I stopped writing down New Year's resolutions in college because I'm pretty resistant to change. However, I'm relearning how positive goal setting can be, whether I reach my goals or not. It's about a fresh perspective and a new intention.
My goals this year aren't as specific as lose twenty pounds (yes, that'd be nice) or remember to send cards on every friend's birthday (I forget to take out recycling every other week) as they are areas in my life that would benefit me and my loved ones if I focused on them more.
Gratitude: Switching out my longing for what I don't have with thankfulness with what I do.
Vulnerability: Finding that soft place to land within those friendships that are meant for it rather than pulling away when things get hard. Who is to say they aren't also moving through something hard and need me, too?
Communication: Being more intentional in responding to texts, committing to social engagements, inviting people over for casual get togethers, letting people know where things stand instead of waiting until it's all ready to share, not assuming people know things and actually talking about them. Why this is so hard for me, I'm not sure.
Paying Attention: I tell Sebastian and Ruby over and over to pay attention to what they are doing to help them avoid accidents, spills, injuries but so often my focus is split, too. Always working on setting aside my mental to do lists and fully listening and engaging with them.
I could easily keep finding things I'd like to change or improve upon and I am all for continually trying to improve one's self but I feel strongly that these four things will be plenty for now.
Have you been working on any goals for 2015?
-Rachel
Photo Credit: Sarah Rhodes of Arrow and Apple.
Love your goals, Rachel, and can definitely relate - especially to the communication related ones. All the very best of luck with them all!
Posted by: Emma | 01/30/2015 at 11:49 AM
Great goals and thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Chantel | 01/30/2015 at 12:22 PM
Oh those are beautiful goals, Rachel! I actually love how you've gone it, with such though, reflection and gentle attention. I can really relate, especially to the one about communication. Like honestly, everything you said there! why is it so hard? For me... hmm, I think it's half being distracted by my own mind and half just wanting everything to be beautiful and pleasant for everyone else and I not wanting to stir things up, unnecessarily... saying too many yeses, without really thinking about it, and making assumptions because sometimes they work out, and it's easiest to just assume they will, rather than possibly complicate things... but honestly, everytime I just bite the bullet and clarify, say what I'm thinking, make sure everybody's on the same page, keep others informed... it ends up being a huge weight off me! lol.
Listen, I just started a blog, and I think you might like it (I hope!), and yesterday I actually just posted part A to really sweet (I think! :) illustrated guide to goal-setting. It's not what you would expect - it's a lot more tender and reflective, as opposed to pump you up practical. I've been following you for a while and I'd love to know what you think! :)
xox
Elena
p.s. good luck with your goals, I think they are so good.
Posted by: Elena | 01/30/2015 at 01:21 PM
These are great, and so true for just about any modern momma! I can relate 100%! One of my main goals this year is learning to live with contentment, which really pulls in pieces of all the goals you listed. Good luck!
Posted by: Jordan Bouwers | 01/30/2015 at 01:23 PM
I'm going to write these down. Your goals are areas that I need to work on myself. I actually like this type of goal setting rather than the traditional type. My other area that we are working through is to pay our way out of a failed business and this year should be the last grind year for us. My brother is getting married in April in New Zealand so I'll have to my eyes on God for that one. I guess I need to add to my goals tgat I need to not stress over life- I have an anxiety issue - knowing it all works out anyway. I have written down those oils you use and will price them here in Australia since they do such a wonderful job for you. Thanks for your openness here. I feel a bit more normal now after reading your post so thank you from the bottom of my heart xo
Posted by: Denise Ross | 01/30/2015 at 01:26 PM
Gratitude and paying attention are in my resolution list too!! Thank you for your honesty!
Posted by: Tiffany B | 01/30/2015 at 06:02 PM
These are great goals. It took me so long to post mine that I gave up but your post encourages me to revisit them.
Posted by: Cathie | 01/30/2015 at 06:31 PM
This is a great list and one I can totally relate to x
Posted by: Jess @ Along Came Cherry | 01/31/2015 at 09:20 AM
Hi Rachel! This question has nothing to do with this post, but I'm a Swede who's been following your blog for about five years and it always inspires me. I'm now loosely planning a trip to Colorado this autumn, for about a month, to see the beautiful nature, hike, maybe catch a festival - just celebrate turning 30 and life. Is CO a safe place to travel as a single lady?
Keep doing what you're doing, maybe a CO travel guide for the enthusiastic newbie hiker? :)
/Ida
Posted by: Ida | 02/01/2015 at 12:26 AM
I have never liked New Year's resolutions, but I love your idea of focusing on areas of improvement rather than specific goals. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Erica Messervy | 02/03/2015 at 08:22 AM