Setting Goals, Getting Motivated and Taking Time for Yourself
Can you believe it is almost the end of June? I cannot. If you are here in the Milwaukee area, or even Wisconsin, not only did we have a long winter, but an even longer spring. I think we can all agree we have had enough rain, clouds, and cold days and are looking forward to, hopefully, having some warm weather.
And because of this weather and the mood it has put so many of us in, I believe we need to do something for ourselves. Have you set any goals lately? And no, I'm not talking about the yearly resolution to lose those extra pounds we may have gained during the holiday season (my season starts before Halloween!) Yes, if it would stop raining and become warm enough to walk it would be easy to take off a couple pounds.. but this is not why I bring this up....
No, what I'm talking about are new, more "interesting" goals. Think long and hard about things you have been wanting to do, wanting to learn, places you want to visit, but haven't gotten to. Now, think about why it is that it hasn't happened. I have been thinking about this a lot lately, and the reason is because I have been sitting around more than I typically would this time of year. And, what have I been doing when I am sitting there? Oh, playing with my dogs, watching a movie, hanging out with my parents at their house... instead, what could I be doing?
Well, I have been collecting books pretty much my whole adult life (that's over 25 years). I would say I probably have approximately 1,000 books. How many of them have I actually read? Maybe half, at most. So, my new, more interesting goal is to start reading those books I haven't picked up and touched in years. What an incredible way to take time out of my day to take care of myself, relax, rejuvenate and help my mind stay young. I have promised myself I am going to take a minimum of five hours a week to read. That doesn't sound like a lot of time, but when you figure you are working, cooking/eating, driving, doing household chores, taking the dogs for a walk (or in my case Bella and Stella taking me for a walk!!), etc. five hours can be a lot of time out of one's week. I started last night and actually was enjoying myself so much I read for over an hour in one sitting!!
So, what else? Well, I used to play tennis when I was young, and would love to try it again. With my injury to my neck and shoulder, my first challenge is to see how I physically feel and if it is going to be a goal I can achieve. Also, I have always wanted to go to Hawaii. I have relatives there and would love the opportunity to visit the war memorial, volcanoes, and as many of the islands I can. My goal is to get there in the next five years. This gives me time to plan, to save money and, in the meantime, enjoy other places closer to home.
What is going to motivate me? Myself. I am the type of person who, once I have made up my mind to do something, no outside factor is necessary (though this is going to help blogging it to the world!!) I don't like to "sit," I like to learn, have fun, eat good food and be with the people I love. I now have told myself I need to do something for myself as the older I get, the more I do for others. As I have written in a past blog, one way I am taking time out for myself is going to acupuncture every week. I am gone from my worries, my cares, my family for a hour and half each week to take care of my well-being and health.
What goals are you planning on setting? What motivates you? How are you going to take time for yourself? Let me know, I would love for you to share.
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Nancy Neylon
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