With extra time to practice working on my goals, I have learned much. Now, I am panicking. Now, I really am into my year, my 365 days, of working toward a goal. I started out with specific goals. I have seen myself adjust them over time to something more real for me.
More simply put, during the next year I would like to:
1) Find Health and Strength for Me and my Family (Physically, Emotionally, and Spiritually).
2) Have a Love Affair and Long-Lasting Friendship with my EC (Eternal Companion).
3) Be Available for My Children through their Triumphs and their Trials.
Today is our 4th Anniversary. My goal is to reach the above challenges by our 5th Anniversary on January 2, 2012. The trick I've decided, is to have sub-goals that are not only reachable, but measurable. So far during my trial period I've learned that as a whole I've been able to look at my goals as a new way of being - a way of being that works better for me than ways I have been before.
As an example, just by calling my husband my EC, my outlook toward him has changed dramatically. Now I am open to being his friend and his confidant when before that whole idea was very intimidating to me. Imagine how just changing a word can make such a difference.
I made some very specific goals when I started this blog. I will be changing them. They aren't what I am really looking for to reach the outcome I really want. I love Elizabeth Gilbert's desire to experience life, to experience all the world has to give. She ate, she prayed, and she loved. I desire that as well.
I simply can't afford to go around the world to learn these lessons, but Elizabeth has inspired me to find a way to see what it is that I want out of life. Some areas of my life already work fairly well. I love my children as an example, but I would like to see them more and/or find ways to support them better through their triumphs and their trials. Many of my children are grown, and I have been informed by some of them that they are glad I am nearby. Still with some teens at home, I definitely want to be available for them as well.
It will take me a little time to find out how to "measure" a goal and to find goals that are realistic for me. My earlier goals had a good look to them, but they need some serious tweeking.
I am excited about my new direction. I have one year to go... for real now, no more dreaming. Wish me luck.
364 days to go.
Great post, Lauri!! You've inspired me. :)
ReplyDelete