A New Year for New Beginnings

As I read the Facebook posts of friends and family over the last few days, I start to think about my own goals for the new year. It really can be a time for self-reflection. What did I do this year that I didn't plan? What did I do that I could've done better? Regrets? Surprises? This post is my way of putting things out there for me to hold myself accountable. I've spent most of my break enjoying family and relaxing....and that includes reading! I love to read. I'm almost done with my 4th book for this 2 week break. I actually didn't start reading until midweek last week. These last 3 books have been read in a span of 3-4 days! My reading extends to my writing. That is, in part, what made me want to start blogging! These goals and thoughts I'm about to outline come from myself and some inspiration from friends on Facebook and some recent sermons from worship services.

So the original idea for this post comes from a girl I went to high school with. She posted a list of goals she made for herself for the upcoming year. She had them categorized...that is a genius idea! My mind loves organization, so I knew I just had to do it. This method makes you get specific with your goals; therefore, holds you more accountable because there is little room for interpretation for what you really want/need to accomplish. This girl has done what so many of us try to do: turn our past mistakes into teachable moments to help us grow and learn to become better people for ourselves, friends, family, our community, and most importantly, God. Though I don't talk to her much, I salute her for what she has done and for the impact she has had on the lives of those that know her!

Spiritual Goals
It wasn't until I moved on my own until I realized how important spirituality was and what it meant to go to church and worship with those of like faith. It took me separating myself from what I was taught from a very young age and trying different things before I could appreciate what I was taught. My life here has led to me to two great congregations. There's nothing like hearing a sermon and leaving the assembly thinking: "Wow! I really needed to hear that!" These goals are what I heard from sermons from the past couple of weeks that I knew needed to be part of my life.

1. Be more thankful: thankful for not only things in my life, but experiences and things that I have learned from them
2. Be better prepared for worship: whether I'm teaching a Bible class or participating in one, I want a clear mind that has fully prepared for the teaching and learning opportunity that lies ahead
3. Interacting with others: I want to lose my fear of approaching those I don't know and make an effort to reach out to them. I'm as friendly as they come if I am approached first, but I struggle with the first move. Also, making sure I talk more with those "outside" my normal circle.
4. Engage more: I'm always a note taker during sermons, and I'm always singing....I want to be more attentive during prayer and have my Bible open more often when the Word is being read
5. Spend more time in prayer: I've been getting better at this, but there is ALWAYS room for improvement in this area. I don't think anyone spends as much time as they should in prayer
6. Read the Bible more: If I have time for TV and secular books, I have time for reading the Bible....enough said

Personal Goals
 These are the goals that everyone makes this time of year....personal. Some of mine will be cliché, but that doesn't make them any less important.

1. Living a healthier lifestyle: I make this one every year, and throughout the year I go back in forth. This one is really important because I want to start a family soon, and this is essential. I have that gym membership, so I need to use it. Next week, I will start using my Advocare products and workouts again. It is successful if I put in work!
2. Becoming a parent: Though this is not completely in my control, I still want it! After having a glimpse of what parenthood could be like for a brief 8 weeks, I know it will be stressful but worth it!
3. Counting my blessings: This idea came from a co-worker when I saw her Facebook post about her "Blessing Jar." I'm not sure how she did it, but I thought it would be a good idea for my husband and I each to have one by our bed so each night we can put at least one good thing that happened to us that day in our jar. This serves to remind us that we can always find good in our day, no matter what the day held for us.
4. Be a better wife: Mr. B puts up with a lot from me. I want to be more encouraging and kind. I also would like to cook more instead of making excuses of why I "can't".
5. Exercise Patience: This is a constant struggle....I seek control and expect things to be done on my time frame. If I can become better at this, then it may actually help me achieve other goals. I want to seek to guide more, and control less.
6. Read 12 books: Why 12? That averages to at least one book a month. I'm sure most of it will occur during my summer break.
7. Volunteer: Giving back to others is something that I haven't thought much about. I have so much time during the summer, why not use it to help others?
8. "De-junk" our house: Let's get rid of stuff we obviously will never use
9. Visit my parents more: Though the drive to my hometown can be daunting, I still need to make an effort to get there more than I do. I really do enjoy visiting with my family.
10. More efficient with money: I need to be better at putting money aside for savings, as well as giving more to the church. I've curbed my shopping/spending habits considerable over the past few years....but that is always a work in progress. I think it would be nice to get with someone to set up investments and retirement plans too......I need to jump on that.
11. Try something new: I'm not sure what this will entail....maybe a new food, restaurant, travel destination, experience, or learning a new hobby? I think I will reserve to let this one be a mystery!!!

Career Goals
These are important to me since I have a profession of great influence. I educate our future, and that is serious business. Teaching is not for the weak. It is NOT easy. Those that say it is, have never experienced it first hand.

1. Get closer to home: This is a goal I have every year. I like first grade, I like the administration of where I'm at, but I don't like the drive. The commute is daunting, and it takes a lot out of me by the end of the day.
2. Attend more professional development: The past few years, I have jumped at the chance to attend trainings. This past year, I must admit I have been lazy. I must put forth a better effort.
3. Seize new opportunities: When something new comes my way, I want to not shy away from it, but accept it and move forward to see where it will take me. An educator should never cease in their quest for learning.
4. Take a more active role: I need to be better at voicing an opinion in committee meetings, PLC meetings, and team meetings
5. Share more: As a young teacher, I don't always feel that I have much to contribute; however, we can all learn something from everyone, no matter what their experience. We all have something to bring to the table
6. Be a better reading teacher: I really want to make it a point to do reading groups daily. Sometimes I let other things cloud over that, but I must make it more of a priority.
7. Be more positive: I want to focus on more positives in my students, co-workers, and environment. I want to send more positive notes home to parents about their children. My goal: send 2 positive notes home a week, making sure that each child gets something positive sent home before the end of the school year!

I'm sure there is more I could (and should) add to this list. I think this is a good start! Now, to just find a good sized jar or box for my husband and I so we can start that "Blessing Jar."