Because I never post in January, and I like to see where I am towards the end of spring. Reflection is nice because it helps me realize what actually happened this year and my brain doesn't get to tell me that nothing special or important has happened yet. I may not have been able to complete everything I wanted, but there is time.
I also don't subscribe to pushing yourself. Sometimes the plan is there but you don't actually want to do it until a different season. I surprisingly do most of my reading from January to April, so if I trickled off a little while the weather is warm, that's okay, I dive back in in the fall.
My word for the year was bold and I also try to align my goals and actions to what that definition means to me. Anyway, let's generally break down some of my goals!
read and provide feedback for two books in progress
finish writing my second novel
make time for creative, physical projects (painting, puzzle, scrapbook, etc.)
read 36 books
focus on decluttering and organization
limit spending
stay physical
share writing more
As you can see, I did not make S.M.A.R.T. goals here but gave you the general outline of what I was aiming for. And of course, I didn't share everything I plan to do this year, otherwise, this list would be longer and I'd have to share what I didn't do at the end of the year. Anyway, I want to break down my highlights and achievements by month to help show what a good year it has been so far.
January
Family vacation in Florida (No sunburn! Saw manatees).
1 bag of clothes to donate
Shared poetry with friends
Shared first unpublished novel with someone not close to me
Read 3 books
February
Opened a high-yield savings account
1 more bag of clothes to donate
Read 4 books
Won money at work
First book club meeting with friends
Bridesmaid dress shopping
12 year anniversary
March
Read 3 books
Another bag of clothes to donate (3 total!)
1 bin of stuff to donate
Concert - Wonder Years and Hot Mulligan
Concert - This Good Robot
April
Concert - Aaron West and the Roaring Twenties
Got a raise
Funny Farm to feed goats
Read 5 books
Second book club meeting
May
Concerts - Taylor Swift (... twice)
Read 3 books
Bridal party duties
Big social month
Just an overview of staying physical. I picked up yoga and do that either once or twice a week. I also have been going on walks. I sit mostly all day, and exercise makes me hungry. I have gained 6 pounds since last July and have kept it on. My plan is at least 5 more before the end of this year. 10 would be ideal, but let's not push it.
I have already done so much in just 6 months. My favorite part of planning is the review. I do find disappointment occasionally, however, I find the reflection really helps me see that I am accomplishing things, and I am spending my time the way I want. I have a few bold moves personally that I may share another time. Would anyone be interested in a monthly reflection?
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