January: A Month in Review

Have you ever taken the time to sit back and reflect on the day or week you just had?

Today, I want to take a moment and reflect on January 2017 the first month of this mostly unwritten year.  I believe it is so important to take time to think and process the things that have passed to be able to figure out what worked and what didn't.  Where I struggled and where I saw victory.  Reflecting on my actions and decisions gives me the tools I need for the future.  I am not the same woman today I was on January 1st 2017  because thanks to taking the time to reflect I now know exactly how I want to proceed this month to make it a productive one.

Last month started with a bang for me.  I was determined, It was a new year and I had all these projects I wanted to conquer and the drive to achieve them but then life happened.  I have been struggling with some chronic health issues which has been tough. Last month I felt like I was grieving the person I used to be because everything had come to a head and I didn't realize that all of these projects/goals were taking a toll on my health and I wasn't able to juggle everything at the same time.  Not only did my goals for 2017 suffer but my home life and work life did too.  I had to take some time to have a big cry and get all of my frustration out of the way.  I do not accept defeat easily and I am so thankful for the support I had from my loved ones (especially my husband) in encouraging me to take time to sort things out to see where I was and how to move forward.

I was slowly letting things slide and that was super frustrating to me.  Every day when reviewing my planner there were so many things left undone and I was so discouraged. The last week of January I was able to start piecing things together and make progress.  I realized that my goals had become a burden instead of being something enjoyable. I was scrolling through the fitness page I am a part of and stumbled upon a recommendation for The Purposeful Home Podcast.  This series has only started and has already helped me so much. The girls that host the show give steps on how to achieve your goals with a purposeful mindset. That is exactly what I needed. It was a huge reset button for me in a good way. I realized it was okay to leave some things undone for the time being and how to rearrange my priorities to get the right things done. I am slowly learning how to live my life with purpose and how to do everything with purpose. They encouraged listeners to pick a phrase/word to define their year instead of setting resolutions. Something that transcends into all aspects of your life. This was a new concept, but it really got me thinking.

It was super easy for me to come up with my word/phrase because it seemed to have been popping up everywhere in my life this past year and at the start of 2017. I chose the word COMMITTED. Only because as much as I am a lists person and like to get things done when I say I will.  I also need to be able to give myself the appropriate amount of time and not be so hard on myself when things don't work out as planned.  My race now is very different than what it used to be and I have learned to accept that and am attempting to live within the season of life I am going through.

So if there is anyone sick of failing at their resolutions or the goals they have set. Take a moment to reevaluate how your approaching your goals and truly examine if that method works for you.  If it doesn't don't be afraid to branch out and look for other ways.  What's important is that you don't give up.  I sure wont!

Anyone that has made it this far and read the whole post, thank you.  I know it's a bit of a ramble but I truly hope this is able to impact a life and encourage you to pursue your dreams this year.

Thanks for stopping by.

Mia