It's that time of year again. I know that you can resolve to start a change at anytime, it doesn't have to wait until the New Year, but I really like to take this time, once the rush of the holidays are over, to take a minute to see what and where I want to improve. So here you have it, my goals for the year of 2017.
1. Less Time on my Phone- I have realized that I am on my phone A LOT. It's funny how you go to check a text and then you realize somehow you have lost 20 minutes and have accomplished absolutely nothing. So I have decided to put my phone away. I now check in for 10 minutes while I get motivated to get out of bed. A 10 minute peek at lunch time and then before bed. Yes, I still answer texts, and Google the occasional thing but for the most part my phone is somewhere not so easily accessible. I have also decided to only have two days a week where I talk on the phone. I was finding that in my search for adult conversation (which is fine) I was ignoring my children, who really do need me. So now I am only permitted to talk on the phone twice a week and I have found that since I made this goal that I actually talk even less than that, or keep my conversations shorter.
Since I have started putting this into practice I find that I am way more productive! It's actually amazing! I have seen an improvement in communication with the kids and generally we are happier.
Jakob and I have also committed to one day a week where we are totally unplugged (we chose Saturday). No phones, no shows for the adults or kids, no nothing. We are allowed to Skype and Google if necessary but our phones go into the cupboard and we are 100% focused on projects, playing with the kids and each other. Let me tell you.... GAME CHANGER!!! Daddy time is sacred and we need to capitalize on it more.
2. More One on One Time with the Kids - This is a no brainer. I am a to-do person. I usually have a list that I want to get accomplished and if I don't, I get annoyed. Because of this I was putting my kids on the back burner. Them being in school for 2 1/2 hours four days a week really helps me be able to get what I need to done in the morning and then be able to focus on them more in the afternoon. But I need to still work at taking the time to play Barbies, or make that craft with E, or build train tracks or work on words with Duke. Time is flying and I find myself wondering why I didn't enjoy each stage more while I had it.
To accomplish this goal I want to spend at least 20 minutes PLAYING with my children 100% focused on them. Not folding laundry beside them, or planning out dinner but actually engaged in what they are doing. I want them to know that their Mama is here and wants to be with them. This doesn't mean that they will get me all the time. They need to learn to play independently too but I want to say yes more.
3. Improve my Relationship with the Savior - Seriously, I just so suck at this. While I have a testimony and I know the church is true and I love this gospel, if you asked me if I knew my Savior I would have to say no. I put literally zero effort into my spiritual self, and I know that is horrible. As I have thought about my Dad and how much I long to talk to him I do think about my Heavenly Father and how much he must long to talk to me. How I have essentially forgotten about him because I am just too tired, or too lazy and really shouldn't this be my first priority? So I am resolving to become more in tune.
How may you ask? By starting to say prayers. Yup that's right I rarely pray aside from the quick prayers with the children, and while I know that is a good thing to do, I want to start saying prayers and not just the same thing over and over... but something heartfelt. As if I were talking to my Dad. What would I tell him? I should expand this to scripture study as well, but currently... I'm starting with prayers.
4. Take More Time for Jakob and I - This is another hard thing. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for Jakob's company. We have been able to go on so many wonderful dates just the two of us because they provide ticket to symphonies, galas and sporting events. And this has made such a difference, however at the end of the day we are tired, and just want "me" time, which isn't bad. But I want us to have more "us" time. Not big things, just little ones. I get so lost in the children and the schedules and the business of life that sometimes I forget him. So I want to work on that this year, which will be difficult with a new baby. One small thing I would like to do is to talk before we go to bed. Not long, drawn out conversations but just to chat, touch base, see what each other needs and communicate better.
5. Finish projects & De-clutter - Back in November, I decided that I had WAY too much clutter in my life. I had a huge pile of things to finish, a list of things I wanted to start and a home that was just feeling full. So I decided to clear everything out. I went through my pile of things to finish and decided if it was something that I was really into anymore and if it wasn't.... it was gone. I can't tell you how refreshing that was. Then I started working on things that I have had piled up for years (if I still wanted them) and got it done. I'm not saying that I finished everything, but I made a huge dent and I continue to work on things when I have a spare minute.
My house was also feeling bogged down. I felt like the space we had wasn't being used to it's full potential because we just had SO MUCH! So I have been going through the house, room by room, and if we don't need it, don't use it, or it's had a good life and can be passed on.... I let it go. I got rid of so many toys, old clothes that I've had since I was 12, clothes that the kids just don't wear or need, and fluff. It has been amazing how much stuff I have gotten rid of and how good it feels. Once you start it's actually rather addicting! So I would like to continue the theme of "Let It Go & Get It Done!"
6. Focus on my Health - I know I am pregnant, and I know I am supposed to gain weight, and I also know that this is baby #3, BUT there is a difference between gaining weight in a healthy and unhealthy way. Once we got home from the holidays I had gained 10 lbs in two weeks!! I just couldn't stop eating and while I obviously still need to eat because I am growing a tiny human I can eat healthier. For the last two weeks I have tried really hard to limit my intake of sugar and carbs and to replace those things with fruits, veggies and protein. I am making healthy meals every evening and trying to have smaller meals throughout the day. I am not looking to diet, but I would rather gain 40-50 lbs this pregnancy vs 70 +. I also want to start walking. We have a gym membership and I need to use it.
So there you have it, my resolutions for 2017, all of which I think are very doable. I am excited for 2017! Hopefully we can just keep things simple.
