Here's to you, June. . .

It seems like May stopped by to say hello and was out of the door before I could respond. Time is going really fast. It is flying by in a scary kind of way that makes you want to scream, "Stop! Let me breathe!" I just finished my fourth year in teaching, so I'm praying that with the long summer nights I will have more time to just. . . be.

I've recently revamped my To-Do List by listing only 5 things that need to get done in a day. The most dreaded of the tasks is always listed first. The list is in one designated notebook and I take it everywhere. This change has helped in more ways than one. I feel less stressed and overwhelmed because no matter how the day goes, I only set out to complete 5 tasks. No words describe the relief I feel when I slash one off the list. I believe I've extended myself more grace because of this. I've gone from crying over piles of laundry on the floor that I could never seem to get to, to breathing and reminding myself that if it doesn't get done today, it will be added to tomorrow's list.

I've also been setting monthly goals. I decided on 7. (Favorite number) They may range from personal, to family-oriented, to professional goals. You can find May's goals here. Here is how last month played out:

May Goals Recap *-Complete, X-incomplete
1. Finish "Where We Belong" by Emily Giffin (*)
It only took half my life to finish this, but I did!!

2. Cookies and Convo (X)
Sunday nights,  right before bed, were designated as tech free nights over dessert and conversation with just the four of us. We did it only twice in May. The end of the school year kept us busy.

3. Holy Yoga (X)
I still have not attended a class, but with school out, I plan to. No excuses.

4. Update Address (*)
Done! Now my health insurance company knows where I live.

5. Date Night (*/X)
We went to the movies. . .  without kids. . .and it was very fun. The Hubster is  a superhero nerd and it's growing on me. We saw Xmen. However, it wasn't a penny jar date like I had planned. (Super expensive) I'm sure movie tickets will soon cost an organ.

6. Apply for Event (*)
I applied for a Special Event's Permit in my town to hold a Book Drive/Literacy Event and it was approved!
Yep, nearly cried when I got the email. 

7. Grocery Routine (*)
I have not mastered my grocery routine, (Is that even possible?) but I have made much progress. I sit down on Sundays and plan our meals based on what is on sale. I add the staples to the list and try to cut 5 coupons, no more, no less. (ain't nobody got time for that!) I've done this twice in May and it has made a difference in our eating out so far. I make it into a game, this includes remembering to bring my reusable shopping bags.

If I didn't write these goals down or take the time to be intentional about them, I don't think I'd feel as if I had grown. I was aware of our finances in May and conscious of how much time was spent with family. Had it not been for these goals, I may have not taken the first step towards the Book Drive, and may have instead let fear take control. Setting goals is almost empowering for me. Small, baby steps eventually turn into miles. 

June Goals

1.       Continue  “Cookies and Convo”

(It is a great way to build each other up and address any concerns in the family.) 

2.       Attend 2 Holy Yoga Classes 

(I’m going for gold, people)

3.       Have 1 Penny Jar Date with Hubby and 1 Mommy and Me Date with each daughter

4.       Add the $100 challenge to our grocery routine

5.       Have quiet time in the morning with God 

(No specific number of days or minutes, my goal is just to be intentional)

6.       Be physically active at least 3x a week 

 (I’ve discovered a double chin that came out of nowhere)

7.       Have all strings tied and double knotted for the Literacy Event in July

  (I'm nervous, yet so excited! God is really taking over.)

Here's to you, June.. . 

Until we land again, 

 Jeanell