Blessings, Goals and My Theme for 2022

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!  

MAY THE YEAR 2022 BRING MANY GOOD THINGS TO EACH OF US! 

It is so important to look for the good in life and be grateful for the blessing that come each day.  As I look back over the past year, these are some of the good things that 2021 has brought us (in no particular order):

Health. Our immediate family has managed to stay Covid free.  I did lose an aunt to Covid last January, but other family members are OK, so for the most part, we survived Covid Year 2. We did not have any other major health problems or issues last year either. Praise God!

Vaccines and boosters.  I am grateful that the vaccine and other precautions like masking up have helped us stay safe and healthy. 

Travel.  We were able to do a lot of traveling in 2021.  We made nine trips to various places and each trip was good in its own way.  I am grateful for the ability to travel and make good memories, and get the life experiences and perspective that only travel can offer. 

Education.  Josh has almost finished up his Associate's degree at Ensign College.  His grades are good and he has learned a lot.  He has applied to a four year college to finish a Bachelor's degree.  I have been able to complete FREE (and low cost) college classes online to move toward a salary level increase.

Having enough.  After many years of hardship and struggle early in our marriage, it finally feels like we have "enough."  We are not rich, but we have not had to really worry about paying the bills and making it to the end of the month.  Our income properties have stayed rented to good tenants and have increased in value.  One of  our homes has literally more than doubled in value since we purchased it in 2016.  We are grateful that we have everything we need. 

Family.  We continue to work to reconnect and to have good relationships with all of our children and grandchildren.  We feel that we are moving closer to this, and pray that God will continue to heal hearts and minds and help us all to forgive, reconcile and move forward.  Although our oldest daughter's divorce was hard to hear about, we honestly feel that the marriage was unhealthy for many reasons, and the divorce will end up being a blessing in the long run.  We will continue to pray and reach out to all of our children and grandchildren, and let them know that we love and care about them.  I have also been blessed by renewed connections with other family members, namely my sisters, birth mom and cousins. Those relationships have blessed and continue to bless my life. 

Friends.  I am grateful for the many friends that I have and I am working on reconnecting with friends who I didn't see much during Covid.  I am also grateful for blogging friends who enrich my life in many ways. The bloggers in my blogging community are some of the nicest people ever.  😀

I think that good goals are important in life.  Here is a review of my 2021 goals and a look at how I did with each goal. 

• Read the scriptures every day.  I would say that I read scriptures 75% - 85% of the days in 2021
• Complete the 2021 Come Follow Me Scripture Study. I accomplished this. 
• Index at least 500 records. I accomplished this goal and indexed over 1250 records in 2021. 
• Reach out in a positive way to a family member who does not live with me every week.  This can be different family members, including siblings, cousins, aunts, children and grandchildren.   This can including calling, texting, emailing, or sending a card, gift or letter. I have done this probably 50%  - 60% (estimate) of the weeks this year.  
• Continue to post on my blog at once every week. Yes, I did this - 100%.
• Reach out to a friend (other than work associates) once a week - call, text, email, card or letter. I have done this 75% or more of the weeks this year. 
• Eat healthy - fruits and vegetables with every meal. Limit sugar. I am doing pretty well at this.  
• Continue to count calories - strive for 1500 or less. I am doing well at this and have lost a few pound recently. 
• Exercise every day. I estimate that I exercised 85% - 90% or more of days this past year. 
• Limit time on social media - FaceBook and Twitter to 15 minutes a day.  I have done well with this and have given up scrolling FaceBook, although I do occasionally post. I scoll Instagram 3-5 times per week for 5 minutes or less. 
• Read at least 30 books this year - 15 of those books from personal existing "to read" book stash.  Aim for 30-60 minutes of reading time each day. I read 63 books this year.  I need to do better at reading books from  my "to read" stash.  I did make better use of the library in 2021.  I would estimate that I read 20-30 minutes 85% - 90% of the days this past year. 
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For 2022, I am going to make my goals a little differently than I have in the past, focusing on four areas. 

• Spiritual
• Social
• Intellectual
• Physical

I have made 3-4 goals in each area. These goals are S.M.A.R.T. goals - the kind I teach my students to make.  S.M.A.R.T. goals are:

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Relevant

Time Based

Here are my 2022 goals:

• Spiritual 

1. Read/Study The Bible daily - 80% of the days in the year. That means that I will read/study my scriptures 292 days next year. That comes to basically six days a week, or 25 days each month. 
2. Make a daily gratitude list 80% of the days in the year.
3. Read six relevant, faith-based, books in the 2022.

• Social

1. Meet up with a friend of group of friends, for lunch, breakfast or dinner once a month. 
2. Continue participation in at least one book group.
3. Reach out to at least one family member (who doesn't live with me) or friend (blogging friends included but contact must be more than a blog comment) once a week, via text, email, snail mail (gift, card or letter) or phone call.
4. Perform one act of service or kindness each day, 80% or 6 out of 7 days a week.

• Intellectual

1. Read at least 35 books during 2022.
2. Complete the remaining 20 hours of college level coursework for salary advancement.
3. Read at least one intellectually stimulating/challenging nonfiction book each month for a total for at least 12 nonfiction books.

• Physical 

1. Exercise at least 40 minutes a day 6 days a week - 80% of the days in 2022.
2. Eat at least one fruit or vegetable with each meal of the day.
3. Fast one meal two days per week, 80% of the weeks during the year, or 42 weeks during the year. 
4. Count calories and keep my calories intake at 1500 or below 5 out of 7 days each week.

Each year,  also like to have a word or words that will be a theme for my year.  After some thought, I want to make this my theme for the year.  

Yes, just "Be Kind."  It's as simple and straightforward as that.  I don't think the past two years have brought out the best in many people, and often find myself feeling exasperated and annoyed with attitudes and actions I don't agree with.  While I may not agree with others, I can always try to see their point of view, have some compassion, and BE KIND.   I want to do better at keeping the second great commandment, "Love thy neighbor as thyself."  That means I need to love myself, and that means I need to be kind to myself and compassionate with my own humanity and human frailties and failings.  My goal is to do better with this in the coming year, and to stop beating myself up for the choices of others.  Just BE KIND!

What goals do you have for this year?  Do you have a word or theme for your year? I would love to hear about it. 

Thanks for stopping by.  Have a Happy New Year.  May 2022 be a good year for us all. 

😊Deb💚

"Be kind whenever possible.  It is always possible."

~The 14th Dalai Lama

Looking Back, Looking Ahead - Good Things, Goals and a Word for 2021

As we look back on 2020, we know about all the crazy, scary, frustrating and anxiety producing things that happened. There were also a lot of good things that took place this year, so I begin this post remember those things.

• Charly got a really bad case of pneumonia in February.  It lasted into March and now really wonder if he had Covid, since this was before there were any Covid tests. I have read that Covid was actually in the U.S. much earlier than previously thought.  Charly ended up in the E.R. for a few hours, but thankfully he recovered at home, even though it took about six weeks.

• Early in March, I fell while out on a walk, and broke my hand and banged up my face and needed stitches.  Even though three doctors told me I would probably need surgery on my  hand to have a normal range of movement, a new doctor looks at the x-rays and said "no surgery!"  I was in a cast for about six weeks, but ultimately healed up well and my hand is as good as it ever was before the fall. 

• The week after I fell and broke my hand, COVID was declared a pandemic and schools almost everywhere were closed and lessons went online.  I am thankful that both Charly and I could work from home and that Josh could finish his college classes online.  Interestingly, we had just purchased a new computer in December and we had upgraded our internet in February, right before COVID became a that would mean we would be using our home technology. 

• On March 18 after being on stay-at-home orders for only a few days, there was a pretty significant earthquake here along the Wasatch Front.  Although there was some damage to buildings west of here, and we definitely felt the shaking, nothing even slide off a shelf here at our home.  

• Beginning in April, I got out my sewing machine and began making masks.  At that time, it was virtually impossible to find masks, so I used fabric and elastic on hand and began sewing masks, first for friends and family and then for pretty much anyone who wanted or needed them.  Before the end of the summer, I had made and given away or donated over 350 masks to friends, family, total strangers, the Navajo Nation and home patrons of the 4th Street Clinic in Salt Lake City. 

• In May, we wrapped up the school year, and Charly and I made the decision that this would be his final year as a classroom.  Teaching during COVID just presents too many risks for Charly because of his age and health condition.   I am grateful that we are in a financial position to have him retire. 

• In June, Charly and I celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary. Josh celebrated his birthday. We walked and hiked a lot.

• In July, after cancelling two vacation due to COVID, we took a road trip to Yellowstone National Park and had a delightful, mostly outside, socially-distanced, mask wearing National Park vacation.

• In August it was back to school for me.  Charly officially begin his life as a retiree.  While going back to school created some anxiety, returning teachers got a raise and several unexpected COVID bonuses.  Charly has help down the fort here at home, doing all the things he usually did and more.  He does a good part of the cleaning and almost all of the grocery shopping

• In October, Charly and celebrated our birthdays, and went on a long weekend trip to Southern Utah where we visited Cedar Breaks National Monument and the Kolob Canyon Section of Zion National Park. It was really a nice trip.  I am grateful we could make it.  The school where I teach has its first COVID closure.

• In November, Joe Biden won the presidential election, and the school went on another COVID online only closure. at the end of the month. We had a nice Thanksgiving - just the three of us.

• December brought the Electoral College confirmation of Joe Biden's victory, and a nice Christmas holiday and break.

As I think back over the 2020, I realized that these are some of the most important lessons I learned.  I hope to remember these things, as we move forward into what will hopefully be a better year - 2021.

• Things can change EXTREMELY quickly and in a major way. 
• Never assume that you know what is going to happen next - you don't!
• Health is a precious thing - don't ever take it for granted. Do whatever is necessary to preserve it!
• Having a lot more time at home is not necessarily a bad thing!
• Going shopping is NOT fun, and money can be saved by shopping online and avoiding impulse purchases.  This is especially true of gift giving.
• I can treat others good, even when I don't feel good!
• Listening, validating and having empathy is important and the key to good communication!
• Moms are NOT responsible for all choices - good and bad- that their children make. 
• Democracy is a precious and fragile thing.
• Every vote DOES really count!
• Having a spouse you actually enjoy spending time with is a great blessing!

Now on to my goals. Here are my goals for 2020 and a quick look at how I did at achieving them:

• Read the scriptures every day - While I did miss a few days of reading, I would guess that I probably read the scriptures about 75% of the days during the past year.  I also finished my Come Follow Me study. 
• Make a gratitude list every day - I would estimate that I made a gratitude list first thing every morning about 90% of days during 2020.
• Post on my blog at least once every week - Yes, I did this. Most weeks, I have posted twice.
• Read at least 25 books - I read 47 books in 2020 - a new yearly reading personal best for me. 
• Go to the temple at least 15 times - Temples were closed in March because of the pandemic, so sadly, I could not complete this goal.
• Index at least 500 records - I indexed over 1200 records this year.  Being home on lockdown during the spring and summer allowed me to spend much more time than usual doing this. 
• Lose 10 lbs. - Nope.  I lost five pound at the beginning of lockdown, but promptly gained it back.  I weight about the same I did last year at this time. 
• Eat fish at least 1-2 times per week - Nope.  I simply don't like fish, so I quit trying.  Charly has been eating a lot more fish though and he is eating it at least 1-2 times a week. 
• Have weekly positive communication (talk, text, email or one-on-one time) with at least one family member other than Charly - Yes, I have done this - I think, but honestly, I will say that I didn't really keep track. 

After giving it a lot of thought, these are the goals I decided on for this year (in no particular order).  You will notice that many of the same as last year.

• Read the scriptures every day.
• Complete the 2021 Come Follow Me Scripture Study.
• Index at least 500 records
• Reach out in a positive way to a family member who does not live with me every week.  This can be different family members - including siblings, cousins, aunts, children and grandchildren.   This can including calling, texting, emailing, or sending a card, gift or letter.
• Continue to post on my blog at once every week.
• Reach out to a friend (other than work associates) once a week - call, text, email, card or letter.
• Eat healthy - fruits and vegetables with every meal. Limit sugar.
• Continue to count calories - strive for 1500 or less.
• Exercise every day.
• Limit time on social media - FaceBook and Twitter to 15 minutes a day. 
• Read at least 30 books this year - 15 of those books from personal existing "to read" book stash.  Aim for 30-60 minutes of reading time each day.

That brings me to my word, my focus, for 2021. My word for this year is STRONG!

I will admit that sometimes, I do not feel strong. Sometimes, I feel like I am a weak, hot mess.  Still, I know that I am strong, that I have been strong, and that I can be strong when that is needed.  I want to continue to be strong and get stronger physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have done hard things in the past and I can do hard things again. 

This past year has been hard, but I got through it.  I learned new things.  I did things I never imagined I would have to do. When I felt at my weakest, I prayed and relied on the strength of God. 

With Him, I am STRONG and getting STRONGER with each passing year.  

Prayers for 2021 to be a good year for all of us, that we can all stay strong, and look to the light and hope of the world when we feel weak. 

Happy New Year to all!

A Few Goals for the New Year

I debated with myself all day as to whether or not I should do a post about my goals for 2020. I wrote them in my journal earlier today, but was not sure I should post them. Tonight, as I was folding laundry and listening to a podcast by Dr. Phil, I learned that 60-70% of Americans make New Year's resolutions, but only about 8% actually keep those resolutions.  Most people only make it to about January 12 before they give up on their resolutions.  With that in mind, I decided to post my goals for 2020 and then really do my best to make them happen.

My Goals for 2020

• Read the scriptures every day
• Make a gratitude list every day
• Post on my blog at least once every week
• Read at least 25 books
• Go to the temple at least 15 times
• Index at least 500 records
• Lose 10 lbs.
• Eat fish at least 1-2 times per week
• Have weekly positive communication (talk, text, email or one-on-one time) with at least one family member other than Charly
• When the weather gets better, try at least five new hikes I have not done before

I admit that I am not always a big Dr. Phil fan, but he does have some interesting ideas about how to keep resolutions on the December 30, 2019 episode of his podcast, Phil in the blanks.  If you are into podcasts and resolutions, give it a listen.  I will be checking back on the 2020 goals tI have made throughout the year and will let you know how I am doing.