Welcome July. We are half way through 2012 and I am really happy with the way the year is going thanks to Gretchin Rubin’s inspiration in The Happiness Project. Those of you who are thinking, “I can’t start a monthly resolution now, it’s already July.” Pish, Posh, applesauce! You can start now! Read this first post of my review of the book. Then start thinking about your goals for the end of the year. Pick one and month and have at it!
My July goal is to focus on religion. We joined a new church back in April. Since then, I’ve started volunteering in my daughter’s sunday school class once a month and the whole family has enjoyed the services. I took one class to learn about the church and received a binder that has the church’s history and several sections that you are asked to work through questions and answers before attending the second class. This is going to be my focus this month, to complete my binder and schedule the second class.
P.S. I am linking up to Farley’s “Currently” linky party here.
Review of 2012 Goals
January: Health
(learn about Gluten Free Diets, start taking wheat grass shots, dry brushing, smoothies and hot water with lemon in the morning)
Follow-up: addicted to wheat grass and dry brushing. Smoothies and hot water (along with tea) have been easily incorporated into my daily routines. I have learned to cook with less gluten but by no means am I completely gluten free or do I want to be.
February: Romance
(focus on my marriage, making time for each other, schedule date nights and make dave feel appreciated!)
Follow-up: Every other week date nights has been unreaslitic with an unpredictable newborn at home, but we have done really good on every other week lunch dates! We have also been making a lot of time for each other on the weekends, whether it be with the girls or not. This last week with the weather being so nice, Dave and I have been having a cup of coffee before the kids wake up on our back patio (or an evening beverage on our front patio after the kids go to bed!)
March: Aim Higher (work)
(revise my current programs, develop outlines for my new programs, work with Pure Heart Studios on new blog format)
Follow-Up: March was a great month for work. I had almost 100 student letters written to me that I “promised” to answer and I have! I revised my current programs, didn’t get an outline for my new program yet and have launched a new program on my blog. I continue to aim higher in work. I have booked several schools for Fall 2012 and Winter 2013. Follow-up (May) still aiming high!
April: Parenthood
(being present, a role model, say no less (lighten up), write my 10 commandments)
Follow-Up: I had an excellent month focusing on parenthood. We went without tv on most days and because I was so focused on the kids, it didn’t make a difference that I didn’t have the break on those days. I was able to talk to friends on the phone during nap time more and less while my girls were awake. I used a technique I read in The Happiness Project and I feel like it’s a part of my daily language now! Instead of saying No, I say Yes. For example “Yes, you can have another cookie, tomorrow.” Instead of contstantly nagging! We went to church on Daughter’s Day and I gave the girls little gifts:)
May: Me, Me, Me
(focus on myself, more time for creative outlets, take time to learn new things!)
Follow-up: This portion sounds so self-centered while at the same time, it is really hard for me to find time for myself and let it be all about me, me, me! This month I got a hair cut. I painted my nails several times. I started yoga (again) and have been 4 weeks in a row now! I also signed up for a photoshop class (oh, how I love digital scrapbooking). I found that a mini-bucket list really inspired my creative juices! I wanted to go to sleep earlier and I didn’t accomplish that one. That’s the beauty of these monthly goals, I can refocus on this in the months to come!
June: Mid-Year Health
(focus on these healthy tasks: buy a dark glass bottle for my olive oil, (benefits here.), replace a few of my condiments with products that don’t contain high fructose corn syrup, buy alternatives to using so many ziplock bags, make my own seasonings, organize my pantry and get rid of any expired items)
Follow-Up: I did it! I made a lot of progress this month thanks to my weekly bucket lists. I also made a bucket list for my LIFE here!!!