R - Starting fresh

So, it's a New Year. That time of year when we write down all the things we want to change and sprint towards the finish line, usually getting a couple weeks in and then dropping from exhaustion. I didn't even make it to the original sprint this year, as we have been sick since we got back from all the traveling.

I have been slacking in most things goal related, but I plan to get back to focusing on those things that are important again.

While we were traveling, we did a pretty good job of at least having prayers on food, and I got some exercise several times by walking the dog. We are eating much less meat and on a less regular basis. A big thing for us was that we didn't eat out almost at all while we were traveling, where normally, we eat out constantly. That was in part related to the fact that we made a budget for the trip and more or less stuck to it. So for as much as I wasn't actually focused on those goals, we did pretty well.

Even though I have been nigh unto death for the last week or so, I still made it to sacrament meeting for the last two weeks. D told me I should probably stay home, but I notice such a difference in myself when I go and when I stay home. So I just tried not to breathe on anyone while I was there. And this last week, I was actually able to pay attention during sacrament meeting. Do you know when that last happened?? Me either. It was great. The talks were on having peace in troubling times. It brought to mind a friend, but I know I also need this lesson a LOT in my own chaotic world. There is peace in righteousness. Peace is a gift from the Lord that we only have when we are following His teachings. A reminder that I need to get back to reading my scriptures, and saying my prayers

S - Dropped off the face of the Earth

we have not. However; holidays, 6 kids (between the 2 of us ), and for me personally - a Masters degree in slacking has led to a slight blog downfall. Not to worry though - I personally - committ to helping revive this sucker since it is gonna help hold me accountable.

I must say though that over the holidays - I did start a gratitude journal which though I don't write in everyday - I do most days and has really helped me feel great about all the blessings I have.

S - The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

I just finished reading this book in the wee hours of this morning. I purchased the book after seeing the movie about a month ago. If you haven't read this book, you should and if you have, you should read it again. It is AMAZING !

I have been applying the Secret now for a few days and it is INCREDIBLE the things that are happening in my life. I am soo amazed that I think I will start a journal documenting how the Secret works in my life and really, all the Secret is about is looking at eternal truths in a different light and broken down and explained a little.

I will come back here later and go into a bit more detail about a few things I have experienced that I feel I can contribute to applying the Secret in my life.

S - The focus for now

Today is officially day 1 for me though I did get a headstart on a goal last night. I have chosen to focus on three goals for now- personal daily scripture study, taking my meds daily for my anxiety, and tracking spending.

Last night I started Day 1 for my scripture study. I am following a simple "study guide" persay, that encourages me to read the same verse or passage of scripture daily for a week. I started doing so last night & also did so this morning.

I also took my meds for my anxiety this morning.

I will continue to hold myself accountable in these two areas by commenting on this post.

R - Where to start?

So, after some thought, there are several things that I think are important for me to start immediately. But, because I don't want to get overwhelmed, while I am going to try to work on a couple things, but i will focus on doing ONE thing well.

This week, I've decided that I need to work on reading my scriptures everyday. Even if it's only a couple minutes, I need to take that time and DO it! The best way for me to be accountable for this is to post about it daily. I have started a blog here so I can post what I've read and what it means to me. Some days will be more meaningful that others, but hopefully this will help me build the habit of daily studying the scriptures for the meaning that they hold for me.

The other things that I think are important for me to work on, but won't be my focus just yet are: daily prayer, watching my diet and beginning to track my spending.

R - Ria's Goals

Here are my goals, which are pretty similar to S's (that's why we're doing this together, after all!)

Spiritual:
Short Term
Read scriptures (for meaning) daily
* Start and end each day with personal prayer
* Bless each meal
* Begin attending the temple at least quarterly
* Begin a gratitude journal
Long Term
* Remain worthy of a Temple recommend
* Feel the Spirit in my life on a constant basis
* Share my testimony regularly (quarterly)

Physical:
Short Term
* Begin exercising every day - at minimum a 10 minute walk. Preferably 30 minute to 1 hr workout
* Reduce sugar and meat in diet
* Stop eating fast food
* Get sufficient sleep
Long Term
* Exercise Daily
* Have enough energy to keep up with my kids
* Get to a vegan, mostly raw diet
* Be comfortable with my body

Financial:
Short Term
* Track spending
* Make a budget
* Follow it!!
* Get out of debt (excluding from mortgage loans) by August 2011
Long Term
* Have at least 3 months, preferably 1 year or more income available in savings
* Own our home without mortgage
* Financially, be able to travel regularly

Other Goals:
* De-clutter - live simply
* Travel regularly with kids and without
* Build and maintain relationships with my husband, children, family and friends
* Finish the projects that I start
* Home school and/or road school my children

S - Sally's Goals

Spiritual Goals
*Personal daily prayer morning and night
*Personal daily scripture study
*Become a worthy temple recommend holder
*Couples daily prayer morning and night
*Couples daily scripture study
*Family daily prayer morning and night
*Family daily scripture study
*Regular weekly FHE for 2 months

Physical
*Exercise 30 mins 3x per week
*Take meds daily for anxiety
*Seek regular counseling at least 2x per month as long as needed

Financial
*Get out of debt
*Create and follow a budget
*Start investing
*Get a will in place

Business
*Get promoted to Sr. Rep. by Dec 31, 2010.
*Consistently bring in $500 a month for 3 months

Relationships
*Regular date night with Brian 2x a month
*Monthly "date" with Nate & Rachel
*Complete "The Love Dare"