Appropriate direction for any new beginning is a great starting point. As I reflect on my priorities for this year, I cannot help but think first of my immediate family. This will be my first whole year striving to be the best mother to a magnificent and happy child and the best wife to a selfless and devoted husband and father! I also have more time to do more for my friends.
When I dream of all the ways I could go about being the best mother, wife, and friend I become quite overwhelmed! To tackle this vision I have created two action plans that will lead me to be able to fulfill my broad goal; and it boils down to taking care of myself and continuously seeking knowledge.
1) SELF-CARE GOAL: I will take time for myself and my never ending thoughts by writing at least once a week.
HOW TO ACCOMPLISH: On Monday’s and Wednesday’s I will set my alarm for 30mins. before my son typically wakes up to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee and indulge in my thoughts and ideas.
WHY: When writing this, I cannot help but think of the lyrics “free your mind and the rest will follow - En Vogue.” I have come to realize that in order to be the best version of myself and be available to others, I have to feel fulfilled, at ease, and accomplished. More to come on the fulfilled topic later, but to be at ease and feel accomplished my “type-A” self needs to sort out all the information swarming around in my brain and check stuff off my to-do-list. With my mind constantly running through various ideas, I need to be able to prioritize these ideas or nothing will get completed, I’ll become overwhelmed, sometimes stressed, and I’ll end up taking a nap or binge watching something on t.v. When I am meeting my needs, I feel like superwoman, I am creating healthy meals, working out, walking my dog, reviewing finances, paying the bills, crafting (a newfound love), reading, and just living happy! This is the first time in a while I’ve actually created a personal goal and I’m excited of its simplicity; just writing and what it’ll do for me and others.
2) FAMILY CARE GOAL: I will reassess one product in my house each month and replace with a better option.
HOW TO ACCOMPLISH: Researching and switching an entire household to better products has been somewhat daunting to me. This plan to choose only one item just once a month is a realistic manageable task I can accomplish and since I don’t like to be wasteful with my money or time, I’ll choose my items based on when we finish a product; detergent, deodorant, toothpaste, foundation, sunscreen, soap, mascara, etc.
WHY: For years I have been reading, researching, and making small changes to my lifestyle. This has been both to reduce my exposure to harmful ingredients and transition to eating healthier* foods that will help me achieve my physical goal of being strong enough and feeling good. Two sources that have been a constant guide in making the research and purchases easier has for me have been the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and “the never list” from BeautyCounter. Both of these are extremely useful in several ways. The EWG has served me well in already replacing several items within my house and Amazon reviews helps narrow down which products I try! The never list is spectacular in listing out why certain ingredients are harmful and a good reminder that not all chemicals are bad, check out the FAQs.
* I define healthy as “whole foods”, not necessarily low fat, carbs, etc.
Each new day and new year brings new beginnings for those who allow themselves to realize it! I am excited to start this new decade with some awesome people, reconnect with lost friends, and strengthen relationships others! I love quotes and this one is a great reminder to letting go; something that is difficult for me; enjoy!
“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Dream ~ Plan ~ Do
Cheers to a better you!
Sarah