Well in other news…It's probably time for an update (and accountability check for myself) on my 2014 goals. I haven't done very well with keeping up with them, but I've also had a crazy few months. Here is where I currently stand on my goals for this year. You can read the full list/details of each goal here.
Photography - wellll…. I did finally use my camera during our recent trip to Haiti. I also learned a thing or two about editing, so I guess that counts?? I need to start taking more pictures, I just haven't been very inspired recently.
Fitness- This goal was completely halted temporarily due to my surgery and incision issues. However! I go back to the doctor later this week, and IF (fingers crossed, prayers lifted!) my incision is closed with no new openings I will officially be cleared to resume exercising!!! I can't even put into words how badly I want to get back into swimming laps. I've never been in great shape, but I haven't felt this out of shape in a while. I guess bed rest and limited activity will do that to you. But man, I am so looking forward to getting this goal progressing ASAP!
Quiet Time- Getting my quiet time into my morning routine has been a harder habit to start than I expected. One way I've been able to get the ball rolling (and this applies to another goal as well) is to not allow myself to look at any social media, texts, games, emails, etc until I have read through a short devotion time that day. This may sound silly, and honestly it shows how out of whack my priorities can be at times, but it really has helped. I like to lay in bed for 10-15 minutes when I first wake up to give myself time to really wake up before I have to kick off the day. This time used to involve checking my phone, responding to texts, Facebook, and a little stretching to help out the back. However, I have now been able to make those moments into a quiet relaxing time with God, which has made a huge impact on how I feel when I get out of bed and it seems to be helping maintain that attitude throughout the day. While there are still some days where I totally fail - just being honest here! - it really has helped get this goal moving and it has made an impact for the better. I'd like to get a more thorough quiet/journal time going in the mornings, but this is the first step! Baby steps :)
Social Media- The time I spend on social media has certainly decreased, but is still not quite to where I'd like it yet. The devotion priority I mentioned above, and working more, have certainly helped eliminate countless social media hours, but I'd still like to become more disconnected. I'm considering setting one day a week as social media free. Not sure how successful that will be, but it's worth a shot! My generation (and lets be honest, every other generation too) has gotten out of control when it comes to technology and our addictions to it. I don't want to keep falling further into that hole. Now is the time to crawl out and make changes for the better!
Wedding planning- This goal was going really well and has now hit a road block, or potential U-turn. I had signed up for a certification course in wedding planning but for various reasons it didn't work out. After further exploration I became very hesitant in the quality of the course and company, and decided it was best to put that on hold and get a refund. I'm not turning away from this passion, but it's temporarily delayed as I explore these other job opportunities that have opened up. I guess the ultimate goal here is to simply follow my dreams, trust my gut, and listen to my heart this year - wherever that may lead.
Reading- Ha! Well I guess I have read through 1/2 of the Dave Ramsey book on budgeting, so that counts right??? I had hoped this goal would be accomplished by two personal/fun reads, but this is certainly progress for me so I'll take it! E, I need to come raid your bookshelf -- or rather, have you raid it and pick some good ones for me :)
Finances- This is one goal I actually am on top of! I am working my way through the Dave Ramsey plan to get myself out of debt and gain control of my finances. I've created a budget, am about to begin implementing the envelope system, I've secured an emergency fund, and my debt snowball is actually rolling! This will be a life-long process that will evolve over the years, but I am feeling very good about my progress and the potential I'm seeing so far. The best part is seeing results! I haven't paid off a loan completely yet, but I'm certainly on my way and will crush it so much sooner than I originally thought! The extra jobs are helping a lot too. I'm learning that sometimes taking an extra job, or doing side jobs, is sometimes the best, and only, option to get in front of debt and take control. It feels good to be in the driver's seat now and to know that the loan agencies will not come out on top of this battle!
Blogging- I'm trying to get better about this one, but it hasn't been super successful so far :-/
Well, that's where I stand right now. It really does help to stop and write out where I've succeeded and failed in these areas over the last few months. Just by writing this post I've discovered specific areas I can improve on immediately that hadn't really crossed my mind recently. Good thing I've got all of 2014 to fulfill these goals right?! ;-) Kidding of course! This accountability helps so much. Here's to a more successful month!
How are your 2014 goals going so far?
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