What "Do" looked like in January...
As this month draws to a close, I find myself reflecting back on this month and all that it encompasses. I have been thinking back on the past 30 days to see what my month of focusing on the word "Do" looked like. I want to be able to look back and see how I am doing with this goal thing of mine.
I want to be able to see what I did and how I applied this word of mine into my everyday. This January was a month of DOING. Doing less with our money (meaning spending less) and DOING more with saving it and putting it toward whatever debts we had. This month we were able to sale my husband's truck, pay off some school debt that we had, and register a car that my Grandmother gave us, which she can no longer drive.
This was a month of doing more and making no excuses. I loved what Erin said about pushing yourself and not giving into the "I deserve this break..." Often I have put stuff to the side because after a long day I was too tired to do more. I would tell myself I deserved to sit and veg out...now don't get me wrong, we all need some down time each day, but what does it look like? Down time can be different to all of us. When I would choose each night to just veg out with Netflix, I was missing out on so many great opportunities to do more. I could have picked up a book or worked on a much loved craft. There are so many things we can do with our time and this month I was able to refocus how I spend my time.
Some nights, after the kids were tucked in, I use to tell myself it was too much work to pull my sewing machine out or plug in my laptop so I could work on the blog. This month I pushed myself a bit more and you know what? I was thankful I did. I am thankful when I push myself because I find I am able to do more than I thought I could.
This month was a month of creating more. I noticed that last year, so many of my crafts were put aside. I rarely sewed or created and that made me sad. I love to be elbow deep in fabric and decoupage glue. It makes me happy. This month I was inspired by Project 52. I tried to find more time to create things for my home. From my Pom Pom Yarn Garland to a sweet dress for Libby. It was so nice to be able to sew without needing to capture the process. It was time just for me and for whatever idea came to mind.
This month I also tried to make more time for being in the kitchen. Meals from scratch and messes made with the kids. I have seen how interested they are right now in cooking and baking. It may have to do with the Master Chef Junior episodes we've been watching:) I am hoping to keep that interest going as we learn to cook and bake together. Yes it leaves my kitchen less than perfect, but many memories are being made in this little kitchen of mine. Keagan recently researched a cookie recipe and carried it out from start to finish. I'm a proud mama! We were able to throw in a little lesson on fractions as well. He didn't even realize he was getting a math lesson as we baked together:)
I also have been trying to focus on "doing" more with our meals. I want us to get back into eating more veggies. Do you ever just get out of practice with something? You make a goal, do really well at it, and then over time you get in a funk and forget? I felt like this happened around the holidays and I found it hard to get us back into our old groove. We had a blast with family and loved sharing yummy meals together, but we weren't always making the wisest food choices. I have a HUGE sweet tooth, so I am constantly trying to balance that out with fruits and veggies. I still ate my chocolate this month, but I have been snacking on healthier options throughout the day and including more healthy options at meal time. It is always a balancing act and is one I will continue to work on.
Another thing I felt I had let fall to the way side was taking time for the written word. Often I find I yearn for the time when my kids were younger and I would put them down for naps and have a good hour or so to read. Now don't get me wrong, I love all the adventures that come with having my two not so little red heads, but often I am always on the go with activities and such. This month I made time to read. I know that children learn by example and when they see me make the time to sit and read, they will do the same. We've been having quiet time in the evening and this is the perfect down time for us all to sit, get cozy, and read. We have been loving going to the library to pick out our next literary adventure too.
All of these goals have meant letting some things be for a time. I may not always get my laundry folded, but I am trying to stick to
This month brought us back to full school days and homeschool adventures. Seeing them grow over this month has been amazing! I love the fist bumps Keagan does when he finally accomplishes that math problem he's been working on.
This month has been a full one. One that I am thankful for. I am thankful for the times that we had as a family. Riding bikes, playing games, and learning new things. Hubby started a new job this month. It has been a year long process waiting for this new adventure for him and I am so thankful the Lord saw fit to lead him to another job.
As January comes to a close, I find myself looking to February and thinking about what else I want to try out...all that I want to do.
How has your month gone? If you picked a word, how is it treating you? Have you felt inspired...or maybe you too have felt things begin to slack. Consider this a call to action. A call to focus on our words that we are wanting to work on this year.
Consider this a bit of encouragement, so we can all achieve more and be more this year.
Find ways to inspire yourself. Post pictures that keep you focused on your instagram or print them out and place them on your fridge. Read good books that make you feel uplifted. Take time to journal what you are doing, so you can see tangible results and know that all your effort is making a difference in your life.
I pray that January is ending with a big fat smile for you. If you have felt less than thrilled with your results, know that next month will be better.
XO Danielle
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