How is it already a week into the New Year!? We still have our Christmas tree up (at least I took off the ornaments, right??), Nativity scene standing tall, and garland hanging. But this new month in the new year reminds me that sometimes two things can be true at the same time. I can still love the busy Christmas planning while feeling exhausted, still enjoy my lit Christmas tree while wanting everything else Christmasy put a way, still loving the holiday gatherings while craving family time alone at home.
I stumbled upon this beautiful explanation of January:
January isn't a new year. It's the deep middle of Winter. Wintering is the inward season when life slows, energy gathers and nothing is meant to be rushed. This month is for going inward, hot tea, early nights, and letting winter be winter.
With this in mind, I glanced back at last year while looking forward to the year to come.
Reflections from Last Year
(What to Keep & What to Change)
- 1. Weekly attended a GYM, starting in June
- - I even attempted a lighter version of 75 Hard with only one 45min work out a day.
- 2. Weekly, Clark and I allotted time for each of us to enjoy some ALONE TIME. On my nights, I would rush to the library to read or journal for two hours. During December however, I would also use it to run errands - not my favorite use of that time.
- 3. I READ 19 books!
- - My goal was to read 10pages a day and complete 1 book per month
- - A good motivation was after reading two books from my bookshelf at home, I could purchase a new one!
- 4. I read (actually listened to) the BIBLE in one year
- - This was only my second time attempting this feat. Not gonna lie.. it was a lot. I loved the insight from The Bible Project videos and reading along with friends.
- 5. We were SO close to completing 1,000 HOURS OUTSIDE. We were 18 hours short! So proud of us though.
- - The goal encouraged me to visit the beach more frequently, camp with our church, and meet our neighbors during the summer.
- 6. This was the first year we HOME SCHOOLED with Ocean Grove.
- - We've been enjoying the Gentle + Classical Primer, Logic of English Foundations A, and Math K with the Good and the Beautiful.
My other loosey-goosey goals include: adding more family photos and art to our walls, attempting a new handicraft (embroidery), and making more treats, bread, tortillas etc at home.
For Fun
"Get Organized Edition"
- 1. Monthly Planner - While I've transitioned to solely using our Family Calendar on my phone, I still enjoy a paper calendar. I specifically look for Monthly spreads without the weekly pages. Funny enough, I use this to track the last time I cleaned something in the house - ie. laundry, washing sheets, dusting, sweeping etc. This helps me prioritize what urgently NEEDS to be done. I also track my workouts.
- 2. Meal Planer - Another helpful item is found on our fridge - Our magnetic week-at-a-glance meal planner! On the weekends I plan out and shop for our dinners for the week. The "Shopping List" helps me keep track of items we are low on. Such a huge help!
- 3. Random Meal Tip - I am notorious for forgetting how long something has been in our fridge. I started using a white board marker to write the date directly onto my Tupperware lids. Game changer! Easy to wipe off when washing.
- 4. Reminder App - aka my best friend. 😀 While Google Calendars has an option to add tasks and reminders, to avoid the clutter on my app, I utilize my Reminder's app to remember simple things and plan out tasks.
Daily - 7:45am Avery Brush Teeth
Weekly - Saturdays in prep for Church on Sunday
8:00pm Make Over Night Oats
9:00pm Put in Heatless Curls
To Keep Track of Projects - I used this the most in December but also for Birthdays, Holidays, and important events.
Monday 8:00pm Wrap Presents
Wednesday 10:00am Bake Christmas treats with the girls
While this was mostly a mental dump for me, I hope you found something encouraging, useful, and helpful. I love swapping ideas to help me manage my house more smoothly. I want to be a conduit of order, peace, and joy.
