For me, 2016 will be all about living with intention.
This year, I hope to be more intentional about the choices I make – how I choose to spend my time and making the choice to be more present in the moments I share with my family & friends.
Living a more intentional and purposeful life is a pretty broad statement, so I’ve decided to break things down into smaller goals for each month and, to keep myself on track, I’ve also decided to share my journey here on the blog (because let’s face it, it’s often so much easier to talk yourself out of doing something, than into doing something).
Here’s a quick recap of my goals for February and how I did following through…
{family}: Following the principles in this book, really focus on connecting with Carson to guide him through making good choices, even when he’s overcome by anger or excitement.
Brady and I have been working really hard with Carson, guiding him to identify his emotions and find healthy ways to manage & work through them. We’ve noticed some pretty big changes in him these last few weeks, but I think the biggest changes we’ve noticed have been in the way we find ourselves dealing with his big emotions. We’re certainly noticing much less frustration all around.
For the record, I cannot recommend this brilliant book enough – it’s been an incredible resource for us!
{home}: Tackle the upstairs hallway.
Okay, so we’re not exactly done with this space yet, but we’ve certainly made some great progress! Should be all finished up in the next week or two!!!
{blog}: Create and publish my first video tutorial.
I just can’t make myself do it … perhaps this is a goal for later in the year (or maybe that’s just my way of putting things off until we both forget about it).
{myself}: Run or lift weights 2 times per week.
Totally on track with this one … funny how making the time to exercise has become so much easier since becoming a Mommy, just to have one hour to myself twice a week. Actually, make that three hours to myself, because I couldn’t possibly make it through without attending a yoga class at last once a week as well.
For the month of March, here’s what I will be choosing to focus on to help me live with intention:
{Family}: We’ve recently discovered the fun of family movie night … Carson LOVES choosing a new movie to watch, helping pop some popcorn and really, what Mama could resist snuggling on the couch under a warm blanket with her family. I’d love to make this a Friday night tradition in our house and I know Brady and Carson would love it too!
Let’s get specific: Enjoy a family movie night all snuggled up with some popcorn together once a week.
{home}: Thanks to this ginormous to-do list, we have an overwhelming amount of projects on the go at the moment. It’s time to knock a few of these off the list!
Let’s get specific: Finish that upstairs hallway. Start and finish top-secret organizing project.
{Blog}: After feeling a little more “together” about things in January, I’m back to feeling like a flustered mess in March …
Even though I feel like I’ve been putting more time into the blog, I’m back to being just a week ahead with my posts – boy I’d LOVE to get ahead of things a bit more!
Let’s get specific: Work through projects and posts at least two weeks in advance, i.e. finish the month with posts scheduled through the first two weeks of April.
{Myself}: I’ve LOVED making the time for yoga through January and then adding some exercise into the mix in February! I definitely intend to keep all of this up!
I’ve noticed as I get older, as my list of things I need to get done grows, as my responsibilities for more than just myself become my top priorities – that my friendships have evolved as well. Having been born and raised in this town, hubs and I are lucky enough to have friendships that have truly endured a lifetime. But we’re noticing that though these friendships are important to all parties involved, with so many other responsibilities in life, making time to nurture them often falls by the wayside. Thankfully, our lives are filled with friends that seem to be in the same place, facing those same struggles and so, when we don’t talk for days, weeks or even months at a time, it really doesn’t change a whole lot, we can just pick back up wherever we left off. But, aside from having an awful lot of catching up to do, the truth is, we miss them.
And so, this month, I hope to make more time to spend with my friends. Whether t’s through email, phone calls or coffee dates, I intend to fill my life back up with the joy that only a wonderful friend (or ten) can bring!
Let’s get specific: Reconnect and make time to spend with friends.
I know these sound like such small changes, but I swear the impact on my life has been incredible already! I cannot wait to get going with February’s goals!
Did you set any goals for this year? I’d love to hear how things are going!
Wishing you SUCH a lovely day!
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So smart to be purposeful with your days and the kind of life you want to have… I just love the word “intention.” ๐ So much more holistic than “goals” or “resolutions”!
Way to go on your progress… you’re doing beautifully!
Found you via Worthwhile Wednesdays.
Thank you SO much Sarah! I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to try this, but it really is making such a difference to my everyday life! Thanks again!!!
Over from SITS Sharefest. I haven’t got children but I can relate with a lot of your post. I have a recently discovered the awesomeness of self help/development books. They can be so inspiring and helpful. TBH I’ve read several already this year such as The Miracle Morning and some of what they say you already know but it just helps motivate you to address any issues you need to.
Making the decision to make more intentional choices is a great one I think.It sounds like it is having a positive effect already. ๐
Thank you SO much Kate! I’m actually working my way through a big old list of “self help” books too – they always make me feel more motivated to make changes! Thanks so much for sharing, I’ll definitely add that one to the list!
Clickin in to visit from the Weekend Retreat Link-up! This is such a sweet and honest update on your heart-goals for this year. I’m inspired and encouraged. ๐
Awwwww, well thank you Angela! I’m so happy you’re feeling inspired!
Hi Kristi, I’m definitely trying to live with intention as well. It’s encouraging to have other moms making intentional choices as well. It’s so much better than aimlessly going through the day or month! Writing down your intentions is so helpful in making them a reality.
Thank you SO much for your sweet note Angela! I agree, breaking things down into little steps has really helped and writing things out has been such a great tool to keep me focused. Wishing you luck on your journey too!
Such a lovely post to read!Feeling inspired to do such an goal list and follow that. Thank you for linking up with us @ #HomeMattersParty . We would love to have you again next week.
Thank you SO much Sahana! I’m so happy you’re feeling inspired!
Brilliant idea to lay out your specific goals – I find that seeing them written out helps me on the path to achieving them! (And we are big family movie night lovers! ) Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!
Thanks so much Megan! It’s definitely helped to break things down each month into actionable steps! And we are LOVING movie nights around here too!
I just love these posts. Thank you for the inspiration and good luck this month!
Thanks so much Elizabeth!!!
Hi Kristi
I too am trying to live a more intentional life. I have set goals and am having a difficult time keeping up. I know that in order to get better I have to persevere and keep moving forward. Your post is great and so honest.
Thank you Robin, I’m so happy you enjoyed reading it! I loose my way what feels like a zillion times a day, but what matters is that we’re trying. Best of luck my friend!