Kelsey's Intentions for 2013
We're calling our goals intentions this year (thanks for the idea, Jess!) As of today, these are my intentions for 2013. I'm a perfectionist, so if for some reason I need to change course during the year, I won't feel like I didn't reach my goals but, rather, my once well-thought-out intentions were no longer serving me or my family well. I have to say I am starting this year with a perspective I have never had before. I have grown tremendously in the past year and am looking for practical ways I can enjoy life more this year. I am really looking forward for the weather to get nicer so we can enjoy family walks, trips to the park, bike rides to the grocery store, etc. and make lots of memories! This is also the year I turn 30, so it's a big one!
My Intentions for 2013:
- Finish my parenting devotional and then start another. I do this on my phone before getting out of bed in the morning. It's easier on the days I'm not on baby duty, but I will find a time to do it on other days so I don't miss more than once a week. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and have learned a lot.
- Throw out 200 things. How embarrassing is it that I already can think of 100 things to get rid of? I'm challenging myself to find 100 more things and then actually donate, sell, give away or recycle them. You know, like beauty samples I always think I will use (but never do) and old magazines that I think I will read (and never do). This intention is inspired by Jess Lively, who was inspired by this book, and I'm planning to use her What I Don't Want for Christmas thought process. If I wouldn't buy it myself or ask someone else to buy it for me for my birthday or Christmas, it's gone! The purpose of this is to help me recognize the things I hoard and hang on to that are just taking up space - less is more!
- Finish my chores each week. Confession: I struggled to finish my weekly chores until I cut back to working only 4 days a week. I finally feel like I have enough margin in my life to get those things done! Now, Wednesdays are my laundry day! One month ago we also instituted a new rule that we don't earn our personal money unless we've completed our chores, and each week since I've crossed mine all off. (Yes, I realize that this makes me sound like a child...but it's been working so far!)
- Record 365 things I'm thankful for. I think having an attitude of gratefulness will make me look for things to appreciate. I plan to share all 365 with you!
- Read at least 2 books. Eric and I are going to read The 5 Love Languages together again. Has anyone read Happier at Home? I also got Bringing Up Bebe from my sister for Christmas so I'm planning to read that. I do really well with books on tape. I'm open to recommendations! (I actually think this is my loftiest goal!)
- Surprise Eric with three Nurture the Love days. This is where I choose three random dates and do something special for him, whether leaving a candy bar in his car to find or planning a surprise date night. Get our your new planners and join me!
- Continue 1-on-1s with my sister, Kari, every other month. This is a great opportunity for me to connect with my sister and grow our relationship.
- Continue to document Rooney's happenings. I honestly had a difficult time coming up with a motherhood goal. I thought a lot about what I could do for Roo at this point in her life to express my love for her. I thought about writing her monthly love letters, but I've decided at this point to continue her monthly updates. I think my dedication to documenting her growth, experiences, change and personality will be appreciated when she gets older. I also really enjoy doing it.
Let's do this, 2013!