For the past few weeks I have been struck by the power of mindfulness. I have worked at being INTENTIONAL about my goals, even the ones I DON'T want to work on or I struggle with prioritizing!
Every day I am doing so many things that I want to do and find joy in doing. What I have added to that list is doing at least two things EACH day that I DON'T want to do. Many of these are on-going concerns and issues.
So...today's Thursday Thirteen List is made up of areas where I commit to being mindful and intentional. I am making progress in each area,and I will continue to make progress:
1) As a college teacher I see 90 students each day and have countless papers to grade. So far this quarter,I have returned EVERY assignment the day after it was turned in. I have also included detailed comments on each one to let the students know I read what they wrote. While this is exhausting on one hand, not having a "pile" of ungraded papers relieves my mind of stress. Also, seeing the joy in students' eyes as they get papers back promptly motivates me to continue with this practice. I'll continue being mindful and doing this all quarter long!
2) I am eating oatmeal every morning. Yuk! I have heard all my life that a "good" breakfast is so important. I have read that oatmeal helps to lower cholesterol. So I will continue to eat oatmeal whether I like it or not!
3) I have been walking 10 blocks three times a week. I have also been getting to school early to walk. And then I fell. I am getting back on the horse and walking again!
4) I hate to bill my consulting clients. I wish I could just give my services without charging them, but that isn't practical or possible. I will take a day in the first week of each month to do my billing so it isn't hanging over my head. So far so good for 2007!
5) Can I state the obvious...I need to lose weight and KEEP it off. I need to schedule going to Weight Watchers just like I schedule going to physical therapy for 4 hours each week. While I have lost 13 lbs and kept it off...I have LOTS to go! So,
now, in my 60th year, it is the time to MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!!!
6) I am deep cleaning one room each weekend! I feel happy and relieved to be doing this! So far...both sun rooms and the living room!
7) I can NEVER have enough time and contact with my fabulous grandchildren! I love seeing the ones who live in Spokane and feel a deep missing with those who live out of town. I just got postcards to send my out of town grandkids, and I will email to keep in touch.
8) I will take a nap whenever I can, and I WON'T feel guilty about doing so!
9) I will be intentional about growing my faith in new and exciting ways!! I am getting up earlier for prayer time, reading the Bible, and getting to church on Sunday!!
10) "Worry isn't prayer!" I hear that regularly from Amy! I inherited my Mom's worry gene and find as I get older that I worry more. I will "let go and let God!" It's time, when things come up that I am concerned about, to turn them over to the Lord!
11) I want to appreciate EVERY minute that I have with my sweetheart, Bert! I want to say and do things so he will know that I adore him!
12) I want to clean my car so Emma and Jacob don't have to say.."Nana, this is a MESS!!!" By the end of next weekend it will be spotless!
13) I want to celebrate EVERY blessing in my life! I want to be aware of all the little things that are gifts from God! I want to be GRATEFUL and not take anything for granted!
Onward and upward on these goals! May you feel blessed as you do some of those things you DON'T want to do too! God Bless! Love, Linda
3 comments:
The fact that you have and work towards goals is inspiring to me, Mom. You have always been a role model about working to be your best self... and teaching me that you never "arrive" - there is no finish line. I love you and am proud of you. Let me know how I can support you.
These are all managable goals. I'm glad that you can sift through and pick goals that are true to your heart. I'm proud of you!
And yet another confirmation to my intuition to call you "my adopted mom"..........
I absolutely love your comment of being more intentional, I want to be that.........
Matter of fact if I look down your list of Thursday Thirteen and I look at the desires of my heart, I want all 13 things that you listed for my life as well..........
Maybe a few of them don't exactly apply at this time....
1) like I don't have 90 students and I don't have grandchildren, but if I did, I would want to give them the same thing you do......
2) And I am with you on the breakfast and Oatmeal, not that it gags me, just not something I usually crave.....
3)I think we all could be either more consistant or put forth a better effort in the area of exercise...........
4) I hate to do my insurance billing and monthly corporate invoices..........
5) I hope to get a bit leaner before my big race, less to drag for 140.6 miles............
6) I hate deep cleaning and am not inspired about house cleaning in general, what a Fabulous idea on the deep cleaning, I am starting with my first room this week, thank you...........
7) I don't have grandchildren, but have children who do not live in Spokane, thinking of additional ways to stay connected is a fun idea...........
8) Can't read my note? Ha!
9) Being creative about ways to nurture my Faith is the answer since my brian avoids routine.....
10) Worry is something that I have inherited from my dads side of the family..........
11) It is always on my mind to show Kevin more ways of how important he is in my life......
12) My car is always messy, and even I don't like it.........
13) I am always practicing and reminding myself to be grateful for the blessings in my life, now I will ponder how to celebrate them as well.........
Great Post
Post a Comment