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 a month of rest. Last month I learned that I have anemia and vitamin D deficiency. Combine that with my hypothyroidism, and I tend to get tired quickly and need a fair amount of rest. So, this month I committed to going to bed earlier, saying no to extra activities, and focusing on my spiritual and physical health.
Now, obviously I got a lot less sleep during Holy Week. (In the Orthodox Church, we just celebrated our Easter–Pascha–on May 1. We also are at church every night during Holy Week, often until late hours. It is the most joyful, and the most exhausting, week of the year!) However, I was able to enjoy the solemnity of Holy Week better since I was well-rested going into it.
Here is how I am doing on:
My Goals for 2016
Spiritual Goals
1. Read through the Old Testament
I am on track to finish by the end of December.
2. Read one spiritual book each month
Each Lent I try to read the Orthodox spiritual classic, The Way of a Pilgrim.
The Way of a Pilgrim is a classic in Orthodox spirituality, which tells the story of a pilgrim who longs to learn how he can fulfill St. Paul’s command to “Pray without ceasing.” He begins a journey that takes him to dozens of spiritual fathers and leads him to learn The Jesus Prayer. The Jesus Prayer is a simple prayer that one can learn in a minute, but also a profound prayer that one can pray for a lifetime.
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have mercy on me, A sinner.”
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 April our family went on a hike in a local park. Now that our littlest ones (ages 2 and 3) are able to walk on their own, this is a lot more fun! We took our time hiking a mile long trail, and they enjoyed looking for wildlife.
5. Have one date night a month (in or out of house)
My husband and I both had busy schedules this month. However, we did find time for take-out Chinese and a movie. Simple but fun!
6. Read to my children 5 nights a week
This month we read a lot of books in preparation for Pascha and Holy Week. The kids were able to make connections between Bible stories, the days of Holy Week, and what we were doing in church. So beautiful to see!
7. Watch 15 movies on the AFI Top 100 Movies List
We have watched 3 movies from the list of AFI Top 100 movies. We’re a bit behind on this goal, but once my husband has finished his dissertation, we should be able to have more time to relax together.
Personal Goals
8. Run a 5K, an 8K, and a 10K race
Zero progress on this goal this month.
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 April I wrote about getting enough sleep each night.
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 April recomendations.
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 working on an ebook called “So, I’m Orthodox, Now What: A Guide for New Converts.” This month I purchased Abby Lawson’s course, “Book Boss” to help me prepare for the launch. Look for the book in September, just in time for the church new year!
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?
