Goal #1:Spiritual Life

I took a class a couple of years ago called "Create A Year of No Regrets" with Christine D. Hegstad, Ph.D and it was a great class with many ideas on new ways to think. (Her website is http://www.meaning-and-purpose.com/)  However, I failed becauase I didn't follow through with what was taught to me. So I thought that this year I would blow the dust off the handbook and try again. I took the time to sit down and really focus on what I want to accomplish in the next year. It too about two hours which in the scheme of things isn't really that much time. The first goal I am focusing on has to do with my spiritual life. It seems that I am making less and less time for God these days. It isn't anything intentional, but I am also not doing any intentional to stop it.

My goal is to work on my relationship with God and teach my son Owen about the importance of having a strong relationship with God.

Charlie and I signed up Owen for Sunday School in the fall which he has been attending and seems to be enjoying it. I am planning on continuing this with Owen, but also working on taking him to church with me when Sunday School isn't in session.

I also have signed up for an eight-week bible study through my church (A Quick Journey Through the Bible) and I went to the information session last Thursday night. I am a little nervous about doing this, as I haven't ever done something like this before. The people were wonderful and they are so excited about taking this journey together.

Lastly, I am working on being more present when I am at church on Sunday's. I don't seem to have a problem going to church, that is something I have been doing. I have a problem of being present there mentally. I have a tendency to let my mind wonder about what the day and week will bring me. I want to mentally be more present with God on Sunday mornings.

I feel like I am well on my way with my first goal of my spiritual life. Now onto goal number 2 my life with my husband, son, family and friends.

Happy 2011

Happy New Year! I hope that all of you are doing well and enjoying the new year. So far my 2011 has proved to be relaxing and very lazy! I spent yesterday lounging at my sisters house with family, eating, playing games and napping. Some of my very favorite things! Today hasn't been quite as non-productive, but at about 4:30 p.m. I thought I had better get up and at least start some laundry.

As I think about the new year ahead several things pop into my head about what I would like to accomplish, change, and do. However, from several years of experience (and some good organizational classes in 2010) I know that by just writing them down without a plan they will not be fully accomplished. So instead of feeling miserable at the end of 2011, I thought I would try something different. Not only am I going to write goal/resolutions that I want (and will) to accomplish, but I am going to have a plan attached to them. I am going to find and use resources that will help me with my goals. By breaking down the goals into a plan helps me see the small wins with the big one at the end.

I am planning on sharing these with you over the course of the next couple of weeks and I would love any suggestions at this time to help me stay on track. Next to making a plan of attack is having the love and support of the people around you. Charlie and I are planning on having a "family meeting" this week to talk about these goals and what we want to accomplish as a whole this year. I am looking forward to it.