My husband and I meet once a week for a date lunch...we both look forward to it.
Ok this is a good way to start Jo!
I think I'll follow in your footsteps on many of these.
Beautiful roses too!
Wanted to mention that Gracie started a fb page & would love to invite Bozley & Bentley over.
xo Lisa
Post a Comment