We had a great weekend cleaning, visiting with some friends, and relaxing. One of my friends just had a baby and his sweetness kills me! Today, it’s the last day of January, and I realized I haven’t written down any goals for the year. This year I’ve decided to write some resolutions down. I have never done resolutions in my life because really I think if you want to do something, you should just set a goal and do it… no matter what time of year it is. I’ve always been good about meeting my major goals , but there are always those little things I forget to work on. Like being more patient!
1. Let things slide. I sometimes expect everyone to think just like me… to be happy when I am, sad when I am, or interested in the same things as me, and obviously that is never the case. I have a really hard time with negative attitudes, unhelpfulness, and especially with people that can’t be happy for others. I know several people like this and I think these attitudes definitely stem back to their own insecurities, but who knows, that may not always be the case. Whatever it is, I’m going to try to let many things slide more. And really who knows what others are going through? I need to be better about not judging here. And isn’t it kind of ironic to be negative about others being negative?
2. Better about blogging. Not blogging more, but being more efficient at blogging—so I can get some memories recorded but not take too much time doing it. I’d like to make my posts for succinct and try to blog about the most memorable things. I hate when I spend too much time blogging. I think taking fewer pictures will need to be a part of this! If only I was a great photographer, I could take one or two really great pictures everywhere I went, instead of taking 20 and looking for the best ones.
3. Improve my technical culinary skills. I’ve always wanted to go to cooking school and hope I can one day. But in the meantime my friend and I are taking a cake decorating class this year. Though I feel confident baking and cooking most things, I have no clue how to do anything technical in the baking arena—designs, writing, dyes, decorations, etc.
4. Improve my photography skills. Several of my friends are great photographers and have given me some good pointers, but I’d like to know how to use the lenses my dad gave me along with the external flash and all the manual settings. I am trying to improve, but it’s especially hard taking pictures of Emerson (a moving target!).
5. Do service every week. I started this goal last year when Emerson was about 8 months old. I started trying to do service for one person every week. I missed a couple weeks, especially when I was traveling, but I was so surprised how it helped me. I’ve also made a lot of good friends by asking to help with simple things like cleaning, babysitting, or cooking. I also want to volunteer as a writing coach at the library, if I can find the time to get a babysitter for Emerson. So if I ask to help you out, don’t turn me down—you’ll just be helping me reach my goals :)
6. Exercise at least 4 times a week. After I had Emerson I exercised 6 times a week until I lost my baby weight. I just had to do it. Then I went back to about 4 times a week and found that was a good, non-stressful amount for me to maintain my weight. I’ve been doing it already with this pregnancy and feel great.
7. Read our scriptures as a family every day. Mitch and I can always seems to find time to do our personal study each day, but have a harder time reading together. Sad, huh? We’ve been doing it every day this month and I already feel like I’m understanding more. Discussions really help me to understand the scriptures, especially with a husband who knows so much.
8. Stick to our budget. Mitch is the budgeting master. We love Mint.com and generally speaking we stay very closely within our budgets each month—except for those times when I see that rug, or lamp, or whatever that I feel is such a good deal I just can’t pass up. This is part of being patient I guess. I am trying to stay under all our budgets and forego more purchases.
9. Be more like my sister. Really, she is a saint. Do you know her? Julianne has always been my go-to advice giver, confidant, helper, and friend. She has four of her own kids, is caring for my teenage step brother, and is pregnant with her fifth. And she still cooks homemade meals every night and keeps her house very organized. And does her church service. And helps her friends.
10. Get our online printshop business up and running… one of my good friends Lori and I have been working hard to get our little shop ready. We hope it will launch soon!
11. Be better about updating my craft/design/home blog, to document things I am learning.
12. And lastly, work on becoming a healer, according to Joseph F. Smith’s definition:
"Almost anyone can inflict a wound. It may be made by a word, a slight, or by general conduct. But the healing of a wound is an art not acquired by practice alone, but by the loving tenderness that comes from universal good will and a sympathetic interest in the welfare and happiness of others. . . The art of healing is really one of the highest qualities and attributes of man; it is a characteristic of a great and noble soul." Joseph F. Smith
4 comments:
Have I ever told you that you are Super Mom? You are! I love all of your goals. I would definitely go to your online print shop and have you take our pictures.
So glad to hear you are over the morning sickness. I totally remember how much bigger my stomach would get after eating lunch!
These are impressive goals! I think you're already an excellent healer with your positive attitudes and actions!
Your post made me cry... bboth because I want to adopt the same goals you have, and because you are too kind to me!! Thanks for reminding me to look beyond weaknesses and to keep focused on those things that really, truly matter eternally.
Love you!
I could've written number one word-for-word! And I want to be more like your sister too. She sounds incredible! Also, where is this design blog you speak of?!
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