Each year I set goals for myself that are in line with my four priorities:  faith, family, work, and personal growth.  At the beginning of each month I sit down and take a look at the progress I have made (or not made!) on those goals so that I can create a plan for the upcoming month.

This month was pretty much an epic goal-setting failure.  I have had some health complications that caused me to have almost zero energy for the entire month.  I’ve been tempted to beat myself up a bit about this, but I am deciding to focus on my health and rest.  Here’s hoping that next month is a bit better!

Here is how I am doing on:

My Goals for 2016

Spiritual Goals

1. Read through the Old Testament

I have finished reading the book of Numbers.  I’m a bit behind and will try to read for 30 minute each evening in order to catch up.  I have to admit, that getting through Leviticus and Numbers was a bit tough.  🙂

2. Read one spiritual book each month

This goal was actually recommended to me by my spiritual father–and I thank him for his wise counsel! In March I read A Beginner’s Introduction to the Philokalia by Anthony M. Coniaris.  The Philokalia is an anthology of wisdom collected from some thirty Church Fathers from the 4th century to the 15th century. The Philokalia is sort of a lens to help believers read, understand, and apply the Holy Scriptures.  However, it can be rather big and daunting for the lay believer.  So, this small book provides helpful highlights and food for thought.

3. Take a one day retreat of silence and prayer

Honestly, this is the goal I am most looking forward to this year.  I haven’t planned it yet because this is my husband’s busiest time of the year.  After he finishes his dissertation, I am excited to take a spiritual retreat!

Family Goals

4. Go on one family outing each month

In March our family went out to eat for one last pre-Lenten dinner at our local Mexican food restaurant.  We had a great time and enjoyed some tasty cheese enchiladas!

5. Have one date night a month (in or out of house)

This month my husband and I had an in-house date night of Chinese food and a movie.  After that we watched the University of Virginia play a basketball game.  Fun times!

6. Read to my children 5 nights a week

I was really excited to begin and finish reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe with my oldest son this month.  It was wonderful to watch him get so excited about the book, to make connections to our faith, and to eagerly anticipate the next in the series.

7. Watch 15 movies on the AFI Top 100 Movies List

Because we were both a bit ill this month, we were able to watch two movies on AFI Top 100 movies.  So, our grand total is 3 so far in 2016.

Personal Goals

8. Run a 5K, an 8K, and a 10K race

Because of my health complications, I have been unable to run very much this month.  However, I am still signed up to run an 8K in May.  I hope to be able to train all of April.

9. Complete my Healthy Lifestyle Habits Challenge and blog about it each month

This year I have created a list of healthy habits that I want to incorporate into my daily life.  I decided to focus on one per month and share my experiences with you on the blog.  In March I wrote about adding more exercise to my daily routine.

10. Complete the 2016 Reading Challenge and blog about it

Have you joined our 2016 Reading Challenge yet?  It is a great way to help you discover new books and to make time for reading.  Each month we will be reading a different type of book (a mystery, a book that inspires you, a book you should have read in school but didn’t, etc.).  Here were my March recommendations.

11. Take a Craftsy cooking course

I’ve decided to take another online cooking class through Craftsy.  Craftsy has hundreds of classes available–from photography to cake decorating, quilting to gardening.  If you’re wanting to gain a new skill or improve an old one, I’d highly recommend taking a class through Craftsy.

Professional Goals

12. Write and launch an ebook

I am in the beginning stages of writing an ebook that will help Orthodox families–especially those who have recently become Orthodox.  So far I have outlined the book and written four chapters.  The book is called “So, I’m Orthodox, Now What:  A Guide for New Converts.”  I am excited to share it with you all soon!

13. Join another social media form to grow The Orthodox Mama

Right now I have a Facebook page and a Pinterest account for The Orthodox Mama.  However, I haven’t added another social media form yet.

14. Add 4 products to my Teachers Pay Teachers store

I have not added any yet this year.

15. Write another children’s book

This year I submitted my first children’s book manuscript to a publisher.  I just found out that it was not accepted for publication.  However, I will revise it and continue submitting to other publishers.  The entire process has been challenging, thrilling, and stretching.  I am ready to do it again!  I have my idea for the new book and will begin working on it after I finish my e-book.

Do you have any goals for 2016?  How are you doing?

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