{kicking off summer in seaside}
The other day at work, I took a mental inventory of what was going on in my life. I wanted to figure out what was going well, what wasn't. I looked at my goals from earlier in the year and decided that they still reflect what I want today. I want to cook more, live joyfully and simply, celebrate milestones, enjoy fun weekends, and sit and be quiet with the Savior.
But I also realized that I'm tired a lot. That I'm bad about putting off laundry and grocery shopping (and lots of other "grown-up" tasks). That I spend a ridiculous amount of time in front of a computer screen.
And so I decided it was time for a few summertime resolutions. I did this last year, and it was helpful. I'm a firm believer in the power of goal-setting, of what it can help you accomplish if you really put your mind to it.
Here are the ways I'll be trying to improve in the coming months:
- Grocery shop -- at the very least -- every other week. I realize you're probably thinking I should be doing this already. You're right. But if I'm being honest, it just doesn't happen that way. An empty refrigerator with a few moldy leftovers has happened more times than I care to admit. Time to fix this one...
- Go to bed earlier. I'm not a night owl. I prefer getting up early to staying up late. But the truth is, when you work until 5:30, and you're not done with dinner and dinner prep until 8... well, there's a lot to do. And my tendency is to stay up later to get it all done. Hello, 11:30. I'm seeing you far too often these days. Sure, I get more done. But I'm tired and bleary eyed the next day, and that's no fun.
- Limit computer time. I am on the computer all. day. Literally. I work eight and a half hours a day at a computer. I come home and do graphic design on the computer. I check my email, maintain this blog, send a tweet or two. I'm thinking about instituting computer-free weekends. Or computer-free Tuesdays. Or computer-free hours (like between 8:00 and 9:00 each night?). I've got to find a way to balance my computer life with my real one, especially since I have a business I'm trying to get off the ground. Ideas?
- Read quality books in addition to the fluff. I love the fluff, don't get me wrong. But I also want to retrain my brain to love the great books, the books about philosophy and politics and religion that I loved so much in college. So I bought Walking on Water last week, and I'm ready to read it slowly, to chew on it and meditate on it, like I did oh-so-many moons ago. Wish me luck.
- Pray together with Jordan. I'm thinking every night before our earlier bedtime would be good.
- Organize graphic design projects and begin implementing a business plan. I do a lot of graphic design on the side, but thus far have kind of let it grow quietly. I'm thinking that if I want to turn this dream into reality, though, maybe it's time to put myself out there, to advertise my services, and to get the ball rolling.
- Exercise. Self-explanatory. Look, here's the deal: Couch to 5k was going great... until I got stitches in my leg and was instructed not to run. And now it's like 100 degrees here. So I'm kind of back to square one.
- Improve as a friend. Already discussed here.
What do you think? Did I bite off more than I can chew? What are your summertime goals?
11 comments:
Looks great, Annie! I hope you will be blessed in accomplishing these fabulous goals.
I need to set some Summer goals, this is a good idea! I am with you on limiting computer time, I'm on it almost all day at work then when I get home I'm checking all the stuff I missed while I was at work!
Remember when you were a kid and you hated your bed time; you just wanted to stay up late? Were you like that - I think most kids are. Now I'd love to be able to send myself to be at 9:30 or 10:00, but you're right, there's always so much to pack in after work. Sometimes I stay up late watching a TV show or checking out Facebook, knowing that my time would be better spend sleeping, but enjoying the moments of conscious leisure.
You will LOVE Walking on Water...I just lent it to a friend because I think every one should read it. It is definitely a favorite with me. I pray with my husband each night before we fall asleep. It's a wonderful habit. Your goals are great and inspiring. Best of luck!
Let me know what comes your way about seperating computer life and real life. I decided to follow less people and update less. ie. only things that I have made, things that inspire or things that make me laugh. Also, Supper of the Lamb came yesterday...so incredibly good.
great goals annie! so many of them are similar to what i would like to improve in my life...i completely understand about getting to bed late. there are so many nights it feels like there is NO time to get things done after dinner is finished. it's exhausting.
Business Plan....yes maam! You are SO ready for that. You can start charging for your wonderful work just as soon as you finish my blog redesign;) Kidding, but really you are a professional....you should start promoting like one!!! The term aggressive advertising pops into my mind....but that does not sound like Annie. Maybe "Annie advertising" as in....this ad/flyer/party/blog/etc. an Annie advertising original. Don't get me started:)
i LOVE THIS! I love having and making resolutions in the summer! what a great idea annie :)
hahaha, you sound like me...the only thing on your list that I manage to do is prayer. My husband and I pray together every night before he goes to bed. see he's smart enough to go to bed,lol
Debbi
-ourhometoyours
Okay. That picture of you two = summer perfection! Love it! I also loved reading your goals. I have not doubt you'll be making some head-way on those this summer. The one about grocery shopping cracked me up. With three kids, I can't imagine not going every week. Heck, I'm thrilled when I only get there 2-3 times a week!
First of all, I think you're so pretty :)
And second of all, I agree with you 100% about the power of goal setting. And I love all of yours. I don't think you bit off too much, I think you'll continue to do wonderfully.
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