Hi friends! We’re almost one week into 2021 and I’m finally ready to push “publish” on my goals post. There has been so much written in the last week about the good and bad of having goals for this year after all of the curveballs 2020 threw our way. I was really leaning towards not having a list, but truth be told–my goals last year gave me some purpose on those days when there was so much nothing going on. So with this in mind, coming up with some things to work on in 2021 seemed like a good idea for me. But I’m keeping it simple this year–setting my intention on fewer things and really going for them.
This year, the word I’ve picked to focus on is “contentment.” When I meet someone who is really content with his or her life, I’m always so in awe. They’re really happy with what they have and don’t seem to want for more. I’m horribly guilty of looking beyond what is right in front of me and wondering if it could be better. When I do this, it’s easy to miss how good things really are. Now, that’s not to say I don’t have lots of things I could improve about myself, but I’m going to try and do it with an understanding that sometimes how things are is good enough.
So here goes nothing, my 10 Goals for 2021.
- Be kind, especially when it’s hard.
- Set aside a little time for each member of my family every day.
- Be open to new things, but feel free to say no when it makes sense.
- Make service a bigger part of our family mission.
- Read or listen to one book a week.
- Close the rings on my watch every day.
- Catch up with a friend at least once a week.
- Monetize my blog.
- Avoid comparing myself to others.
- Practice real gratitude.
Okay, there it is, my list for 2021…just 10 goals. You’ll notice a few practical items, as well as some overarching themes that I hope will at least point me in the right direction of the path to contentment, and ultimately–joy.
You won’t believe this, but just as I was about to share this post, my Mom sent a prayer she found from my Nana (her mother). It was written in my Nana’s perfect handwriting. I’m sharing it here because it’s as if she was watching me make my list and then sent me the perfect prayer to go with it.
“Lord, let me take each day as coming from you. To give it back to you, with your will complete. Touch my heart with your compassion for others. Touch my heart with your courage and infinite love for all. Teach me to reach out to you in my need, and help me lead others to you by example. Most loving Jesus, bring me health in my body and spirit so that I may serve you with all my strength. Touch gently this life, which you have created. Let me never be discouraged or feel sorry for myself because you stand beside me every day.”
I think Nana, from Heaven, summed up my hopes for 2021 perfectly. Now, I’m going to print this off, tape it into my planner, and not let another minute of this year go to waste.
Cheers to 2021! It’s our year to have a great year!
xo,
