I haven’t rushed into making New Year’s resolutions this month. I have taken time to think through the things I want to accomplish and focus on in 2018. And while it has taken me much longer to be certain of the direction I want to go, I think the picture in my mind is becoming clearer for me. I have always been a person to tackle too much at once and then end up accomplishing very little. I am determined to move past that this year and focus on the things that I feel the Holy Spirit is calling me to. So I have prayed, talked with Eric, talked with my Momma, and contemplated what I really want life to look a year from now. Two words come to mind: Reduced and Refreshed. I want to reduce all those areas in my life where clutter and stress are reigning supreme and replace them with purpose, calm, and direction. I want to hit the refresh button on life and re-examine the way I have just been plodding through life. I say plodding because lately, it seems that the things that should be bringing me the most joy have turned into tasks that must be tolerated or even just endured. I want more than that. I want to hit the refresh button and get unstuck in a few places, find some more joy in my everyday life and learn how to live my purpose without fear. So, here it is January 19th and I am just beginning to formulate my plan for the year. I have a feeling that life will look very different for me by this time next year… and I am good with that. I’m ready to hit that refresh button and see what comes next.
So…I plan to reduce the number of times that I accidentally overschedule our family by maintaining a shared digital calendar with Eric and Sammy.
I plan to reduce the amount of time needed to clean and maintain our home by creating workable systems for cleaning, clearing clutter, and laundry.
I plan to reduce our debt by reaching our long-held goal of being debt free except for our house. This means reducing our expenditures.
I plan to reduce my waistline by continuing to focus on eating healthy and moving more.
I plan to refresh our living space by lightning it up with a few fun DIY projects.
I plan to refresh our marriage by focusing on having fun with my hubby. Let me be clear that we always have fun together even doing the simplest tasks…but this year I want to do a few more things that just make his heart sing. He loves to travel and we haven’t gotten to in a while. It’s time for us to hit the road again and find some refreshing things together.
I plan to refresh my own spirit through connectedness with other ladies who speak truth and life into my day. In order to do this, I have to make time to connect. I think it will be a great year to grow some friendships!
Those are the few areas that I will be focusing on this year. What about you? Where do you need to be reduced and refreshed? Are there other words that you think better describe the changes you are working on this year? If so, tell me about them in the comments below. Thanks to Amelle Photography for the wonderful photos!
What a great article! Very encouraging and uplifting.
Thanks Angie! Thanks for reading!
What an encouraging blog to read at this time! I need to reduce the clutter and free my home space so there will be room for my future husband to share it with me. I will be able to enjoy my space better, too! I have visions of what the end result will be and look like in my mind. In order for this to happen, I need to free my time….declutter my time frames in a hectic life. Learn to say no more (not easy for me), accept help (I rather help others) when I figure out what people can help me with, and get it done.
Some things have pasted to be shared and remembered, difficult times, joyful times….and all filled with love for me. If I did not go through them, experience it all, including the emotional times…. I could not learn and grow from it all. To loose a son in law who fought an arson set fire, the funeral, line of duty, a trial, fundraisers to honor Patrick, memorials in the city of Hamilton to honor him, and most of all watch my strong young woman who is my daughter go through it with tears, sadness, heart ache, grace and dignity has been amazing. God has watched over us all throughout it.
I had the joy this fall before the trial to see my oldest daughter’s dreams unfold as she married the love of her life! They share their passion for community theatre at Loveland Stage Company.
I was honored to serve at Crossroads Church for the Awaited Show at Oakley and the all of Mason shows in December. This is the last year of 11 years of shows. It was tiring and many of us did multiple jobs but we smiled that we shared it all.
I am looking forward to a new beginning this year and to share it with someone I love! I have waited for this this a very long time….. I need to make it happen!
Sandy, I know that this year is going to be a beautiful unfolding for you. Looking forward to celebrating with you!
This is written well! I Love your goals & I have some of the same! I guess many of us are in the same boat. I Love you Rachel! You are such a Beautiful person❣️I Pray all goes well for you & your beautiful Family 😊
Love you too Melodie! Thank you so much!
Over the years of resolutions not fulfilled, I have given up on them. There are a few things I’d like to accomplish this year..sell my house and buy another one closer to my daughter. With the things that have happened..cancer surgery and most recently my fall with two broken ribs, I know it would have been easier for Carrie if I lived closer! With getting a new house, that means getting rid of some stuff. That is always my goal..to live with less! I want to lose some weight..to have the knees and back feel better! I would like to travel more..visit my brother in Kansas, visit Brenda in Florida.. stuff like that. Like you, I want to build on my friendships…never be too busy or too much of a hermit to spend time with friends or family. But the most important, I want, with all my heart, to draw closer to God. To make a difference in another’s life. Good thoughtful writing, Rachel. Made me think about my life.
What have I done in my almost 64 years of life. Thanks!
Thanks Carole! That means a lot to me! I am looking forward to seeing you sell that house and find another one!
Rachel those goal are good one! My goal this year year not to be as shy as I really am. Be more open to friendship. To go to church regually. Not to judge other.To care more for family and help them with their goals. To be closer to the Lord. Not be fearful!
Those are awesome goals! Love you and I so appreciate you too!