HLS [WK13] - Checking In!

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This week in the HLS Challenge Deb has suggested we ‘check in’.  It’s time to review our goals from week six and ensure that we didn’t just put them on the book shelf never to be seen again.

I’ll admit I haven’t been opening reviewed these goals on a regular basis or anything, but they’re built in me, my desire to move forward in life and as a result, moving forward I have been.

So here is a snippet as to how I’m tracking with my 2012 Goals:

Career:  I have been thinking a whole lot about this lately.  I’ve thought about what I could do, what I could do that is realistically going to provide for my family.  I’ve thought a lot.

I have sent emails regarding courses and now need to really stop.  Stop and thoroughly read all the finer details, review the probability of work options, then decide if I want to move forward.

But I have definitely been ‘reviewing’ this.  It is a step forward.

Money: Our budget is not too healthy at the moment and the reality is I can tighten the belt.  I don’t have to have everything, my kids don’t need to do everything.  I talked about the fine line of wanting to provide a good life and teaching my children values.

I don’t feel it’s practical for me to have a ‘no spend month’.  Sometimes you just need to spend money, sometimes your kids need warmer uniforms, but sometimes you don’t need that new cardi, or that take out dinner.  I need to draw a line in the sand.  It’s a focus for April.

Health: If you read this blog you’ll know that this has been a major focus for me this year.  I’ve lost 8 kilos and I’m feeling fitter and healthier.  I can’t tell you the last time I ate chocolate and I have no desire to do so.

I am not a health junkie, there is still plenty of room for improvement.  I’m still focused on my running and mastering this, so whilst I stoked with my progression to date, this is a life long project.  But I probably don’t need to put so much mind space into it now, I can probably sit on auto pilot now that I’ve created good habits.

Family and Friends: I’ve been quite social this year.  In fact I’ve worked hard (not that hard is the right word) but created time for friends.  I probably need to find a balance now.  I’m not 21 and would not be able to maintain the level of socialising I’ve been doing.  Balance!  At least I know I can make time for friends, as well as spend quality time with my family, I just need to make sure I don’t burn myself out or anyone else in the family for that matter.

Relationships:  I already had a good relationship with my husband.  Tag team parenting does take it’s toll, along with tag team socialising.  We’ve made a decision to do stuff together occasionally and get a baby sitter.  No point living completely separate lives.

Personal Growth:  My own personal growth has been a little slower.  I know why this is, because, it always comes last.  I have started reading my first book for the year, but better get a move on, the pile to read is quite high.

I’m developing my blog further, attending the digital parents conference as we speak.

Now if only I could find the time to take photos.  (OK I hear you saying ‘What the, doesn’t she take like a billion photos already).  But I’m talking great photos, manual photos, photos where I’ve stopped and thought about what I’m doing.  I’ve accumulated a new flash and lens and haven’t even really had a chance to play with it.  My birthday was back in January, that’s a long time sitting on the shelf. 

But you know what, you can’t focus on everything all the time.  Focusing on a couple of things at a time is a good idea.  I’ve certainly made some progress and look forward to what the rest of the year holds.

I’m looking forward to taking some time to recoup in the school holidays, visit some very good friends locally and further afield and enjoy life, starting this weekend.

Cheers

Mandy