I set six goals for 2016. They weren’t resolutions or hard and fast determinations, they were simply goals.
I’m writing this on the final morning of 2016 sitting in my nearly dark living room in front of the Christmas tree. As much as I love it, the tree is coming down today; I need to start the new year with Christmas packed away and a fresh start.
This is the perfect time to reflect on my goals – how did I do?
[p.s. Don’t miss the wonderful giveaway at the end of the post!]
These goals were not set out of sheer determination or a desperate need to change. I wanted more joy and set them with that in mind.
My 2016 Goals
1. Read the Bible in a year. | I completed it this morning! I was on course until October when I got completely out of my routine. It was a struggle to catch up, especially when I got bogged down in Ezekiel, but I made a plan and did it. I nearly cried this morning when I finished. You hefty Bible readers will not see this as significant, but I’ve had a hard time sticking with this goal in the past. The free She Reads Truth app gave me the structure to be successful.
2. Healthy and happy weight. | I didn’t set a number, I only wanted to be healthier and happier. It’s very vulnerable to write about weight and body issues, so I never do; I have a lifelong struggle between self-acceptance and self-discipline. For some real wisdom on this topic, please read Anne Lamott’s recent facebook post. I was going to keep this goal on my list for 2017 but decided to broaden it to be more generally health focused as I continue to learn more about what makes my body feel strong, gives me good energy, and allows me to sleep well. [note: I also never write about weight because it’s not my main purpose here and I don’t want to distract or discourage anyone. I want to bless and encourage. Read Anne Lamott – she has so much good to say.]
3. Complete my book. | My book is as complete as it can be at this point – editing and small tasks remain, but I believe it will be published in 2017, and I cannot wait to tell you more about it. I had a couple of important meetings in December and another coming up in January. Things are looking good, so although it is not completed, I’m satisfied with my progress on this goal. It stays on my list for 2017.
4. Reestablish regular exercise in my life. | I was a runner (a very slow runner) for thirty years – starting and stopping and starting again through seven pregnancies, multiple autoimmune crises, surgeries, and many challenges. Then I got shingles and after a long recovery, I didn’t start running again; I lost my routine completely. Two years ago we had the accident and I was thankful just to be walking. I am very grateful to say, with the encouragement of Russ and my FitBit (last year’s Christmas gift from our kids), I’m outside most days getting 10,000 steps. With the current snow and ice, the treadmill and Netflix are my companions.
5. Prayerfully plan further education, pursuing a career, or developing writing as my profession. | I chose writing. I made some false starts, like trying a team blog, which didn’t work out. Now I have decisions to make about staying where I am as Thankful Moms or going back to One Thankful Mom, which is who I was as a blogger, for so many years. In 2017 I’ll develop my writing even further, with the first book (started so long ago), the Giving Voice to Siblings book (which is on my mind and heart!) and possibly some ebooks and other resources.
6. Declutter the garage.| I got this 75% completed and was feeling pretty good. I had visions of my car parked in the garage for the first time ever. Then one of our big kids moved and some furniture was stored in the garage. We started a home project and Russ needed to haul supplies in our big van, so three (big, heavy) van seats and more equipment were put in the garage. Before I knew it, all of my work was lost.
It grew more complicated when Samuel moved to Portland and his apartment full of furniture was temporarily put in the garage, then Russ’ parents’ property was sold and more things were added to the garage.
Of all of my goals, this one was a complete failure, and also the one I have the least control over. This time, when I declutter it again, I’m parking my car in it immediately and giving away/selling excess furniture. Clutter is toxic and brings me to tears. This goal stays on the list for 2017.
So, how did I do?
It’s tempting to say I didn’t do very well, but if I were speaking kindly to myself, as I would to a friend, I would look at the positives.
I accomplished the most important goal of all, which was more of God’s Word in my life. I needed that more than anything else.
I made positive changes for my health, which becomes even more important as we age. Most (almost) 53-year-old women don’t have elementary age children and have more time to focus on themselves. Some of our friends are actually empty-nesters – I can’t even imagine. They aren’t cooking dinner for six kids and don’t have teen daughters baking cookies on a regular basis. God had a different plan for my life, so I need to give this more thought and planning as I move into a critical time of caring for my health. With exercise once again part of my routine, I feel much stronger and healthier than I did last year January when I was one-year post-accident.
While my book is not yet published, I completed all I could while other details fell into place. I have every reason to hope it will be published in 2017.
I made the decision to continue writing rather than pursue a different career path. While some of my attempts didn’t work out, I took a chance and tried something new, which took courage and I learned a lot in the process.
Lastly, my grand decluttering attempt failed, but I refuse to accept defeat. Clutter affects my mental health – seriously. I have to keep trying.
Today we’ll take down the tree, pack away the decorations, and clean the house.
Tomorrow will be a new year with new hopes, dreams, and goals.
This weekend I’ll begin writing my goals in the moleskin journal I use for important lists, quotes, sermon notes, thoughts, counseling notes, books I’ve read, and everything else important.
I’ll share my goals, at least the ones I figure out, with you in my next post.
I can’t wait to start my Line a Day Journal ,which just arrived yesterday (hint: it’s one of my goals), and I have some special news for you! I accidentally ordered two for Claire, so I have one extra journal to give away!
[EDIT: 1-4-17 The give-away is CLOSED. The winner is Krista! Thank you, friends!]
You have two chances to win a Line a Day Journal.
1 | Subscribe to my friends-letter, a short, somewhat more personal note I send to your inbox most weekends.
2 | Share the giveaway by sharing this post on Facebook, Twitter or some other social media site.
Leave a comment on this post (not Facebook – it’s difficult to keep track of entries in multiple places) telling me how you are entering. If you subscribed and shared, leave two separate comments.
I’ll announce the winner Wednesday morning and pop it in the mail that day so you can get started right away. My most sincere apologies, but I can only mail this to a winner in the U.S.
Happy New Year, friend, I look forward to sharing 2017 with you.
Lisa
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January 2, 2017
I love your blog. I’ve been reading it for years. This is my first time commenting.
January 2, 2017
The Anne Lamont link didn’t seem to work. Thanks for sharing!
January 2, 2017
Thank you Alyssa! I think I just fixed it. I occurs to me, though, that readers may have to follow her on FB to read it – I’m not sure. Will you let me know if this works for you?
January 2, 2017
Thanks- that worked. I haven’t followed her on FB and it showed up so she must have a public page.
January 2, 2017
Great! Thanks for letting me know. Yes, her page is public, so that’s perfect.
January 2, 2017
I had something like that in the 70s – ha ha. It looks really fun and I look forward to your friends letter, too! (signed up).
January 2, 2017
I subscribed!!
January 2, 2017
I’ve shared the post on Facebook 🙂
January 2, 2017
I’ve subscribed to the letter 🙂
January 2, 2017
I subscribed!
January 2, 2017
Hi Lisa, I shared your post on Facebook, and I already subscribe to your newsletter. Happy New Year!
Lisa
January 2, 2017
My goal for 2016 read 10 books and I finished 4. I’m in the middle of two. I’ve apparently not been reading well, but I enjoyed the challenge and I’m aware of my reading interest. This year I plan to read 10 books. I can do it! I can do it!
January 2, 2017
Subscribed and shared.
January 2, 2017
I had ONE goal and that was to take a day off work each month (I’m an inner-city, middle school teacher) for self-care. It couldn’t be on the weekends because I wanted a true day off…kids were in school, boyfriend at work, no one needing me but ME! This was VERY hard for me because in my 32 years of life I NEVER missed work; HOWEVER, I’m proud to say I kept my commitment to myself! I’m going to continue this practice into 2017!! Yay for self-care!
January 2, 2017
Oh and I subscribed and I’m sharing!!
January 2, 2017
I subscribed to your friends letter.
January 2, 2017
I just shared.
January 2, 2017
I’m subscribing once the link lets me.
January 2, 2017
I signed up for the newsletter thing. See you later this week.
January 2, 2017
I entered by signing up for the Friends newsletter.
Love the idea of being supportive of yourself in evaluating your accomplishments the way you would be with a friend. It sounds like you made some amazing progress in 2016.
2016 was the first year I can remember where I didn’t make any resolutions. I achieved everything I didn’t set out to achieve. 😉
I”starting 2017 with a bit more focus though. Having a ‘free’ year was nice, but I have specific things I’d like to focus on accomplishing this year.
January 2, 2017
For some reason I didn’t realize you had an email newsletter. I just subscribed. Your blog has encouraged and challenged me many times, although we are in different life stages (I have a toddler and a baby due next month!) Thank you for consistently sharing truth!
January 2, 2017
You are very encouraging to me in my struggles.
2016 has been a roller coaster year for me. Looking forward to more clarity and a closer walk with my Lord…footprints in the sand have been more real than ever before.
Thank you for your faithfulness and transparency..
January 2, 2017
Subscribed and shared 🙂
January 2, 2017
Dear Lisa – I am so proud of you for even setting goals and then for how much you accomplished, especially along with everything else I know you did last year, and especially while healing and grieving and still parenting adult children and young children AND teen children. I have always been impressed by your resilience and fortitude. The blog shift was huge, and finishing a book? Also such a great accomplishment and you also read the Bible – the whole bible???? And you managed to start exercising again??? Oh and you emptied out your garage so that it could be a safe haven for so many useful and treasured items… sounds pretty successful to me. I think I will take your lead and write a few things down for 2017. You don’t need to include me in the give away- for me that book might feel like a burden. 🙂 It’s such a great idea and when you posted it a few weeks ago – I did buy some other similar journals for my mom and my daughters – they were excited to receive them! But for me and my daily tasks of my full time job (lots of writing) and the class I am taking (more writing) – it may not feel like joy for me. But I know someone will love it! Great idea! I love you – Em
January 2, 2017
As a 55 year old mom of elementary age as well as grown children I can identify. My goal to become more healthy through exercise was successful and is a continued goal for 2017
January 2, 2017
I too am focusing on the new year. My motto, introduced to my from my mentor, is “Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly.” The idea is I need to keep learning and growing. Initially I won’t do new things well. As I master them, I can do something else poorly. This process is also good for humility, and giving myself grace . I love you Lisa. I love your posts. Our situations are different but our hearts are connected. This year I too am working on completing a writing project.
January 2, 2017
I’m sharing your post. I want to write but keep stalling out. A one-liner sounds like a wonderful place for me right now.
January 2, 2017
Signed up for the newsletter! For what it’s worth, I love your writing voice with One Thankful Mom and find your blog incredibly thought-provoking, encouraging and moving. Keep going because this young mom needs it!
January 2, 2017
Signed up. Thanks for your honest, heartfelt posts. I always love it when I see your blog pop up in my “new blog post” feed.
January 2, 2017
Shared on FB too. 🙂
January 2, 2017
The garage was in no way a fail. If you had not done what you did prior…none of the other stuff would fit in😉
Im subscribing and sharing….
January 2, 2017
Debi, you made me laugh out loud!
January 2, 2017
Subscribed! I’ve loved following your journey. It has given me more empathy and compassion for my friends who are on the adoption journey.
January 2, 2017
I subscribed!
January 2, 2017
I subscribed!
January 2, 2017
I shared!
January 2, 2017
Lisa my goal was to purchase and complete the advent! We did it! I made a tree out of green crate paper on a piece of cardboard with a yellow crate paper star. My kids made snow flakes to put around it! each night someone would read while someone else colored the ornament. It was not perfect but perfect for us!! we had to double up a few times because of late night basketball games and being out of town. We did it though! I loved the advent- all my kids could relate and its simple messages were perfect! I wish I could find one for everyday! Thank you for posting every year about this wonderful book, I am so thankful we were finally able to purchase it!
January 2, 2017
That makes my heart so happy, Christine. I’m glad your family enjoyed it!
January 2, 2017
I love the idea if a line a day journal! I subscribed to your newsletter 🙂
January 2, 2017
I also shared your fb post!
January 2, 2017
I subscribed.
January 2, 2017
I Subscribed!
January 2, 2017
I Shared!
January 2, 2017
I subscribed, and I really enjoyed both this and the dieting words. Thank you.
January 2, 2017
Will be sharing this post! Also one goal I have for the new year is to read my bible daily as well. Not sure I will do the Bible in a year tho, I have in the past and it’s really hard, so good for you for making it happen. I need to get back to journaling so much to keep track of esp answered prayers.
January 2, 2017
Shared on Facebook!
January 2, 2017
I am a subscriber! Love your encouragement in your newsletter and the blog 🙂
January 2, 2017
I both subscribed and shared on Facebook. And while I’m not surprised you love Anne Lamott, I’m so glad that you do. She speaks so. Much. Truth. And makes me laugh out loud.
Blessings in this new year!
January 2, 2017
I subscribed! How did I miss the newsletter until now?!
January 2, 2017
Sounds like a great year of personal accomplishment to me! I am thinking about checking out the Bible reading app you used. I have never completed the whole plan, even when I have set out to. I think it would be a great goal for my year. Sharing and subscribing. Love you!
January 2, 2017
I shared your post on FB! Thanks for faithfully blogging!
January 2, 2017
I signed up for your newsletter. 😀
January 2, 2017
I subscribed! Love following you. 🙂
January 3, 2017
I subscribed to the newsletter a few weeks ago, but I shared this post on FB!
January 3, 2017
Journaling scares the snot out of me, but you inspire me, Lisa. I, too, read through the Bible in 2016 thanks to your inspiration. I might just do it!
January 4, 2017
Shared
February 6, 2017
Can’t wait to read your book…really need that book!!!
February 7, 2017
Thanks. I’m very eager to get it done, and get the sibling book done too!