Good gracious! It’s been a minute since I updated my blog. Wow. I didn’t mean to let it sit this long without an update. My intentions were good, but my follow through? Not so much. And, that leads me right into a goal I have for 2016 which is going beyond intentions and being more intentional. I know, that’s been a buzz word for a little while now. Maybe it’s even over-used in some circles, for all I know. But, it’s an honest-to-goodness goal for mine for this coming year. And, if I dust off the cobwebs of this blog and put my goals out there for, basically, THE WORLD (or all three of you who happen upon it) to see, then I have accountability to go with it. So, there’s THAT.
Before I post about next year’s goals, I am still reflecting back on the last year. 2015 — well, it was a year. And, frankly, it was a year that was all over the place. In January, we unexpectedly lost my beloved Pop and my heart broke with the loss of him here. I still miss him every single day even though I do take comfort in the fact that he’s healed and whole in the presence of Jesus. (You can read my eulogy for him here.) Even with some health issues and some other dips in the road along the way, 2015 was, by far, not a bad year. In autumn, Macey got to return to the soccer field after a foot injury sidelined her in the spring. It was great to see our girl back out there on the field getting after the sport she loves so much! We also got to see Mariana dance in the spring AND again in December in Nutcracker Swings and it’s also just wonderful watching her thrive in dance! 2015 gave our family many great memories such as hiking adventures, our first tent camping trip, a crazy fun beach trip with friends and MORE! So much more! And, I went back to work after being a stay at home mom for 13 years. I absolutely love my new job and I find that great working relationships AND dear new friendships are the best benefit there is! 2015 had its valleys and peaks, so when I look back on it, I see the good that was there and I thank God for His graciousness over every circumstance of our lives.
Now, on to 2016 goals. I’m trying to make them attainable and not lofty so that I can achieve them. These aren’t in any particular order:
- Going beyond intentions to being intentional. I confess: I do intentions well. When it comes to the best of intentions, I’m rocking it. I mean, how many times have I said to a friend “Let’s get coffee sometime” FULLY and COMPLETELY wanting to do just that?! And, then no one plans it. I don’t get on Google calendar and mark out the date and time right then and there. WHY?! It’s because I have intentions and I’m not always being as intentional as I should be. Because, really, it doesn’t take much to go that extra step and say “Okay, yes! Let’s have coffee…and let’s get it on the calendar!” Things like that are what I’m working on being better about doing. Yes, I’m busy and yes, things get away from me sometimes. I think we can all relate. But, can’t we also relate to how awesome it is to connect with the people we care about? I need to do it at home too. Date nights? BEST of intentions. And, we maybe do a few a year. That’s going to get better. INTENTIONALLY. So, just be warned, loved ones — I’m on a mission!
- More Bible in my life. This is another one where it’s totally a gimme for a Christian, right? But, really do want to get more into The Word. God’s Word never returns void and I just always need more in my life. And, what else is there, really, to say on this? Besides – YES!!
- Focus on health; mind, body and spirit. I’m sure that this is one that is, in some form or another, on everyone’s list. Let’s be honest, January is resolution month at the gym, is it not? BUT, this isn’t about pledging to work out eleventy billion hours a year or to weigh X amount or anything like that. For me, it’s just about being more healthy overall. Making healthier choices. That doesn’t mean I won’t splurge because as long as there is chocolate and sour patch kids in this world — HELLO. But, it just means making overall better choices for myself and for us as a family. This will start with The Whole 30 for Mickey and me in January, so expect some posts along those lines. Health of mind, body and spirit also goes along with being in my Bible more. Being an encourager and being around people who encourage me are also ways to accomplish this goal, starting at home.
- Blog more. This blog gets neglected, but it’s a great outlet for me. And, it’s a great connecting place too. So, I really need to try to do better about keeping it updated.
- Have more FIRSTS. I don’t have any clue what this will look like, but I enjoy firsts. Like how we took the girls tent camping for the first time this past year. And, how Macey learned to snow ski for the first time. So, I want us to experience some firsts, individually and as a family, this coming year.
So, that’s five goals. And, maybe that’s just a good starting point. But, I think they are five things worth striving for in the new year. If you’re reading this, feel free to hold me accountable because that’s why I posted, after all.
As we put 2015 behind us, I hope we can all look back, no matter the circumstances, and see some good in the year we had. Here’s to 2016 – may we face it with faith, hope and LOVE.
Blessings,
Kelly