This week's blog challenge was presented by Pamela in MA. Here it is:
As women we all spend time putting others first, worrying about them, taking care of their needs, scheduling their lives with little time left over for ourselves. For this week's challenge: What is your most important personal goal for the year? What are you doing that is just for you? How are you trying to improve yourself?
Wow. Why am I having such a hard time thinking of something for myself? I got this challenge on Monday and here it is, Thursday already, and I haven't completed it! I guess I feel the way that many mothers and wives feel - I live for my family. There's nothing wrong with that, right? What I have forgotten is all I learned from a book called - Woman First, Family Always by Kathryn Sansone This book does not teach you how to be a Supermom or Wonder Woman. This mother of 10 shares with us how she is able to raise these children, keep her home organized, prepare healthy meals for her family, be a loving wife and friend, and still take time out to take care of herself. If you aren't taking care of yourself, none of the other things are going to work. It makes total sense...so, why don't I have a goal? Well, I have things I want to accomplish this year, I know there's always need for improvement - I just never set an actual goal. So, thanks to Pamela, I will do it right now.
The things that I would like to achieve for myself are:
1. To get healthy. Not only to lose weight, but to actually get in shape enough to run again. I used to love playing sports and enjoyed sports. I still have that in me and I need to get to the point where I can do it without feeling like I'm going to kill over. Sometimes, I catch myself running or doing something and I realize that I probably look like the caterpillar from Bug's Life when he says, "I'm a Be-u-tiful butterfly!" He thinks he's flying when really, his friends are carrying his big 'ole body along.
2. To get organized. My family may laugh when they read this, because this has always been a quest of mine. It's just that I know what I want in that area and I haven't quite reached it yet. I want to be clutter free in ALL areas of my life. Many of you know that I lead a very busy and sometimes hectic life. Who doesn't, right? I need to clear my head. I want to feel like I am enjoying life, not zipping through it dropping papers and children along the way!
3. And finally, to be the mom, wife, teacher, and friend that I want to be. I think that I have the heart for it, I just need to refer back to number 2 and get it all together so that I may be a greater help to those around me.
I do have some things that I'd like to do for myself this year. There are the ever-present things that I've mentioned in the past such as losing some ton-age, catch up on my albums, paint and decorate the house and church (yes, those are for me) the way I'd like, but my biggest thing I'd like to do this year that I've never asked for is to go on a trip with a very close friend of mine. We've talked about going and leaving everyone behind to fend for themselves. No, not a Thelma and Louise type of trip, but just some college friends getting together without having to attend a conference, stick to an itinerary, and all that. We haven't said where or when, but it will happen in 2008.
There. Phew. That got kind of long, but you can't just wrap up your life goals with a snap, can you? That took some thinking. I had to really force myself to ask what I wanted for MYSELF. I think I still came close to wanting things that would also be for my family, but that is what I want. Nothing wrong with that, right?
As women we all spend time putting others first, worrying about them, taking care of their needs, scheduling their lives with little time left over for ourselves. For this week's challenge: What is your most important personal goal for the year? What are you doing that is just for you? How are you trying to improve yourself?
Wow. Why am I having such a hard time thinking of something for myself? I got this challenge on Monday and here it is, Thursday already, and I haven't completed it! I guess I feel the way that many mothers and wives feel - I live for my family. There's nothing wrong with that, right? What I have forgotten is all I learned from a book called - Woman First, Family Always by Kathryn Sansone This book does not teach you how to be a Supermom or Wonder Woman. This mother of 10 shares with us how she is able to raise these children, keep her home organized, prepare healthy meals for her family, be a loving wife and friend, and still take time out to take care of herself. If you aren't taking care of yourself, none of the other things are going to work. It makes total sense...so, why don't I have a goal? Well, I have things I want to accomplish this year, I know there's always need for improvement - I just never set an actual goal. So, thanks to Pamela, I will do it right now.
The things that I would like to achieve for myself are:
1. To get healthy. Not only to lose weight, but to actually get in shape enough to run again. I used to love playing sports and enjoyed sports. I still have that in me and I need to get to the point where I can do it without feeling like I'm going to kill over. Sometimes, I catch myself running or doing something and I realize that I probably look like the caterpillar from Bug's Life when he says, "I'm a Be-u-tiful butterfly!" He thinks he's flying when really, his friends are carrying his big 'ole body along.
2. To get organized. My family may laugh when they read this, because this has always been a quest of mine. It's just that I know what I want in that area and I haven't quite reached it yet. I want to be clutter free in ALL areas of my life. Many of you know that I lead a very busy and sometimes hectic life. Who doesn't, right? I need to clear my head. I want to feel like I am enjoying life, not zipping through it dropping papers and children along the way!
3. And finally, to be the mom, wife, teacher, and friend that I want to be. I think that I have the heart for it, I just need to refer back to number 2 and get it all together so that I may be a greater help to those around me.
I do have some things that I'd like to do for myself this year. There are the ever-present things that I've mentioned in the past such as losing some ton-age, catch up on my albums, paint and decorate the house and church (yes, those are for me) the way I'd like, but my biggest thing I'd like to do this year that I've never asked for is to go on a trip with a very close friend of mine. We've talked about going and leaving everyone behind to fend for themselves. No, not a Thelma and Louise type of trip, but just some college friends getting together without having to attend a conference, stick to an itinerary, and all that. We haven't said where or when, but it will happen in 2008.
There. Phew. That got kind of long, but you can't just wrap up your life goals with a snap, can you? That took some thinking. I had to really force myself to ask what I wanted for MYSELF. I think I still came close to wanting things that would also be for my family, but that is what I want. Nothing wrong with that, right?
It would of been easier to have goals like:
1. Finish off the 5 lb. burrito by myself for the prize at Burrito Grande
2. Let my hair grow out so that I could remember what my "natural" color really is.
3. Throw out all my skinny and "one day I'll get back into this" clothes and just wear pajamas every day. Of course I'd wear my matching sets to go out in public.
4. Buy matching sets of pajamas
and the list goes on...
4 comments:
What a great challenge! I wish you the best. I'm Kathryn Sansone, the author of Woman First, Family Always, and just appreciate you mentioning me here. It will take some dedication and discipline to put yourself back on your to-do list, but you can do it! It's worth it. Your husband, your kids and your friends will all notice the difference, and so will you! Fill your cup!
I've got a new site, www.shapeupmom.com with more tips (video too now!) on similar topics of organization, fitness and taking time for yourself, so stop by if you have the chance.
Best of luck to you all taking the challenge!
I know from personal experience how hard the issues you mentioned are. Right now I am working on getting healthy and it takes a lot of work but is SO worth it. I have started to feel better than I have in years and I have far to go yet. Small steps lead to great things. For getting organized, start with one room at a time. Getting your family to help will make it easier. I wish you much success on your goals!
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