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).
So, let me just start out by saying that I seem to have lost my way with things lately.
Instead of influencing my thoughts and actions throughout the weeks, days and moments that make up the month, my intentions this month were nothing more than fleeting thoughts at the back of my mind. Which, really when you think about it, is totally missing the point of all this.
Here’s the thing…
This is real life. It’s busy and hectic and overwhelming sometimes. And then lazy, unmotivating and uninspiring at others. June fell somewhere in between for me. When I wasn’t run off my feet busy, I was sit on the porch and read lazy.
And honestly, I think that’s okay.
But, I also know that it’s time refocus my time and energy on what brings my heart the most joy.
So, instead of revisiting my goals for June and filling this post with all sorts of excuses and reasons why I couldn’t seem to bring myself to follow through with a single one, I’m going to reset.
And so…
For the month of July, here’s what I will be choosing to focus on to help me live with intention:
{Family}: Okay, at the risk of sounding like a horrible wife and mother, it’s truth time…
The Mercer family spends A LOT of time in front of a screen. Far too much if you ask me. Even hubs has mentioned some concerns about this going as far as to suggest that we completely cut off our cable and install some apps on our phones to track time spent on them. Now, I’m not so sure about losing my cable TV, but he does have a point. A view that I definitely I share too (mostly).
So, with the long sunny days of Summer upon us (and much to Carson’s dismay I’m sure), I’d like to set a daily limit to our screen time. Obviously, my job as a blogger requires me to spend a fair amount of time in front of the computer, but it’s how I spend my own time (you know, that time I spend parked on the couch in front of the TV), that I’d like to take back.
Let’s get specific: Each and every Mercer will spend just 1 hour (or less!) in front of a screen each day.
{home}: We’ve got some BIG ideas up our sleeve this Summer, including some major revamps to really up our curb appeal! I’d love to at least get the ball rolling with some of these.
We’ve also been slowly chipping away at my office space through the last couple of months. I’d love to get this space finished up, once and for all!
Let’s get specific: Finish up my office space and get started on some outdoor projects.
{Blog}: I hate, hate, hate leaving things to the very last minute. There are so many people out there that truly thrive under pressure. I am NOT one of them. I love the feeling of being ahead of the game!
So then, why does getting myself ahead seem to be such an impossible task? And of course, even more impossible is actually staying there.
Let’s get specific: Get myself back to working two+ weeks ahead and then maintain it!!!
{Myself}: I miss running. I miss yoga. I miss going to the gym. I mean I REALLY miss them.
I know I can’t do it all, but I also know that I can at least do something. I’d like to make more time for exercise again, whatever that may look like.
Let’s get specific: Do some sort of physical activity that I LOVE at least three times per week.
Feeling strong and ready to refocus my mind on what’s really important this month!
What are your goals this month? I’d love to hear how things are going!
Wishing you SUCH a lovely day!
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Thanks Kristin. I was just thinking about all I need to accomplish. I set goals but following thru is always a problem. Now u have motivated me. Let’s see how I do.
Thank you Karen! Following through is always the hardest part … good luck!
I think many people feel tris way after that first month of summer. Sometimes we need a break! I made the 1 hour screen time in my family for the summer. It was painful for my kids at first, then they figured it out. My kids are older, 14 year old twins. bith kids have rediscovered their love for reading, done some fun arts and crafts projects and my son has rediscovered the freedom of his bike. My goals are fuzzy. Your post is helping me get intentional again. Good luck!
Thank you SO much for your kind words and for sharing your own experience! It’s still so incredible to me to think of how much time we waste in front of those screens! So far we’re on track with things and it hasn’t been near as tough as I’d imagined! Good luck to you too Karen!
Thank You for this article. Time flies by so fast, it is so easy to lose track. Without a list to check things off and keep me on track, I would be lost. If I don’t turn the TV on, it helps so much. Again, thank you for sharing. Have a Blessed Day.
I couldn’t agree more! Thanks so much!
This is a great series! I’ve been posting monthly goals on my blog too about family, blog, etc. I think yours about getting ahead is one that I can really relate to. I HATE being behind. Yet, it’s so hard to get ahead and stay there on things. One of my goals this month is to start applying to grad school for Library and Information Sciences. 🙂
How exciting! Wishing you all the luck int he world as you set out on that new adventure! Thanks so much!
I have just started to wean myself from “the screens” in order to accomplish the things that are both practical and enjoyable. It makes the days more memorable and they seem to last longer. Love that!! Keep up the great blogs!!
SUCH a big yes to everything you said Ann! I suddenly have so many more hours in a day, it’s incredible! Thanks so much!
Kristi, we make goals but some times life gets in the way and we have to roll with it. I have to agree with you about the blogging goal. I am still trying to untangle my SEO and Im now starting to sound like a broken record abaout this specific subject. Let’s stay healthy and mentally well, and the rest will sort itself out. On the other hand, maybe if we put too much on our plates we should re-evaluate and try to be reasonable in our goals. I would personally give you two months off after that bathroom you finished. Have a great month.
You are always so sweet Mary! Thank you so much for your kind words and understanding! It’s all about balance, isn’t it. Thanks again friend!
Such a great series. Love how it puts everything in perspective! Thanks so much for sharing at Merry Monday!
Thank you so much Lindsay! It’s definitely helping me to keep focused on what’s most important.