Begin Again

                   Source: google.com via Holly on Pinterest

Yep, it's that time again when we start anew. A chance to begin again I suppose, with new goals and new perspectives on things. As in most years, I've got a couple of goals for myself. Some I've already started working on, some I really need to get going on and some that are going to kick my butt this year!

I received this quote in my e-mail earlier this week and I think it's going to be my mantra for 2012:

At any moment, you have the ability to dramatically change any area of your life, or follow your heart's deepest desires. It's yours to create, any way you want it. Craig Townsend

I really like the idea that I can have an effect on my own destiny (outside of what God has planned of course) at any point and time and it's really up to me to make things happen. All it takes is a change in my mindset - which sounds so very easy, but often I find that changing myself is always the hardest task to achieve.

Sometimes I find myself feeling sorry because I don't have that promotion I really want, don't have the perfect house, the perfect dog/son/husband - but quite frankly - who does? And if we had perfection in those areas, we'd certainly probably complain about something else. 

So my goals for this year are:

1. Spend less time with my phone.
   I've gotten an awful habit of picking up my phone to check e-mail, play a little game, check Facebook or send a text just because I can. When I'm at home with Walker and Mike, I want to be fully present, which I can't be when the phone is always there. So, yesterday I actually deleted Facebook and all my games from my phone. I made a effort to put it on the shelf when I walked in the door and not pick it up until after Walker had gone to bed. And I survived.
2. Exercise more.
   Yeah, yeah. I know what you're going to say - she says this every year. And I do. So this year, I'm totally going to bring it because I've actually signed up for the Ramblin' Rose Triathlon in Chapel Hill in October this year. And I told all my friends on Facebook. And now I'm telling you. Cause if I tell everyone, I have to do it and can't chicken out. This race is just for women and everyone says it's a great way to start getting into shape. The triathlon includes a 250 yard swim - 9 mile bike - 2 mile run. Yep, it's on.
3. Read more parenting books. Remember previously, Walker was having some issues at school as far as behavior. We've really been working with him on keeping his hands to himself and teaching him personal space and he's getting there. I've been reading the book "Raising Your Spirited Child" and there are so many great ideas in there for how to be a better parent to a child that is a bit more outgoing, energetic and strong-willed - stuff I would never have thought of on my own - and let's face it, most moms I've tried to talk to about it just deny their children have any issues instead of conversing with me on the subject. So, I've learned that the way my parents raised me may not work with my son, and that the world is a lot different now and we have to adjust. Next up on my list is "How to Talks so Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk". To be continued...
4. Focus. Yes mom, as you've said, I'm probably ADD. And I have OCD issues and constantly thinking of things in my head. I've found that it's sometimes hard to sit at a desk all day when you're like this and sometimes I'm not as focused on things as I need to be. So I'm making a conscious effort to call myself out when I'm not focused on what's at hand, and redirect myself to one thing at a time (most of time).  
5. Read more scripture. I always thought life was supposed to get easier as you get older, more established and more financially secure, but I'm starting to get this whole "more money, more problems" thing. And to not drive myself into a worrisome, anxiety-ridden fit, I must lean on the Lord more...and I just realized this contradicts #1, but I installed an app on my phone that has a devotion and scripture for each day of the year. Since my phone is the first thing I grab when I wake, I'm going to make a habit of clicking on this app first thing. Getting some religion, it's good for me.
   
   
   And I think that's about all I can handle for now..stay tuned...