Each year I set goals for myself that are in line with my four priorities: faith, family, work, and personal growth. At the beginning of each month I sit down and take a look at the progress I have made (or not made!) on those goals so that I can create a plan for the upcoming month.
Here is how I am doing on:
My Goals for 2016
Spiritual Goals
1. Read through the Old Testament
I have finished reading the books of Exodus and Leviticus. I’m back on track with the reading now!
2. Read one spiritual book each month
This goal was actually recommended to me by my spiritual father–and I thank him for his wise counsel! In February I read Fr. Stephen Freeman’s book Everywhere Present: Christianity in a One-Storey Universe. It challenged me to think about the ways that I (often inadvertently) compartmentalize my life and separate God from the rest of my life. It was a good reminder that God truly is “everywhere present and filling all things” and so is truly impacting and part of my daily life.
3. Take a one day retreat of silence and prayer
Honestly, this is the goal I am most looking forward to this year. I haven’t planned it yet because this is my husband’s busiest time of the year. After he finishes his dissertation, I am excited to take a spiritual retreat!
Family Goals
4. Go on one family outing each month
For our family outing this month we spent an afternoon at a local park. We took a kite and a glider along for the kids to play with. They had a blast and wore themselves out chasing them around. Simple, free, and fun!
5. Have one date night a month (in or out of house)
Due to our budget restraints we usually have in house date nights. However, this month we had the unexpected pleasure of an out of house night! My husband is part of a society at his university and was invited to a dinner and lecture one evening. I was able to come as well, so we had a lot of fun!
6. Read to my children 5 nights a week
This month was a bit tough. Everyone in our family was sick at some point and on antibiotics and various times. I was quite sick for two weeks and unable to read aloud during that time.
7. Watch 15 movies on the AFI Top 100 Movies List
We didn’t watch any of the AFI Top 100 movies this month. So, our grand total is 1 so far in 2016.
Personal Goals
8. Run a 5K, an 8K, and a 10K race
I have found my 5K and 8K races that I will be running! The 5K is in April to benefit Autism research, and the 8K is in May to benefit the victims of sex trafficking. I will register next week after payday.
9. Complete my Healthy Lifestyle Habits Challenge and blog about it each month
This year I have created a list of healthy habits that I want to incorporate into my daily life. I decided to focus on one per month and share my experiences with you on the blog. In February I Eliminated Snacking (at least partially) from my daily routine.
10. Complete the 2016 Reading Challenge and blog about it
Have you joined our 2016 Reading Challenge yet? It is a great way to help you discover new books and to make time for reading. Each month we will be reading a different type of book (a mystery, a book that inspires you, a book you should have read in school but didn’t, etc.). Here were my February Recommendations.
11. Take a Craftsy cooking course
I’ve decided to take another online cooking class through Craftsy. Craftsy has hundreds of classes available–from photography to cake decorating, quilting to gardening. If you’re wanting to gain a new skill or improve an old one, I’d highly recommend taking a class through Craftsy.
Professional Goals
12. Write and launch an ebook
I am in the beginning stages of writing an ebook that will help Orthodox families–especially those who have recently become Orthodox. So far I have outlined the book and written two chapters. The book is called “So, I’m Orthodox, Now What: A Guide for New Converts.” I am excited to share it with you all soon!
13. Join another social media form to grow The Orthodox Mama
Right now I have a Facebook page and a Pinterest account for The Orthodox Mama. However, I haven’t added another social media form yet.
14. Add 4 products to my Teachers Pay Teachers store
I have not added any yet this year.
15. Write another children’s book
This year I submitted my first children’s book manuscript to a publisher. I just found out that it was not accepted for publication. However, I will revise it and continue submitting to other publishers. The entire process has been challenging, thrilling, and stretching. I am ready to do it again! I have my idea for the new book and will begin working on it after I finish my e-book.
Do you have any goals for 2016? How are you doing?
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