It’s August, time to look back and look forward to what I have going on in my very own Happiness Project.
But before that, I am linking up with a favorite teacher blogger buddy of mine, Farley.
My August goal is to learn about and begin composting! I just ordered my compost bin and will begin within the next week. My friend Holly inspired me when I was at her cottage up north. It seemed so easy to recycle waste beyone paper and plastic products.
I have noticed a major difference this year because of my monthly focus/goals. I do think it’s made me happier. I love having a plan and executing it. I said my one little word for the year was BALANCE and I feel it now more than ever 🙂 I am taking on more than I ever have before but it feels different. Of course I have days that I get overwhelmed but again, I feel empowered to be successful because I am doing things I love.
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!!!
July: Religion
(sign up for the second class at our church to become a member, complete the workbook, schedule a meeting with a member at the church to learn about joining a small group.)
Follow-Up: I signed up for the second class but did not complete the workbook. It didn’t make a lot of sense to me so I need to wait until I take the class. I did meet with a church member and have signed up for a Mops (Mothers of Preschoolers) small group that meets every other week in the fall.
