9.07.2010

New Year's Resolutions

I might be the only one, but I hate New Year's Resolutions. However, I do think evaluating your progress and setting goals for the future is something I'm learning is a necessary part of my spiritual growth. So, we've been in Arkansas for two months exactly, Palmer started Kindergarten, Portia started preschool and the full fall schedule looms upon us. I think this is a new chapter in every aspect of my life and I have an opportunity to reflect on things I'd like to change. There are the obvious ones: lose the baby weight from all three kids, eat better, do more with my kids, etc. But I started thinking about what I want to become and who I really want to be. One excellent by-product of a mission is you learn what good goal-setting looks like. I haven't had enough self-confidence for so many years that setting goals felt like just another way to fail. So, I begin at the beginning and start with goals I can live with but that stretch me.

Yesterday, I experienced my first "race" as a participant. I'm not a runner and I didn't run this race. I went because new ward friends invited me and I sometimes have to force myself to make friends. I'm not really good at it, maybe because I think I'm not good at making friends. Anyway, I walked it with a couple friends. Had a horrible race time (walked one mile in 28 minutes, we weren't trying, just chatting)  but learned something good about myself. I could do it..if I wanted to. As I watched other friends (the "Sole Sisters" Mormon crew) and their kids run 1 mile, 5k or 10k, I realized I wanted to feel that sense of accomplishment. So, here are my goals for this semester (how many years since I graduated from college and still my mind functions in semesters..it's a manageable time frame).

1. Be a runner (thanks for the inspiration, Amanda). I would love to join my family in the epic relay team next year and actually contribute. I want to run a 5k or 10k and not be sucking wind from step 1.
1a. Work out four times a week. I have no excuse not to.
1b. Actually stick to a habit of good eating (still working on exactly what that "good eating" will look like).
2. Be a good mom.
2a. Make memories with my family.
2b. Spend time with each of my children each week.
3. Be a scriptorian. (I'm not going to set a specific number of minutes to study. But daily is the important part).
4. Be happy.
4a. Look for the funny, good, positive moments and focus on them. This isn't denying reality, just choosing to see the miracles, tender mercies, and just plain goodness in my life.

I think that's it for this semester. I'll let you know how it goes.

Sole Sisters (current and previous members of the Rogers Ward and their families)
The previous bishop of our ward, Barry Wall, and his wife, Mechel. He is amazing. He was in a serious accident a few months ago and that's his own wheelchair he's pushing. If he can walk one mile after almost losing both legs, I can do it after three babies. :-)
Walking buddies Amanda Millerberg and Rachel Drown, some of the first people we met from the ward when we came out last December.
A spectator who makes me smile daily and fills me with gratitude.

9 comments:

Nick and Lexie said...

I think that's a great goal, to do a race. One of the things I realized running this summer, is that I really can do anything if I work hard and am mentally focused. I never ever thought I could run as far as I did, but its amazing what you can do once you are committed. Good luck and keep me posted.

Titensor Family said...

YOu are so ambitious. A runner!! You can do it. I think that is smart to just set goals along the way...i hate new years resolutions too because they are always the same every year...it's like i never change which is depressing in itself :) Let me know how it's going when you get a min!

Fowler family said...

What a cool group of sisters! I wanna wear pink too next time :)

Briawna, reading this post makes me yearn for goals in my life again too. I think with the new baby and moving and all, I kind of have been "excusing" everything. I know I feel better when I have something to work toward, especially in the exercise realm. If you are up for another race- I'd love to do it with you. I am super duper slow, just so you know.

Gina said...

Totally do a race! That is what got me into running. It was really fun too! You are awesome, you can do it. P.S.Teya is so darling!

KimberlyGanir said...

I am totally not a runner also, but our ward trained to do a 5K a few month ago and I have actually done it twice now!! We followed the program Couch to 5K, and it's amazing. You feel totally out of shape for a few weeks, but I think on week 5 you run 20 minutes straight and I was blown away that I could do it!! Try the program and you will totally succeed at your running goal! It's really slow progress which is the best way to go. Good luck! I downloaded the app for $1 but I think there is a free app also. It's really good.

Jen said...

You can run the 10k with me next year. I am still a little sore from the 5k (walking it)with no training.

Megan and Spanky said...

Thank you for the inspiration and motivation!
Meg

alexis said...

This is a great list. I am always jealous of people who make running look easy, because it's terribly hard for me. The funny thing is, I actually kind of like running, but I don't do it very often because I fail so miserably at it. I prefer to do things I'm good at, like eat donuts and make a print of my butt on the couch.

Hugh Family said...

I've recently(as of yesterday) decided that I'm going to start running., I have to say that Palmer looks more and more like ronell every time I see him! and I can't decide if Teya looks more like portia or more like an ainge girl. She just really is a stunning baby. We MISS YOU GUYS!! What's ur plan for the holidays?