My sister had referred me to her blog recently to read about a blanket she had made for Logan (the recent addition to our family) and so I came to read about it. I knew that my blog had been untouched for quite some time and that I was in the process of copying over previous posts from a former blog that I closed. But geez, my blog has been growing some cobwebs on it for a very long time. And I really do like to blog... a lot! Especially since I don't journal anywhere else anymore (except on scrapbook pages from time to time -- which is also a hobby thats been severely neglected). I guess this is what happens when you get married, get pregnant, have a baby and continue to work full-time. But now that we do have Logan, I would kind of like to keep up with this blog if possible. I hate that feeling that I always need to catch up a journal... but there are really some important events I would like to record about and post.
Keesha, Savanna and Becky: I'm impressed and envious of how good you are at regularly posting! You are my inspiration!!
Showing posts with label GOALS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GOALS. Show all posts
Friday, July 16, 2010
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Is It 2008 Already?! (Reviewing Last Year's Resolutions)
From January 2008
Last year, I so boldly wrote some resolutions/goals into my blog, which made them set in stone for the world to see. Of course I figured that if I did that, I might actually do better at achieving them. Hmmm... let's look at how I did.
1. The usual - lose weight. I seem to be on a bit of a trend of dropping a pound here or there... so now I want to make it official and shoot for a simple 5 pounds. That's it - that's all. I notice that I seem to get stuck on this one particular weight and when I lose anything, I tend to gain right back to that set weight. So, I want to lose 5 pounds, and make that my new set weight that my body tends to gravitate to.
So, how did I do? Well I have definitely maintained pretty well. But I don't think I lost much. Oh well...
2. Um - something to do with my finances. So exact and precise, I know. My goal at this time is to really get some of those smaller debts paid off, so that I have a little bit of cash left to spend on myself.
I have now paid off all of my hospital bills and I've almost paid off my washer and dryer. Yay!! Still have more to accomplish in this area, but I feel good about it.
3. Reconnect with some of my friends that I've noticed I've become distant with. Of course, I have one in particular in mind. It has brought such a sadness to my heart to think I've lost one of my good friends. So this goal is a bit vague... mostly it's just about me needing to take action... of some sort. Sigh.
I really tried to reconnect with her. Each time, I would just drop by to visit, and we'd have a good talk. We even went to the movies once. But she would never try to call me or initiate anything after that. How did we get to this point after being inseperable for several years? So... it's now been a long time since I've tried anything. And she still hasn't either. I miss her so much, but I almost feel it's time to move on. Who knows what this next year will bring.
4. It is time to do some dating again. It's kind of been a while. I took a purposeful break from it all, because clearly my dating preferences had become a bit skewed. I needed to step back and reevaluate what I was really wanting and looking for. I seem to have this pattern of either over-doing it or not doing it at all. It's either feast or famine.
Well... I really kind of continued the no dating, evaluating my preferences, kind of pattern for most of the year. I haven't dated that much at all. But I have still felt that it has been healthy for me. I just recently "met" someone and am enjoying where it is going so far. We'll see where it goes from here.
So... there ya have it. I don't think I did too poorly, considering that I kind of forgot about these goals after writing them! LOL
Last year, I so boldly wrote some resolutions/goals into my blog, which made them set in stone for the world to see. Of course I figured that if I did that, I might actually do better at achieving them. Hmmm... let's look at how I did.
1. The usual - lose weight. I seem to be on a bit of a trend of dropping a pound here or there... so now I want to make it official and shoot for a simple 5 pounds. That's it - that's all. I notice that I seem to get stuck on this one particular weight and when I lose anything, I tend to gain right back to that set weight. So, I want to lose 5 pounds, and make that my new set weight that my body tends to gravitate to.
So, how did I do? Well I have definitely maintained pretty well. But I don't think I lost much. Oh well...
2. Um - something to do with my finances. So exact and precise, I know. My goal at this time is to really get some of those smaller debts paid off, so that I have a little bit of cash left to spend on myself.
I have now paid off all of my hospital bills and I've almost paid off my washer and dryer. Yay!! Still have more to accomplish in this area, but I feel good about it.
3. Reconnect with some of my friends that I've noticed I've become distant with. Of course, I have one in particular in mind. It has brought such a sadness to my heart to think I've lost one of my good friends. So this goal is a bit vague... mostly it's just about me needing to take action... of some sort. Sigh.
I really tried to reconnect with her. Each time, I would just drop by to visit, and we'd have a good talk. We even went to the movies once. But she would never try to call me or initiate anything after that. How did we get to this point after being inseperable for several years? So... it's now been a long time since I've tried anything. And she still hasn't either. I miss her so much, but I almost feel it's time to move on. Who knows what this next year will bring.
4. It is time to do some dating again. It's kind of been a while. I took a purposeful break from it all, because clearly my dating preferences had become a bit skewed. I needed to step back and reevaluate what I was really wanting and looking for. I seem to have this pattern of either over-doing it or not doing it at all. It's either feast or famine.
Well... I really kind of continued the no dating, evaluating my preferences, kind of pattern for most of the year. I haven't dated that much at all. But I have still felt that it has been healthy for me. I just recently "met" someone and am enjoying where it is going so far. We'll see where it goes from here.
So... there ya have it. I don't think I did too poorly, considering that I kind of forgot about these goals after writing them! LOL
Friday, July 31, 2009
Spiritual Energy
From 6/12/2007
I spent some quality time with my new Live Your Best Life book from Oprah Magazine last night. This time I picked an article titled "Spiritual Energy". The opening eye-catching phrase, which by the way worked, stated: "Have you ever been in the presence of something so lively, engaged, selfless, and utterly radiant, it's left you speechless?" The reason this one phrase caught my attention is that I love meeting someone who has such an effect on me. I love when I feel their soul speak to me, not just their voice and body.
This was pretty deep and heavy stuff for me at bedtime. I actually had to re-read certain paragraphs to ensure I was truly obtaining the meaning intended. But I do love the deep stuff... so once I started to really grasp the meaning of this entire article I was engrossed.
The author outlined four characteristics that are common to people with this spiritual energy:
#1-they have a palpable goodness that goes far beyond a "warm and fuzzy aura" and seems to arise from genuine integrity.
#2- they give an impression of selflessness-- a lack of concern with status, fame, and ego.
#3- their expansive, compassionate energy nurtures others.
#4- they have an amazing power of attentiveness. When in their presence you experience a feeling of being wholly acknowledged and embraced with open eyes.
What wonderful qualities to have! I'd like to say that I want to strive to be this kind of person. But I'm so far from it... it would take a lot of time and work. Yet that's not any reason to not try!
The article goes on further to explain that to obtain these qualities one must seek to be a better person by not focusing on yourself, but on others. And not dwell on the things in life that you don't have, but be grateful for the things that you are blessed with. And in return, you develop an energy within and about you that is capable of such a better connection with those in your presence.
If I could get anywhere near those traits, I would be amazed and grateful. It would be such a positive, life changing thing! Another goal too, would be to meet someone who has embraced all of these qualities and make them my next new hero!
I spent some quality time with my new Live Your Best Life book from Oprah Magazine last night. This time I picked an article titled "Spiritual Energy". The opening eye-catching phrase, which by the way worked, stated: "Have you ever been in the presence of something so lively, engaged, selfless, and utterly radiant, it's left you speechless?" The reason this one phrase caught my attention is that I love meeting someone who has such an effect on me. I love when I feel their soul speak to me, not just their voice and body.
This was pretty deep and heavy stuff for me at bedtime. I actually had to re-read certain paragraphs to ensure I was truly obtaining the meaning intended. But I do love the deep stuff... so once I started to really grasp the meaning of this entire article I was engrossed.
The author outlined four characteristics that are common to people with this spiritual energy:
#1-they have a palpable goodness that goes far beyond a "warm and fuzzy aura" and seems to arise from genuine integrity.
#2- they give an impression of selflessness-- a lack of concern with status, fame, and ego.
#3- their expansive, compassionate energy nurtures others.
#4- they have an amazing power of attentiveness. When in their presence you experience a feeling of being wholly acknowledged and embraced with open eyes.
What wonderful qualities to have! I'd like to say that I want to strive to be this kind of person. But I'm so far from it... it would take a lot of time and work. Yet that's not any reason to not try!
The article goes on further to explain that to obtain these qualities one must seek to be a better person by not focusing on yourself, but on others. And not dwell on the things in life that you don't have, but be grateful for the things that you are blessed with. And in return, you develop an energy within and about you that is capable of such a better connection with those in your presence.
If I could get anywhere near those traits, I would be amazed and grateful. It would be such a positive, life changing thing! Another goal too, would be to meet someone who has embraced all of these qualities and make them my next new hero!
The Quest for a Positive, Healthy, Lifestyle
From March 2007
Not too long ago, I hit a mental brick wall. I had had it with all the negativism all around me and especially within my own thoughts. I especially notice this attitude when at work. It's such a downer! Right around that time, I was able to watch an Oprah episode where they discussed how your thoughts really can determine how your life turns out. And within a day or so, I also received an email newsletter that had all these great tips for a happy Chinese New Year. With all these things happening within a few days of each other, I just knew it wasn't coiincidence. It was time for me to make a change. And man has it been hard. It's amazing how habitual my thinking processes are. Trying to think about what I'm striving for instead of what I don't want is the hardest. Maintaining that positive purposeful outlook and getting rid of the cynicism and sarcasm is tough as well. But as I tredge on, I created this daily to do list that I have posted on my mirror. Some of these things I've gotten quite good at doing each day... others not so much.
Daily “To Do” and Reminder Checklist:
Not too long ago, I hit a mental brick wall. I had had it with all the negativism all around me and especially within my own thoughts. I especially notice this attitude when at work. It's such a downer! Right around that time, I was able to watch an Oprah episode where they discussed how your thoughts really can determine how your life turns out. And within a day or so, I also received an email newsletter that had all these great tips for a happy Chinese New Year. With all these things happening within a few days of each other, I just knew it wasn't coiincidence. It was time for me to make a change. And man has it been hard. It's amazing how habitual my thinking processes are. Trying to think about what I'm striving for instead of what I don't want is the hardest. Maintaining that positive purposeful outlook and getting rid of the cynicism and sarcasm is tough as well. But as I tredge on, I created this daily to do list that I have posted on my mirror. Some of these things I've gotten quite good at doing each day... others not so much.
Daily “To Do” and Reminder Checklist:
To Do:
- First thing in the morning, complete the following statement: My purpose today, is to ______.
- Take a 10-30 minute walk. And while you walk smile. It’s the ultimate anti-depressant.
- Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes.
- Read something, anything. Pick something positive or that will increase my knowledge.
- Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They will provide me with daily fuel for my busy life.
- Eat more foods that grow on plants (as well as fish and animals) and eat less foods that are manufactured in plants. Especially consider organic foods, whole grains, green tea, salmon, broccoli, and almonds.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Clear clutter from my house, my car, my desk, and let new and flowing energy into my life.
- Try to make at least 3 people smile today.
- Say thank you often.
- Journal about one thing I'm grateful for.
- As the day ends, complete the following statement: Today I accomplished ______.
Reminders:
- Don’t waste precious energy on energy vampires such as gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts, or things I cannot change. Instead, invest my energy on things in the positive present moment.
- Realize that life is a school and I am here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons I learn will last a lifetime.
- I am the only one in charge of my happiness.
- What other poeple think of me is none of my business.
- My job won’t take care of me when I’m sick. My friends and family will. Keep in touch.
- I am too blessed to be stressed. Don’t take myself so seriously, no one else does.
- Don’t compare my life to others’. I have no idea what their journey is all about.
- Life isn’t fair, but it is still good.
- I deserve to have positive relationships that build me up and motivate me to become a better person.
Time to Set Some Resolutions... Before the New Year is Half Gone!
From January 2007
I stated in my last blog that I would be back soon to set some resolutions. And here it is half-way into January!! But anyway, here goes:
1. The usual - lose weight. lol Who doesn't set this as a resolution! But really, mine is quite simple. I seem to be on a bit of a trend of dropping a pound here or there... so now I want to make it official and shoot for a simple 5 pounds. That's it - that's all. However, the goal also has a catch. I also need to maintain that 5 pound loss. I notice that I seem to get stuck on this one particular weight (which I will not reveal to the entire cyber world), and when I lose anything, I tend to gain right back to that set weight. So, I want to lose 5 pounds, and make that my new set weight that my body tends to gravitate to. Wish me luck!
2. Um - something to do with my finances. So exact and precise, I know. But man, it sure seems like I have a lot of debt lately. A lot of it pretty legit, like hospital bills (from my surgery), a substantial house payment, school loan, etc. etc. So, my goal at this time is to really get some of those smaller ones paid off, so that I have a little bit of cash left to spend on myself.
3. Reconnect with some of my friends that I've noticed I've become distant with. Of course, I have one in particular in mind. I just don't know what to do about her! Her depression has spread to me I think -- I don't even know how to approach her anymore. It has brought such a sadness to my heart to think I've lost such a good friend. And yet I get quite angry too, because she won't take anyone's calls (not just mine) -- she won't return calls or attempt to contact any of her "old" friends. Yet, I kind of hesitate about just showing up at her house unannounced. I think I'm afraid of what I might find. Her whole household is just not in a "healthy" state. So this goal is a bit vague... mostly it's just about me needing to take action... of some sort. Sigh.
4. It is time to do some dating again. It's kind of been a while. I took a purposeful break from it all, because clearly my dating preferences had become a bit skewed. I needed to step back and reevaluate what I was really wanting and looking for. But now that I've done that, I notice I've become stuck in a very old, but familiar rut of not doing much socializing AT ALL. I seem to have this pattern of either over-doing it or not doing it at all. It's either feast or famine. (And when it's a feast - I make dumb decisions.) But really, I just miss having a bit of male influence... and attention in my life.
Alrighty, I believe 4 goals are good enough. I know that I really didn't write down specifics of how I plan to reach them. I'm not sure I even know yet. Needs more pondering. At least I've formulated what I even want to accomplish in the year, which is always a good thing.
I stated in my last blog that I would be back soon to set some resolutions. And here it is half-way into January!! But anyway, here goes:
1. The usual - lose weight. lol Who doesn't set this as a resolution! But really, mine is quite simple. I seem to be on a bit of a trend of dropping a pound here or there... so now I want to make it official and shoot for a simple 5 pounds. That's it - that's all. However, the goal also has a catch. I also need to maintain that 5 pound loss. I notice that I seem to get stuck on this one particular weight (which I will not reveal to the entire cyber world), and when I lose anything, I tend to gain right back to that set weight. So, I want to lose 5 pounds, and make that my new set weight that my body tends to gravitate to. Wish me luck!
2. Um - something to do with my finances. So exact and precise, I know. But man, it sure seems like I have a lot of debt lately. A lot of it pretty legit, like hospital bills (from my surgery), a substantial house payment, school loan, etc. etc. So, my goal at this time is to really get some of those smaller ones paid off, so that I have a little bit of cash left to spend on myself.
3. Reconnect with some of my friends that I've noticed I've become distant with. Of course, I have one in particular in mind. I just don't know what to do about her! Her depression has spread to me I think -- I don't even know how to approach her anymore. It has brought such a sadness to my heart to think I've lost such a good friend. And yet I get quite angry too, because she won't take anyone's calls (not just mine) -- she won't return calls or attempt to contact any of her "old" friends. Yet, I kind of hesitate about just showing up at her house unannounced. I think I'm afraid of what I might find. Her whole household is just not in a "healthy" state. So this goal is a bit vague... mostly it's just about me needing to take action... of some sort. Sigh.
4. It is time to do some dating again. It's kind of been a while. I took a purposeful break from it all, because clearly my dating preferences had become a bit skewed. I needed to step back and reevaluate what I was really wanting and looking for. But now that I've done that, I notice I've become stuck in a very old, but familiar rut of not doing much socializing AT ALL. I seem to have this pattern of either over-doing it or not doing it at all. It's either feast or famine. (And when it's a feast - I make dumb decisions.) But really, I just miss having a bit of male influence... and attention in my life.
Alrighty, I believe 4 goals are good enough. I know that I really didn't write down specifics of how I plan to reach them. I'm not sure I even know yet. Needs more pondering. At least I've formulated what I even want to accomplish in the year, which is always a good thing.
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