Reality Check {goals}

Three months ago I made a list of my goals for this 2014. I managed to squeeze out 10 ideas about things I’d like to do or work on, and I figured since we’re already a quarter of the way through the year, now is a good time to see how that plan is panning out.

Just to recap, here’s my list:
(see the full explanation for everything here)

1. Breathe in peace, breathe out love.
2. Live in the moment
3. No work on the weekends
4. Have more “me” time
5. Get out of my comfort zone and write
6. Quiet time
7. Read more
8. Get healthier
9. Let go of the past
10. Share the online love

Let’s get down to the nitty gritty now, shall we?

1. Breathe in peace, breathe out love.
Honestly, I did really great with this for a couple months, but I’ve forgotten about it lately. I’m actually happy I’m looking at these goals again, because it’s a good reminder to…you know…breathe in the peace and breathe out the love. This world needs so, so much more love.

2. Live in the moment.
For the most part, I’m leaving my phone away from the dinner table. Actually, speaking of the dinner table, we eat dinner there every night and I love it! I’ve also almost stopped checking my email on my phone when I’m stopped at red lights. It shouldn’t be such a big deal, but it is. I hate that I have to try so hard to not be on my phone; I have a feeling this will always be a work in progress.

3. No work on weekends.
This was a big, giant flop. First of all, I started a weekly series that goes up every Sunday. It’s really easy to put together, but I do technically “work” on Sunday mornings for about 10 minutes. I also sneak away some Saturday mornings/afternoons so I can get some writing done. I’m taking total advantage of my husband being home while I still can.

4. Have more “me” time.
I’m in the middle of working on this one. Take right now, for example. My husband actually came home early for the day, so I took off and went to a coffee shop. Coffee shops make me happy and I wish there were more (local ones) in town. I also finally signed up for Sittercity*, so I’m on my way to find a babysitter. Ideally I’d like to have someone watch the munchkin a couple/few days a week in the mornings so I can focus on writing more. I also joined a gym, but more on that in just a bit. *Get 30% off a three-month membership to Sittercity with the code SPRING30

5. Get out of my comfort zone and write.
I’m hoping I’ll find a sitter and be able to start carving out some definite “work time” for me. I’m even open to just working at home, but having someone watch Julia will be a huge help. I definitely want to carve out some set “office hours” for myself, and I don’t want to agree to any work yet until that happens. There are some potential job prospects, though, so that’s encouraging me to make something happen.

6. Quiet time.
I mentioned this last week, so you can see what I had to say about it here. I’m going to focus on quiet time for the rest of the month.

7. Read more.
YES!!! I’ve been reading more! I think I’ve read four or five books, since the beginning of the year, which makes me really happy. I just finished one last week, actually (The Rosie Project, in case you’re wondering). I’ve been reading when I’m at the gym on the treadmill! I forgot how much I missed reading. I’m now a few chapters into The Monuments Men and I think I like it so far? It’s still a little too early to tell.

8. Get healthier.
Yes to this, too! I went to Target and bought new sports bras that fit, then bought some $2 obnoxiously bright tank tops from Old Navy, and I joined a gym! I found one sort of near me that has child care and classes that work with my schedule. I’m a huge fan of Zumba, so I’ve been attending those classes, and on the days that there isn’t Zumba, I walk on the treadmill or do the elliptical. I love the fact that Julia can play and have social interaction and I can get my workout on. It’s a win/win situation; I’m so happy I joined! Paleo is still going strong. It’s tough when family is in town (I totally cheat), but we’re back at it now that it’s just the three of us again. 

9. Let go of the past.
I actually feel better about things now. Again, not ready to go into details, but the pain is subsiding and I’m not feeling as hurt. There have been a couple of outreaches from both sides, and that’s helping. I’m also working hard at making more friends and getting together with people here in town. I’m looking forward to seeing how this particular goal evolves throughout the year.

10. Share the (online) love.
Still trucking along and reading and commenting on posts. I actually really like sponsoring blogs and having other bloggers advertise on here, because it allows me to really get to know a handful of bloggers a little more personally, and I’m happy that after the month is over, I still stay in touch with the majority of them. I think that’s helping build the blogging community.

Now that I’ve gone into detail about all of my goals, I’m feeling really good about the way things are shaping up for this year. I know the things I need to work on and where I need to keep doing what I’m doing. I probably would have totally forgotten about some of these if I didn’t do this recap.

What about you, are you keeping up with your new year resolutions/goals? Have any tips for me? I’m all ears!