I’m so excited! Today is the first day of mine and Erika’s newest monthly link up WORKIN’ IT WEDNESDAYS!
The second Wednesday of every month, we’re hosting a link up where busy ladies can share how we are working to keep it together. (Because aren’t we all working it to keep it together?!?!) This year’s topics include…
So, if you blogged today too, link up at the bottom of this post…and if you didn’t blog, please comment and share how you are workin’ to keep today’s topic together in your life.
Today: how are we workin’ at keeping our New Year’s goals together.
Gosh. I love goals. I’m such a nerdy New Year’s resolution person who likes to make a few goals for that upcoming year. My dad always asks me on January 1 what my goals are for the year and I share…and then he shares his..and then I’m pretty sure both my mom and Andrew roll their eyes. 😉 Because you’re either into that stuff or you’re not…and my dad and I are. Over the years, my goals have run the gamut. One year, I made a goal on January 1 to run a marathon that year…
…and by the end of the year, I had run two. And I haven’t run once since because that goal was a lot of work 😉 .
Last year, I made a goal to read through the Bible in one year and like I told you on Monday…I did with the help of my One Year Bible…
…you can read all about that goal HERE.
I would say over the last five years or so, my goals have been more like: drink more water throughout the day, eat more vegetables, go meatless a few times a week and two years ago, I stopped having my daily latte (gasp!). This year, I decided my goal was this:
BE MORE INTENTIONAL
Nice and broad, right? I just started thinking about what I wanted this year to look like and the word intentional kept popping into my head. I want to be more intentional with everything. Here are just a few ways I’m thinking I can incorporate this into my daily life:
Intentional with what I eat. I have been trying to eat more meat-free meals now for over a year. I think I’ve always been an intentional eater (meaning, I pay attention to what I eat and don’t just mindlessly eat…even if it’s something higher in sugar/fat like let’s say a piece of pie…I am intentionally eating that and enjoying every bite, not mindlessly eating it)…so this year, I want to continue to try and eat more meat-free meals (for me that happens mostly during breakfast and lunch and occasionally dinner). I want to be intentional about how much water I drink (a lot!) and how much coffee I drink (this year, I’ve switched to tea mostly…insert a HUGE GASP HERE!). I realized when I cut out lattes that I mostly just enjoy hot drinks as opposed to strictly coffee…so, my mom bought me a kettle for Christmas and I’ve only been drinking one cup of coffee a day (right when I wake up) and then enjoying tea the rest of the day…and even hot lemon water too. I’m just being intentional about how much caffeine I’m drinking.
Another way I’m being intentional is on social media. I used to mindlessly flip through Instagram and Facebook throughout the day, but now, I’m making myself sit down and go through it to see pics of my friends’ and their kids. What has happened is that I only look about two or three times a day…but I’m really focused and appreciate what I’m seeing AND I’m on my phone less because I never just mindlessly pick up my phone and scroll during the day. I want to be intentional about how much time I spend on my phone looking at social media, so if I’m going to look, I sit down and really look when I have time (which varies throughout each day…some days, I have more time than others).
I want to be more intentional about spending more time with each of my kids. Four is a big number. Every night when my head hits the pillow, I think someone didn’t get enough of me that day. It’s just hard to feel like I gave all four the attention they need/deserve each day (especially the older two who are at school all day). So…I’m going to be intentional about carving out time each day for each of them that is just for them. Intentional time.
You see…I can work the word intentional into everything 🙂 .
Every morning, I start off my day with a quiet time, and I have written the word intentional down on my bookmark so that I can see it every day, and I have it on my desk next to my computer. That’s how I’m going to WORK at keeping this goal this year…I’m going to keep reminding myself daily to be intentional.
I realize I do a lot…I own a travel agency, write cookbooks, blog, raise four kids, travel, read books, spend time with my girlfriends, speak at events, volunteer at my kids’ school, I’m very active at my church…there is a lot on my plate, but I think I do it all because I am very organized with my time (every minute counts for something)…so, now, I just need to take those minutes and make sure I’m really focused and giving my whole heart…that I’m intentional with them and not multi-tasking, halfheartedly going through the motions.
So, that’s what I’m focusing on this year. What are you focusing on??? I have a whole Pinterest board for health and fitness and right now, I’ve pinned so many good things to incorporate into the new year. You can see it HERE. I find it very inspiring!
Share what you’re working on this year because I bet I’ll find that inspiring too!!
And don’t forget to link up!
Next month, the topic is: How are we workin’ to keep our marriages strong?
See you tomorrow friends!
Megan says
Being intentional is so important when you are juggling a very full plate. Thank you for sharing how you plan to tackle that goal. May I add that I think my Apple Watch has helped me majorly cut down on mindlessly scrolling thru social media. I’m checking my phone less for messages therefore not finding myself taking constantly giving in to the urge to scroll.
http://www.lettinginthelightblog.com
Angela Ellingson says
I’m so excited about this new link up you and Erika are hosting! I’ve been reading your blog for several years and have always wanted to participate in your link ups, but I sometimes struggle with just keeping up with posting my family’s current pictures let along blogging about anything else. Well I decided just to go for it when I saw that you and Erika were hosting a new link up and I’m so glad I did! This is fun!
Being intentional is so important and something I’m striving for in all areas of my life as well. Thanks for the inspiration as usual!
Shannon says
I really love this resolution. It has made the wheels start turning in my head!
Marie Claas says
Have you read the book HANDS FREE MAMA by Rachel Macy Stafford? It’s about being intentional, putting down all the devices that cheat our children out of our attention, it’s about being completely present. It’s an awesome book and very eye opening.
Jennie says
My resolution this year is to be more healthy, and to do that I’m starting the year off with a round of Whole30 with other teachers at school (it’s day 4 and I feel amazing), taking Zumba classes and I signed my whole family up to run a 5K in April. We also plant a big garden every summer to make sure we eat lots of fresh veggies. It’s so much easier when you have lots of support from family and friends.
Heather Bramlett says
I love your word! So many times, I feel like I have so much on my plate that I am just half hearty going through the motions instead of being international with each task! I need to really work on that!!
So excited for this new series! I linked up this morning!! 🙂
Kim Nations says
I like this.. You do have your plate full.. I have one question how do you keep your house in such good order? It always looks so clean..
Mix and Match Mama says
Well…Andrew and I are obsessively neat (to a fault probably). So, it’s clean, because I have a sweet lady come help me with that…but it’s neat because we just stay on top of the mess and such. I mean…there are toys out and such but we try and collect things as we go during the day so that it’s always picked up at night.
Carrie says
Don’t know if you will see this but I recently set up the 10 min rule that has sort of revolutionized keeping my house picked up. At night, before we head up for brushing teeth we set a timer and everyone picks up or cleans for 10 min. Honestly on some days when we have been out of the house a lot and with the daily 10 min pick up, there is nothing to “pick up” so then my husband and girls have resorted to running our cordless vacuum, doing a quick dusting, etc. It is AMAZING what can get done in 10 min. I have also realized that at night I can dust and watch tv, etc. I have also been wiping down our bathroom as I brush my teeth. My youngest is 6 and she vacuums, cleans toilets, bathroom counter tops, put’s the garbage bag in the can, strips her bed sheets (not ready yet to completely put new sheets on it), makes her bed, etc. My oldest is 9 and does all the above plus her own laundry (has for 2 years and that includes every step of it except sorting we use a color guard sheet). I am kid free about 2 to 3 Friday mornings a month and this was the first Friday that I realized I did not have to race to get all of the cleaning done by myself! We also do laundry every day and it gets put away that day.
Erin says
I love the idea of being intentional with social media. I mindlessly scroll through, as well. I had already been thinking I needed to spend less time on social media and really like the idea of being intentional and scrolling through a few times a day!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
This year I’m working on getting more sleep and reading more! 10 books this year… not a lot, so hopefully I can do it!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Danielle Rigg says
Wow, great goals. I hear you on the spending meaningful time with the kids. By the time we get home from school, as I am a teacher too, being a working mom, we only have a short amount of time before bed. This has always been a hard thing for me to say but I use to feel like I am going through the motions to get dinner ready, homework done, baths, etc. I did not like feeling like that. I love hearing about their day, what they learned, cuddles at night, those conversations are so important and I don’t want to miss having all of that. I said this New Year, I am just going to live in the moment. That everything will be fine and if we are a little of schedule, or there is a mess for the morning – that is ok. It is hard to do when you have three. But so far it has been great and we all have gone to bed with a bignsmiles. Good luck on your New Year’s Goals.
Karen At Home says
I love this Shay! I am definitely trying to get away from the mindless FB scrolling and be more intentional with my social media time. It truly can be a time suck 🙂
Colleen McTeague says
How do you start your day? Do you just jump into something you need to do/get your kids ready, or do you get up earlier and take a few minutes to relax? I love how much you do and with such grace! I also can’t wait for next months post–mind reader 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
I wake up much earlier than my kids so that I can do a ton of stuff before they are up. It is such a life saver for me! I can’t imagine not waking up early!
Becky Cowen says
Oh my goodness… that is my word for 2017 as well! I feel as a working mom I’m constantly trying to juggle a million things at once and never giving any one thing my undivided attention… I want to be more intentional with my time and thoughts so that the things that are most important to me (like family) get the most of me!
Megan Butler says
Love this!!! And what a great work to encompass every aspect of your life!!!
Sarah says
Love the word intentional!! I also really try to limit social media. I deleted both my FB app and my email on my phone, and it has been amazing!! Especially the email!! Anytime my phone would buzz I would check it. Now, I only check emails when I’m at my computer working. It’s much better!!
This year, our main goals are career-related. I working on growing my blog and have some very specific goals. My husband is also starting his own business in about two weeks!! Should be an exciting year!!
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that idea Sarah!!
Alys says
I love that! I think we all need to be more intentional, it’s so very important!
Drinking less a caffeine has been a goal of mine too! So far 10 days in and only 3 cups of coffee- yogi tea has been life changing though!!
Natalie Clark says
The word “intentional” has found itself in a lot of my goals this year as well! I love how you’ve worked it into so many different areas of your life, and I am so impressed at how much you have on your plate, but you still seem to have it all pretty balanced out. You are definitely someone I look up to!
Rebecca says
Love your goal!! Last year I was all about being simple, keeping things simple. This year it sounds a little funny, but sometimes I can get wrapped up in what I need and want to get done or just how I want to use my time- so I am using kindness this year. Trying to put others first and be kind in all I do. I also want to read more and run. I usually go through each area of my life for goals but we are in the middle of a move and want to keep it simple:)
If you get a chance let me know what kind of tea you like and your tea kettle. I love a cup of coffee in the am and then I have been loving green tea and pumpkin tea. My MIL loves tea so a kettle would be a great gift!
Looking forward to a wonderful year!!
Aubrey says
That’s a lofty goal, friend! I’m right there with you on enjoying every minute with my four Pettyjohn peeps. The next eight months that I’m still a stay-at-home mom are a gift I don’t want to take for granted, and I’m sure it will become even more important to be intentional once I’m back in the professional world. Here we go, 2017! We mamas are going to rock our goals!
Christina says
What kind of tea /flavors do you recommend. I have a habit of driving way to much coffee
Melanie S says
I love that you chose a word for the year. My word this year is JOY. I want to find JOY in even the simplest of moments, not just the big ones.
For the linkup, I shared 17 goals I have in 2017. Some are big. Some are little. But I think they are each doable!
-Melanie
http://www.melanieks10.blogspot.com
Brandye says
Intentional was my goal for 2016 and I feel like I accomplished it in several ways. This year my word is mindful. Mindful, for me, means taking the focus away from self. In Christ we are expected to “die to self” and I pray being mindful takes me farther along that path.
Thank you for your blog and for sharing your precious family with us.
Andrea says
What are your favorite teas? I’m in need of something warm and cozy after my desire for coffee has passed (mid morning) and as I try to undo the holiday damage. Thanks for sharing your life with us! I love starting my day off catching up with you are your friends 🙂
Stephanie says
This is the best goal I’ve seen so far for 2017, and I love it! I think I may adopt this into my life and hopefully see a great change in my relationships, time, and focus. Thank you for sharing!
Meg says
I’ve been doing warm lemon water for years and I love it. I also like to incorporate Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar, turmeric and cinnamon in my water in the morning or during the day…they all have amazing health benefits 😉
Hayli says
Deleting FB & Pinterest was best decision for me. Ig is only social media on my phone & i may delete it, too. I limit mindless tv & I’m trying to increase reading. It’s hard for now bc I just want to accomplish chores or sleep when my baby is sleeping! Great goal to be intentional!
Bekah says
Would love to know what kinds of tea do you drink? I’m always on the hunt for new teas to try 🙂
Tracy says
What a great goal! I hope you’ll update us throughout the year on ways you’re incorporating it into your daily life.
Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says
I LOVE this post, Shay. The “every minute counts” is how I try to live each day, too. Time is so precious, and it’s the only thing in the world that we can’t make more of, so we better make the most of what we have, right?
Lindsay Dunagan says
I used to drink coffee all day long and then a couple of years ago switched to one cup in the morning and then I drink tea the rest of the day. You should try Harney & Sons teas from New York. My favorite is Hot Cinnamon Spice (Historic Royal Palaces collection), Blueberry Green or Paris. I also just love a cuppa of Barry’s Tea with milk. Happy Wednesday!
Leanne says
This is great! I shared my goals on Monday on my blog, and overall “intentional” was my word for the year! Great minds think alike 😉
Amber says
I’ve been praying for your friend, Manda. Do you have an update on how she is doing?
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much Amber! Prayers are still appreciated for the whole family!
Nicole says
With cutting back from meat and caffeine, have you noticed any health changes?
Mix and Match Mama says
When I eat meat-free meals, I eat more veggies than normal, so I don’t know that I can feel any differences, but I know a more plant-based diet has a lot of health benefits. And it’s too early to tell about the caffeine, but I’ll keep you posted!
Nicole says
Are you going to give up your everyday brownie? ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Never. 🙂
Kristen says
I love reading your blog! Thank you for being a faith based blog in this crazy world. Watching y’all adopt sweet Ashby and Madeley has gotten my husband and I talking about adoption in the future. Can’t wait to see where God leads us!
Tricia says
You should totally check out PowerSheets by a company called Cultivate What Matters. It’s literally an INTENTIONAL goal setting system that helps you focus on your goals and actually revolves around a “word of the year”. I have used them the past few years and they are so helpful in helping you really figure out priorities and has also helped bring me closer to God. Highly recommend! https://shop.cultivatewhatmatters.com/collections/2017-powersheets-and-accessories
Tonya says
I love hot lemon water! So yummy!!
My word for the year is margin.
Margin in:
My calendar/schedule
My home and work space
My clothes (roomier waistline?)
My finances
Creating more margin in every area of my life for more freedom and flexibility!
Ida says
Thank you so much for this new linkup. I am super excited about it and it got me to post about my goals, which include a wedding!!!
Erin says
My resolution this year is per your post from 52 Shades of Shay: Waking up early!
I’m looking forward to having morning time to work and get me time before yhe kids are awake. I work 95% from home, (I’m a full time professor who teaches 2 or 3 evenings a week). My other work, like research and writing can be done at home. So early morning works for me!
Thanks for the advice- it’s encouraging to see how you make that work so well!
Erika Slaughter says
I’m so glad we’re doing this this year!! Excited to be teaming up and helping other women. I was trying to make a joke with the word intentional but I got nothing. ????
Lindsey Peddicord says
Love this!! I have the same word bc I want to live with more purpose. I’m such a believer in goal setting, I’m a corporate wellness coach! This year I have been asking my clients for a one word personal theme for 2017 and I’ve heard commitment, hope, accomplish, confidence, and positivity to name a few. I want to be intentional with reading more books and am in awe of how much you read with everything else on your plate. Thanks for the inspiration!
Christina says
What a great resolution! I went to a church years ago and the pastor preached on being intentional for a whole year. It was amazing how that word can apply to so many different areas of life. I’ll be looking for ways to be more intentional as well, thanks for sharing!
Karen Cooper says
I love the word “intentional”! My word for 2017 is “simplify” and the goals I set for the year are all based in that. I have 3 young sons and a fast paced (hectic? Crazy?) career as a business owner in the real estate industry. I’m a multi tasker and very driven, I can easily get wrapped up into my annual goals and my daily checklists and push, push, push. I’ll be very productive, but then leave myself depleted and am not giving enough t my family. In keeping with my word “simplify”, I only set 3 goals this year … to focus on my health, focus on strengthening my relationship connections with my husband and boys first, and to become debt free. It already feels very free-ing to focus in just my most important areas. Another reader also mentioned the PowerSheets by Lara Casey/Cultivate What Matters, I’m also a HUGE fan of these. Happy New Year!
Erin says
I have four kids as well, and am 31 weeks pregnant with number 5. I totally relate to feeling like you go to bed at night wondering if each of them got enough of you that day. I’m pretty sure that general feeling falls into the same category as Mom Guilt, so I’m not sure it will every really go away ;), however one fun little and easy way to make a difference in it is to set an alarm on your phone for each child’s birthday date of every month, and let them stay up by themselves for an extra 15 minutes (or more/less- up to you) that night. So for example, no matter what day of the week it is, when it is my oldest daughter’s birthday date (the 19th), she gets to stay up longer than her normal bedtime that night, to just hang out with me and my husband. Even the littles get to do it. They can choose how they want to spend that time with us. But it is their special day, and it doesn’t really take anything away from me. Once a month per kid doesn’t sound often, but with four, almost five kids, it comes around fast. Also, anytime it is the weekend, if there is a time where my husband or I need to run somewhere real fast and don’t need to take the whole family, we will take one kid with us to run that errand. Just to help in that little bit of quality time. There are a lot of elaborate ways out there that I’ve heard of families making sure each child has alone time, but I have to say it doesn’t require anything elaborate. They just really want some face time without any siblings around 🙂 I also love that my kids are growing up in a bigger family and are used to doing things all together 🙂 Hope those tips gave you some inspiration!
Marti says
My word last year was “Intentional.” Great minds think a like! 🙂 I was successfully intentional in some areas of my life, but not in others. I WAS intentional in completing a bucket list item last year. I turned 50yo and my goal was to run a half-marathon. I did it and crushed the time goal I had set for myself. Boo yah! That being said, I think I’m going to use the word Intentional again this year, and really focus on being intentional with my relationships with my husband, kids and parents, and most importantly, God.
Tricia Cole says
My New Year’s Resolution is also to live intentionally! I am only saying yes to things, situations, experiences, people that bring happiness to my life. I have always said, “Life is short. No dry runs.” This is the first time in my life I am actually living from that space. I seriously feel like I’m falling more in love with my life everyday. I used to HATE traffic (I’m in CA). The other day I texted my friend and said, “I just sat in traffic for an hour and loved it! I “intentionally” chose good thoughts. I “intentionally” chose good, fun, upbeat music and enjoyed every minute of it. When you look around, life is pretty amazing ( :
Nicole from Hawaii :) says
Thank you for sharing your resolution, Shay. I’ve only been reading your blog for a few months now, but you have been such an encouragement to me. I am a full-time 5th grade teacher in Hawaii and I have a 5-year old son and 1-year old daughter. I struggle with spending that quality time with my kids during the week…with cooking, cleaning, prepping everyone’s things for the next day and such… I’m pooped by the time the kids are down. But I trust that God’s grace is sufficient and He always provides me with the strength to be the best mom and wife I can be. I have a few wonderings… so HOW do you make sure you provide “homework time” for your big kids, while still taking care of the little ones? And how do you balance homework during the week with the big kids’ sports? Do they have practices during the week? And if/when they do, how do you do dinner, bath time, etc? What time do the kids actually get to bed? Just curious about how you run all the logistics for your beautiful family. Thank you for always being so open and sharing your life. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
We do homework every day as soon as we walk in the door from school. I let that Ashby play games on her iPad while the big kids do homework and everyone has a snack. Madeley is really good at just walking around, playing, eating a snack, etc while they do homework. They’re only in 1st and 2nd grade, so typically, we have it all done in 45 minutes. This year, we put all of our extracurricular activities on the same night (thursdays), so the rest of the week, we have off after school but on Thursdays, we do homework, they eat dinner and then off to activities we go. Typically, they’re all in bed asleep between 7:45 and 8:15.
LINDA SKAER says
Hi Shay! Love your blog and your positive, encouraging spirit. I wanted to pass on to you what my husband and I do with our 4 children to get one on one quality time in with them. We take them out on their birth date, 2 a month, switching off which parent with which child. For example; Child A was born on the 23rd, so Jan 23rd he will go out with dad then on March 23rd with mom, Child B is the 13th and will go out on Jan. 13th with mom and then March 13th with dad. The other 2 children are done in Feb. and so on. The date can be anything, going to the park, getting ice cream, a walk…anything. Our children are now 21, 19, 17 and 15 and we have done this for years. Now this is not the daily intentional time that you are talking about but it has been a fun, special time that our children love! Just passing along another idea!! Thank you for being such a light for Jesus!!
Carrie says
I do like the idea of being intentional but I wish I could get that point across to my husband. He has that cell phone constantly with him and checks it even during dinner. I really want him to realize that he is missing out on precious family time. I want to stay intentional with what I feed my family. During the holidays we let them eating a little more processed foods and desserts then typical. We often don’t have any process foods and I feel like whole foods are about as intentional as you can get with your health. We have adapted many of your recipes to eliminate the processed foods and enjoy them. I admire your ability to get up so early. I decided as part of a New Year to exercise when it is least intrusive to my family and I am heading out around 5:30 am and so far I am dragging!! I know my body will get used to it but I can not imagine getting up earlier and I go to bed earlier then you. I do enjoy coming home and knowing my girls are just waking up and I am there to greet them! I am also trying to increase my compliments to my husband and my girls. We are entering the tween stages with my oldest and the land of negativity and I want to be a good role model.