2018 Goals

Today I'm linking up with Shay at Mix and Match Mama, and we're talking about resolutions and goals for 2018. I love this time of year and what it represents--a fresh start! I always go into every year with things in mind that I want to start doing and changes I want to make, and this year is no different. In fact, my list this year is quite long! 

- intentional, focused time with God -

Prayer and worship are a big part of my every day, but I am awful at putting aside my "to-do list" to just stop and spend time with God. I know the least I can do for Him is offer him part of my day to read His Word and seek His face, but for some reason I have a hard time doing it. I have felt God stirring in my spirit lately, and know that a daily quiet time is something He is asking of me. I wouldn't go a day without checking social media, emails, or blogs I follow, so why would I go a day without God's Word? I know this is the most important thing I can do in 2018.

- make healthy lifestyle changes -

Every year I say I want to "lose weight", but this year it's more than that. I do want to lose some weight, but not just so I can look better; I want to be healthier! I am committing to incorporate more exercise into my routine, cut back on junk food, and try more healthy foods in 2018.

- cultivate new friendships and strengthen existing ones -

In 2018, I want to put more energy into my friends. I want to be better about making plans with the friends I have, but I also want to step out of my comfort zone and make some new friends. There are several women that I have recently met at various children's activities with Henry, and I want to get to know them better. I'm going to be an initiator in getting to know someone new instead of waiting for them to come to me.

- be proactive about reaching out to old friends -

I am the WORST at thinking of someone I haven't seen in a while, intending to reach out to them, and then never following through. I am hereby declaring 2018 the year that I send more "just because" texts and emails, and maybe even some good old fashioned snail mail. :)

- enjoy every minute of 2018! -

I have been blessed with this precious season of mothering a young child, and been given the gift of staying home with him, and I am determined to soak up every moment. Last year I had the goal of making our bed every day (I did it for maybe 5? 6? HA!), but this year, I have a different approach. I still have standards and Caleb and I are still both pretty OCD (understatement! 😜), but I don't want to be so hard-nosed about housework that I miss out on fun either. I will always change our sheets once a week because I like a clean bed, but so what if it doesn't get made everyday? Somedays it will, but those will also be the days that I can't let Henry crawl deep inside the covers and play peek-a-boo.  So here's to less time spent cleaning up messes and picking up toys, and to more time spent playing, building, imagining, and making memories with my little boy!

As I look back and reflect on this list, one word stands out in my mind; RELATIONSHIPS. That's what it's all about for me this year. Growing in my relationships with God, friends, and family. They take work, but I am ready and willing, and believe that I'll be standing on the other side of 2018 with deeper and more meaningful connections to those I love. Cheers to you all, and to a new year!