2017 Goals

I'm a huge fan of setting goals. Big ones, small ones...it doesn't matter. From the smallest to-do list to year-long efforts of improvement, there is something motivating about the fulfillment of a goal. The new year is just another reflection point for me. Though lots of people scoff at resolutions, and statistics show that most of those are broken by February, I like having another reason to critique where I'm at and set goals for where I'm going.

2017 I focused on meeting my goals with joy. I set goals intellectually, spiritually and physically and I surpassed them. 2018 I will push myself to do the same, but I think my word for 2018 will be:



I love this word because I find it so empowering. It can range from big ideas like creating a healthier version of myself or a happy environment for my family each day, to smaller things like creating an awesome project for my students at school or creating time for reading or adoration.

Intellectually last year I had hoped to read 17 books for 2017 and I tried to pick ones that would either bring me joy or help me understand joy. I read 20, my favorites being "Chiara Corbella Petrillo: A Witness to Joy" and "Hillbilly Elegy." My goal for 2018 is to knock out 18 more. This will force me to create time for reading. Create time for myself. Create time to learn.

Physically, my goal for 2017 was to find joy running the Chicago marathon for Will. This was a huge goal for me and though they say marathons are addictive, I think my mileage is happiest around a half. I promised myself that my running wouldn't take me away from the girls, but even with 4am runs, the long weekend runs still cut into family time. Though running and finishing brought me great joy, being away from my family for weekend morning snuggles did not. This year I am focusing on supporting Mark as he runs a marathon. For myself, I just want to create time to work out. Whether that be running a few races or making time for some fun new classes at the gym, I want to create a healthy lifestyle for myself this year.

Spiritually I worked my way through Psalms last year as I find it a rather joyous section of the Bible. This year, I want to create a mindset that allows me to be more present. Too many days lately I find myself biting off more than I can chew. Working part-time, people assume you have time for everything, and per the usual, I forget to say no to things. I want to create a mindset that allows me be something for someone, while staying cognizant to the fact that I can't be everything to everyone. Something. Someone. ONE.

I'm excited to see what 2018 throws our way and I look forward to the creation of a fantastic year ahead!