I'm not really a "Resolution" setting kind of gal, come the new year. I am very goals-driven, so my goals are constantly in progress and I don't need the start of the year to refresh them. Having said that, there IS something about a new year that makes you look at your life and evaluate how the past year went and what kind of things you want to bring into your life in the coming year.
Like many people, I find that I am naturally slow to change. The changes I want for my life slowly evolve over time, but are rarely drastic. Many times I wish it weren't so, but that is the curse of being human, I think. So, for me, I've found that the best way to find progress is to build the changes I want to see into my daily life and routine. As new things become part of the routine, they slowly become habits. And this is when I look back and see that there are actual changes going on around me.
So, I thought I would simply share some of the priorities that I am currently building into my life to shape the upcoming year for me and my family. In no particular order, the priorities of 2017 are:
1. Health: Exercise and Nutrition
This has been a big priority for me and will remain to be! About a year ago I set out on an intentional effort to look at my exercise and eating habits. I have always been decently aware of my health, but after having kids, I found the draw to stress-eat or reward with food was getting a little bit out of control! I started a daily exercise routine, which I have attempted to keep up with all year long! Of course, there are many days that I miss, due to the life of stay-at-home-mom/pastor's wife, BUT the intention has stayed with me. Changing up my/our eating habits has been a harder effort that is definitely still in progress. Still, I found that this past year I learned a lot of new ways to incorporate clean eating into our lives. I still gotta kick that habit of late-night snacking and treats for rewards, but I'm working on it! I hope this year to continue building on our focus on clean eating and find ways of replacing unhealthy snacks for healthier alternatives. And yes, it is still about balance and I LOVE to bake, so this doesn't mean I won't bake a batch of cookies for my kids... I just will try mix it up so every day is not sugar-laden, and some treats are a bit healthier.
2. Ministry focus
Since having the twins we really took a step back to having our home open to minister to others. That has meant that Dan has spent a lot of time out of the home to fulfill his job as a pastor. I feel like the kids are finally at an age that we can start to open up our doors a bit more and welcome people in to our home. It still isn't easy, as a home with 2 toddlers and 2 teenage homestay students is always busy/messy/on-the-go, BUT I hope to find ways to come alongside of people in our crazy life and welcome them in.
3. Money management
Another one that will always be ongoing I think. This year, however, after 10 years of marriage, we finally have a real financial plan we are working towards. We have always had a budget, put money to RRSP, etc., but right now we have a specific plan and it feels really good to be working towards it and have an incentive at the end of the tunnel.
4. Family time
I think this one goes without saying, but a BIG focus for this year is the time we spend together as a family. This has really hit a new place as the boys are big enough to have input into how we spend our time and express their interests and opinions. Part of me thinks that they won't really remember all the special outings and effort we put into doing things with them, butt I have worked with enough kids in my counselling career to be aware that the attention and affection poured into these early years really does make a HUGE impact on their identity and formation. Plus, it is just so much fun to hang out all together. I am excited for the many trips to the beach, hikes, coffee dates, playtime, and special trips we will make this year.
5. Soul feeding
Lastly, I am really working to build time into my schedule and routine to feed my soul and spend time with Jesus, even if it is only a few minutes a day. Right now I have daily devotion readings sent to my email. I put on worship music in the morning to help centre my day. I check in with other believers throughout the week and ask them to share God's love into my everyday monotony. Even for a girl who grew up as a pastor's kid, and married a pastor, this is an intentional effort into my daily life. Some seasons the time is richer, and some seasons it is plugging away and difficult.
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