A New Outlook

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A New OutlookWhen a new year approaches, it is hard not to look back at the past year and reflect. What did I accomplish? What did I do with my time? I have to say that I feel like I wasted a lot of time that could have been used more wisely.

I need to be more intentional with what I do with my time and spending quality time with the people in my life.

As a working mom, I get pulled a lot into my job and focusing on work. Yes, I need to get my work done but there also needs to be balance. When I am at home, I just want to veg and zone out. Whether it is on social media or watching TV, I just want to do mindless tasks. Things that do not require me to do too much thinking.

Then there is the endless laundry that needs to get done. That’s the last thing I want to do!

Although these are things that can be good or even essential, they can also distract from spending quality with people in my life.

In order to accomplish anything, there need to be goals. I don’t want to call them new year’s resolutions because those are pretty much meant to be broken. Goals are something that you want to achieve AND set to accomplish. At least in my mind, the distinction between the two helps.

What do I want to accomplish? What do I want to do with my time?

  • Saying “yes” to things that matter and “no” to things that distract or just fill up time.
  • Being intentional with spending quality time with family. Use that time to have meaningful conversations and be there to listen to them.
  • Volunteer to help those in need. I want my daughter to not just hear me talk about helping others, but see it in action. Teaching her to love others and help those in need is so important. Teaching her to be others-focusedand not self-focused. Getting out to help others also helps me see beyond myself to do things for others.
  • Take time for me. Whether it is in the gym or just reading a good book, it just needs to be something that helps me recharge.

Now that I am a mother, I am watching my daughter grow all too quickly. Making each and every day count is so important. Making meaningful moments out of the daily grind will take being intentional. How do you want to spend 2016? What goals do you have that you want to accomplish?

 

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