Each year I set goals for myself. These goals are specific, measurable, and focused. I definitely don’t always reach the goals. In fact, I have dubbed 2017 my “Year of Failure” because I fell short with so many of my goals. But, by setting goals and creating plans, I get much farther than I would if I didn’t start the year with the end in mind.
In 2018 I have decided to focus on health. Health will be my overarching theme of the year–spiritual health, emotional health, mental health, health in my family, and health in my vocation. I would like to have the word “health” at the front of my mind as I make decisions.
Ideally, I before any decision I will ask myself, “Is this healthy? Will this help my spiritual/ emotional/ family health or will it take away from it?”
That is the goal, at least.
My Goals for 2018
Spiritual Health
1. Attend a Women’s Bible Study or Prayer Group at least twice a month.
Didn’t do during August because all of the groups have taken a break for the summer. I’ll get back to this one in September!
2. Learn the Lord’s Prayer in Greek
My husband and I are now part of the Greek archdiocese and my husband, Lord willing, will be seeking ordination within that jurisdiction. However, we are not Greek and do not speak Greek. I am going to print off the Lord’s prayer in Greek this week and work on it.
3. Read One Spiritual Book Each Month.
This month I read Creation and the Patriarchal Histories by Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon, a commentary on the book of Genesis. It was a bit more academic than many books I’ve read lately, but I enjoyed it. I especially appreciated getting an Orthodox perspective on biblical commentary. As a graduate of a Protestant seminary, I am familiar with biblical exegesis from that background, so it was interesting to have a learned Orthodox scholar give a detailed analysis of biblical texts.
Family Health
4. Read Aloud or Listen to 12 Books with my children.
We love to listen to a good audiobook in our house! On our l-o-n-g drive from Texas to Boston, we listened to The Horse and His Boy from the Narnia series. The kids (and adults) really enjoyed it! We have read 6 books so far this year.
5. Take an Overnight Trip with My Husband (without kids!).
We took advantage of having grandparents to watch our children while we were on vacation. We left the kids with Grandma and Grandpa and took off for three days. We stayed at my sister-in-law’s apartment while she was away on a mission trip, so our lodging was free. We spent time together working side-by-side in coffee shops, going out to eat, and watching movies. It was so relaxing and a fun way to celebrate our tenth anniversary!
6. Read through our entire Children’s Bible together.
We have a lovely Orthodox Children’s Bible (the Children’s Bible Reader), which our children read or look at frequently. We have been working through it faithfully this year.
Physical and Emotional Health
7. Research and implement a weight lifting routine for one month.
I have been reading more and more about the importance of strength training for women in their 30s for the metabolism, weight loss, and overall well-being. I am only going to commit to trying it for one month, but I am definitely willing to do more if I find the workout beneficial.
This is going to be implemented in October.
8. Complete a Whole 30.
I did it! I did my second Whole 30 in May. I lost 10 pounds and felt great!
9. Run a 5K.
I have been running this summer after months of not touching my running shoes. I decided that it will never be easier to run than these seven weeks while we are on vacation. I have built-in childcare, plenty of time, and absolutely no excuses. So, I am now up to being able to run two miles without dying!
10. Read from my “Classics Books” Challenge.
I love this goal! Here’s the Classics Reading Challenge in a nutshell: each month I am focusing on a particular genre. I will then read one classic in that genre and one modern classic.
I am away from my beloved library while we are on vacation, so I have not kept up with my challenge. I have been reading several books, though. About three a week! Some are audiobooks that I listen to while I run and others are books I brought from home. You know, the ones that sit on your shelves but you don’t actually read. 🙂
Vocational Health
11. Post on Orthodox Motherhood at least Once a Week.
I have been faithful with this goal for the last couple of months. Most weeks I have even managed two posts per week!
12. Learn How to Do and Use Facebook Live Effectively.
I love watching Facebook Live videos from some of my favorite bloggers! Lately I have been watching Crystal Paine (of Money Saving Mom) while I fold laundry, and it has been a fun way to make a chore I dislike more bearable. 🙂 I would like to begin doing some Facebook Live with you guys. These videos would be a chance to get a bit more personal, share more of the day-to-day joys and struggles of living the Orthodox life, and get to know you as well. The great thing is that the videos are kept forever on Facebook, so if you can’t make it the first time, you can still watch it.
I haven’t done this yet. I have to get over my fear!
13. Create a Product that Will Serve My Readers.
My ultimate goal at Orthodox Motherhood is to help women live out the ancient faith in the modern world. The articles that I write are one method of doing this, but sometimes it can be helpful to use a different medium. I have written two e-books so far (Seasons of the Faith and 10 Days to a Tidy Home) and want to create another product to help you!
I have begun work on a short e-book for the Nativity Fast. I’ll keep you posted!
14. Submit a Book Proposal.
My friend Alexandra and I are currently hard at work on a children’s book that we submitted to a publisher. I am SO excited about this and will definitely keep you posted!
15. Redesign the Website.
I am so excited about the new site redesign! I think that it looks much cleaner, professional, and easy to read!
Do you have any goals for 2018? What is one thing that you would like to do this year? Share in the comments!
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