the greenest grass around

As 2017 is coming to a close, it’s hard not to reflect on the past. It’s something I like to do, reflect. I think about the major events from this year, small victories, mistakes, and lessons learned. I wonder what 2018 will hold and reflect on where I am in life.

I like to jot down things like; some of my favorite memories 1. We took the kids to the beach and they had the best time. We found huge seashells and snorkeled. 2. We took the kids to Texas and went to Sea World, The Natural Science Museum, and to Dinosaur Valley State Park. Some of the things I am grateful for- 1. My very supportive family and amazing husband that does so much while I am traveling for work. 2. We bought a new house in 2017, it isn’t what we planned on but it’s so nice. 3. My job, although I travel a good bit, I work with fantastic people and have a pretty flexible schedule. I also like to think of any hard lessons I had to learn- (pretty personal here) From July – early December, I was really selfish and I let some important relationships slide, like my husband and kids. It took me a while to realize the problem and not just point my finger at everyone else. That was definitely a hard lesson and it wasn’t fun to live or work though but thankfully I woke up and started on a different path. On a more positive note, I like to think of accomplishments that I am proud of from 2017- I got started on my dissertation and presented at a National Conference in Orlando.

So what would I change in 2018?

As a teacher, I always believe that a new school year is like turning over a new leaf. When I got my class list, I didn’t go down the hall and ask previous teachers about my new students. I believed in giving my students the benefit of the doubt and letting them start fresh. Each new year, I feel that way. A new year is a fresh start for us.

My schedule is always insanely full. Between work, the kids, church, PTO, and my dissertation, there isn’t much time that isn’t already allotted for. In 2017 I know I missed a lot. Even if I was there, I wasn’t really present. One of my goals this year is to be PRESENT. Actually being involved in where I am and what I am doing. I can’t tell you how many times someone told me we had a conversation and I don’t remember it at all!

I also want to work on my relationships. Like I said above, I let some slide this past year…

So, how am I going to ensure that 2018 is my best year yet?

I am going to start with listing my priorities and getting them in order. Then I am going to pray about it and ask God to guide me through the year.

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Psalms 127:1

Then comes the fun part, at least for me. Planning. As long as the Lord guides me, I won’t plan in vain.

I love to set goals and plan. I am going to list 1 thing I want to do better or change, 2 things I am looking forward to this year and things I want to try, 3 ways I can help others and places I want to visit. As I list these things, I will try to think about what is practical for me. I don’t want to say I am going to travel to Spain when my bank account will laugh in my face. That my be a 5 year goal, LOL.

Then I like to list ways I can make different aspects of my life better in 2018.

Personal

Professional

Physical

Spiritual

Financial

Relational

I don’t write big goals, just small things I can try to do differently to better those aspects.

Again no big goals here just small steps in a different direction.