Each year I set goals for myself that are in line with my four priorities:  faith, family, work, and personal growth.  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.

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 Genesis.  I am a bit behind on my pace, so I am going to be devoting half an hour each night in bed to Bible reading.

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 January I read the shot (but very informative) book Let Us Attend: A Journey Through the Orthodox Divine Liturgy by Fr. Lawrence Farley.  Fr. Lawrence walks the reader through the entire Liturgy–explaining all that is happening, giving historical background, and offering insightful reflection.  This would make an excellent book for someone who is new to Orthodoxy or for a person who wants to appreciate the Liturgy more deeply.

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

This month we had a series of snow days, which I am going to call our family outing!  We spent hours sledding, making snow angels, and building snow forts together.  Great fun!

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

My husband and I are big Downton Abbey fans, and we’re enjoying mini-date nights every Sunday night.  We pop some popcorn or make a cheese tray, pour glasses of wine or make a cocktail, and cozy up to enjoy the latest episode.

6. Read to my children 5 nights a week

I have been reading picture books to all of the kids and The Boxcar Children and Where the Sidewalk Ends to my oldest two.

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

In January my husband and I watched The Philadelphia Story with Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart.  It was pretty fun to watch, and we had a great discussion about old Hollywood’s portrayal of divorce afterward.

Personal Goals

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

Due to illness and snow days, I’ve not been able to run as often as I would like this month.  I am looking at a few races in March, however, and will decide on one to register for in February.

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 January I worked to Drink Enough Water Each Day, and it has really made a difference in my overall health.

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 January 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 two 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.  Would Goodreads count?  I might enjoy doing an Orthodox Mama Goodreads.  Would you want to follow it?

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.  The entire process was 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?  Also, would you be interested in following The Orthodox Mama on Goodreads?

(Linked to With Grit and Grace.)