I’ve been writing down monthly intentions or goals to help me focus in on what is important. Many of the things listed are daily habits I’m seeking to maintain or grow in. The goal is not to obtain perfection, but to make steady progress…and months when there isn’t any progress, to give myself grace and start again the next month. That is my hope for you too as you strive to implement daily/weekly/monthly habits.
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Recap of Intentions in November
Things that were challenging in November: tracking expenses, 1:1 dates with my sons, getting at least six hours of sleep, working in the basement with my husband.
Things that went well in November: my morning routine, making our bed, keeping my gratitude journal, date nights, and running or doing a fitness video.
Intentions for the Holidays
Happy Holidays friends! I hope that you had a lovely Thanksgiving. We celebrated as a nuclear family for the first time this year. It was lovely…and a little lonely if I’m completely honest. We’ve been used to loud and large gatherings of family, friends, and friends of friends in the past. I’m glad we did what we felt was right for us this year. It may not be right next year, but we would have never known if we hadn’t tried it. And now I know that we can pull a full (and edible) Thanksgiving meal off as a family!
Now my heart turns to Advent and Christmas, pondering and planning how we can celebrate in a meaningful way as a nuclear family and with extended family this Christmas. We have some traditions and are open to new ones that help focus on relationships versus things. We’ve started reading and coloring through Ann Voskamp’s Advent book under dim lights and the lit advent candle for a brief time after dinner.
What are your intentions for the holidays?
November’s Top 3 List:
As part of these monthly recaps and goals, I’m sharing the top 3 posts and top 3 things I was grateful for this past month.
TOP 3 POSTS IN NOVEMBER:
- 10 Lessons Learned After a Year of Decluttering
- Stress Free Meal Planning for Beginners: Finding what Works for You
- The Secret to Decluttering
TOP 3 THINGS I WAS GRATEFUL FOR IN NOVEMBER:
- Finishing and releasing my first eBook, How to Start When You Feel Stuck. If you want a free sample chapter, I’d love to send it to you. Sign up here:
- Our intentionally quiet and intimate Thanksgiving this year.
- My oldest son being old enough to be in charge while we go on a date. We’ve started taking short, nearby dates, putting my oldest son in charge while we are gone. He’s done great and welcomed the responsibility (and freedom)! It’s definitely made it easier to get those 1:1 times with my husband scheduled in.
Monthly Goals:
- Date night with hubby- this may even become a twice a month thing now that we can use my oldest son as the babysitter! We’ve also starting streaming $1 movies through VidAngel . We used to use Redbox, but the convenience of not having to go out of the house to return the movie, is awesome.
- One on one outings with each son.
What are some monthly intentions that you have for December?
This post shared at these lovely link ups.
Struggling to get 6 hours of sleep a night? You and me both! I’m going to have to look into VidAngel; we could definitely use some one-on-one time without getting a babysitter.
You have a very good reason for your lack of sleep! VidAngel is great! I love not having to run back to Redbox.
I really like the idea of setting your intentions instead of goal setting. I set myself a bunch of goals last year but found that I forgot about most of them come the new year. I like the idea of striving for a feeling and an intention for your month of year instead of hitting some specific mark or number.
Hi Melissa! I agree that goals feel much more driven and specific, while intentions are more encompassing to a larger way of being in life.
I’ve been working in a self-development vacuum, only concerned with myself. In December my intention is to shift the focus to how I can used my gifts to serve others.
Wonderful blog, Angela!
Hi Stephanie! Thanks so much for the kind feedback. Your December intention sounds like a wonderful gift to those around you!
Oh, that is so wonderful that your oldest can now babysit. That must be a true blessing. I find expense tracking very difficult to do too. It really does feel like a losing battle, doesn’t it?
Oh Leslie- I’m hoping 2017 brings better budgeting habits! It is really hard – especially in a family with shared accounts!
Love that quote! Thanks for sharing on Funtastic Friday!
Thanks Heidi!
One to one dates with your sons is such a lovely idea! I love the Christmas season and I’m so looking forward to spending time both with my own little family and our extended family, some of whom live across the world and we don’t get the chance to see them often enough. My son is only two, so I’m really enjoying introducing him to the Christmas traditions that I love – although he was definitely excited by Christmas last year, this year he has fully embraced the spirit of Christmas I think. Thank you for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove
Oh Katy! I love the enthusiasm that young children bring to the holidays! Enjoy the time with your loved ones.
I’m looking forward to when mine is mature enough to stay home alone by himself for a bit. My limit now is to go to the mailbox on the corner and maybe chat with a neighbor for a few minutes, ha ha!
Thanks for sharing on #FridayFrivolity
It’s definitely nice and gives us some flexibility. We re taking it slow though in giving him responsibilities.
I really want to do Ann’s Advent book next year! So glad you linked up with us! Hope to see you again next year!
Thanks Keri! Have a great Christmas and New Year!
These are lovely goals – I love the one on one dates with your kids!
Thanks Julie! I must put them on the calendar – I think that’s the key.