Looking Forward – Here’s to 2021
Happy New Year! I always find New Year’s to be an awkward time. We all tend to sit down and reflect back on our past year and looking foward, we set big goals for the upcoming year. Most of the goals we set are hard to accomplish because of overwhelm. Eat a salad every day for lunch. Go to gym 7 days a week. Yeah right. I’ve set goals like that for myself in years past and always wind up a big failure.
A few years ago I decided to pray and let the Holy Spirit guide me to set one intentional word for the year. A word I could focus on and press into. 2016 was the year of joy – and it was! Other words I’ve clung to are “better” “change” and 2020’s was “intentional”. Boy did that ever come true. I’m thankful for all the lessons I’ve learned, blessings I’ve received, and growing closer to the Lord. But…
Goodbye, 2020. You were terrible to me and my family. Most notably of all, I lost my mother and my best friend. I am so looking forward to a fresh start, and I truly feel like my word for 2021 is “FUN”. Hallelujia! Who wants to claim this word with me?! That being said, I am looking forward with intent to have fun, but I also have set small, manageable goals for myself as well.
Create a 101 in 1001 list
I am a dreamer of big dreams. I have big goals, adventures, and ideas I would love to accompish. If you’re not familiar with 101 in 1001 lists, the premise is to create a list of 101 ideas and accomplish them in 1001 days. It’s a to-do list mixed with big-ticket ideas. I will share my list with you in an upcoming post, and I look forward to making progress on my goals and holding myself accountable.
Continue to make reading a priority
I don’t understand why some people say they don’t have time to read. I am NOT just a stay at home mom with tons of time on her hands. Trust me on that one. But I do prioritize reading. I don’t bingewatch Netflix or get sucked into TV shows. I choose to read instead. While my son is playing in the tub, I sit and read next to him. I read when I go to bed. I simply make time for what is important to me. If reading isn’t a priority for you, that’s cool. We all have a hobby that we enjoy, and reading is mine. I will continue making it a priority.
Refine my schedule
I used to consider myself organized. Neat and tidy. That’s not the case anymore. I can write stuff in my planner all day long, but if I don’t look at it and actually do what it says, I’m not going to accomplish much. Liam is in a very active toddler stage, and I have to watch him like a hawk. I can’t even do laundry or dishes without him attempting something, so things are piling up around here. As for my writing, blogging, nursing home work, I plant myself with my computer wherever I can that a certain someone won’t run off with my mouse or computer cord. Or push the power button. (I’m speaking from experience ovbiously!) I’m trying to write my day out as detailed (laundry, dishes, play, exercise, etc.) as possible both in paper and electronic forms and stick to it. This will be a tough one for me.
Run 1000 miles
Running has been one of the greatest sources of joy for me in 2020. It gave me a goal and a purpose. It gave me energy and alertness. I ran to run. Nothing else. If I lost weight, great. If I felt better, that was great too. Little did I know running was going to get me through the worst moments of my adult life. I set a goal to run a half marathon (13.1 miles), and I am currently running 8 miles at a 6.0 speed uninterrupted. That’s usually where I have to slow down to a jog or fast walk. My lungs are good. My legs are strong. I’ve lost 45 pounds and off all medications. It got me through losing Mom and Peanut, not being able to work because of Covid, not even being able to go to church for awhile. It has also strengthened my relationship with a good friend who is just crazy enough to run with me weekly also training for the half (thanks, Jennifer!). This year I will run 1000 miles. Yes. I. Will.
Write more personal+meaningful content
While this is a lifestyle blog, and I will continue to post such, it is also my practice and tool to help me reach my goal of becoming a writer and speaker. I have much on my heart to share, so I hope to regularly write more personal and meaningful content. And if there’s a topic you would like me to approach, please let me know your thoughts.
I would love to hear some of your goals for 2021!
