It's time for another round of 5 After 5! In case you missed it, last week's list was 5 of your favorite Christmas traditions and if you're new to this series, you can read more about it here.
Today I've got my list of 5 to share, as well as next week's topic for you to stew about over the upcoming days.
And if you've posted your own 5 After 5 list on your blog, I've turned this series into a link party - so be sure to get your own 5 things added below (or leave your answers in today's comments if you're not a blogger). I loved reading everyone's comments from last week and I really can't wait to see what you share today!
List 5 goals you have for 2016
I don't usually go crazy with a whole big list of resolutions for the new year, but I do generally write down a few loose goals that I'd like to work toward.
Seeing as how I even neglected to think about this list until the ball started dropping last night, the following isn't anything fancy, but it includes things I'd definitely like to accomplish in 2016 and I have absolutely no problem adding to or adapting it as time goes on.
Seeing as how I even neglected to think about this list until the ball started dropping last night, the following isn't anything fancy, but it includes things I'd definitely like to accomplish in 2016 and I have absolutely no problem adding to or adapting it as time goes on.
1. Get back out on the bike
Once upon a time, I was a cycling fool. Well, not really, but I did do it enough to complete the MS 150 ride three years in a row (the 3rd time pregnant!)
I don't always miss putting 170+ miles on the old bike odometer in a weekend or riding in the hot Florida sun, but I do miss the time each week to get out in the fresh(ish) air and jam out to my favorite tunes, while counting critters along the local bike trail.
Getting out there nowadays means talking G into taking a jog with Gv in the stroller and coordinating our turn-around times, so I'm just going to hope to clip into my pedals at least once a month or so.
2. Get rid of more stuff
We're not much into "stuff" around here, but things still seem to burst forth from every nook and cranny imaginable and my minimalist heart is really hoping that this will be the year the situation improves.
It might take the addition of a few more bookshelves (we have a little bit of a book problem around here), but I feel confident that a difference can be achieved.
In the meantime, you might want to go invest in some Ikea stock, because I'm sure we'll be supporting our local store quite well this year.
3. Make something new in the kitchen
This last month or so has been full of re-making all sorts of annual favorites, so my culinary adventures have been few and far between.
However, I have big plans for the new year. I even gave G a gift that will ensure I reach this goal. It involves "traveling" around the world each month, complete with meals to match each different country.
We'll see how it all goes, but I'm sure if it's all a big hit, I'll be sharing the idea with you in the future!
4. Create something!
In that same vein, I have a goal to unleash my artistic side and create something special each month. I'm certainly no amazing artist, but I enjoy making things and have stacks of canvases to paint, bags of yarn yearning for my crochet hook, a sewing machine screaming to be used, and plenty of Aida cloth needing the addition of a little colorful floss.
I'll also need a bunch of art to add to all the space that opens up when I tackle goal #2!
5. Live more in the moment
I'm a big planner. I actually get almost as much fun out of planning a big trip as I do taking it. Planning is good and ensures you can accomplish all sorts of goals you set for yourself - BUT - it can also mean you're always looking forward, and often neglecting the here and now.
G has had to stop me from my frenzied planning or task-accomplishing several times recently to just be still and enjoy the moment.
So I'm hoping to freeze the frame of life more often this year, to stop and notice the little voice "reading" books on the floor in the hall, to laze away a sunny spring afternoon just looking up at the clouds, and whatever else pops up in the present.
And for next week:
List 5 fun things about your hometown
Do you still live in the same place you grew up? Whether you do or don't, think of five things you love about your hometown.
I can't wait to see your list!
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Samantha · 482 weeks ago
syncopatedmama 110p · 482 weeks ago
miragonz 29p · 481 weeks ago
syncopatedmama 110p · 481 weeks ago
Sarah Eliza · 481 weeks ago
1. Write 1,000 words a day. This is such a big one because I'm not currently working and so writing is supposed to be my "job" for this year... and blogging doesn't count unfortunately because my husband sees my blahg as a hobby and my novels are the potential money-makers (what can I say, he's a dreamer... hahaha!) So far I've stayed on track, even though I haven't been in a writing "mood" at all. Yay!!
2. Be REALLY aware of money we spend, eating out, online shopping, etc. I got a little carried away at Christmas because I was missing my family so much, and we have some financial goals we want to try to meet this year.... I didn't single-handedly sabotage them or anything (heck, my husband bought an X-box One -- because he's twelve like that -- and I'm pretty sure that alone exceeded all of my purchases...) but both of us think we need to be more directed (*coughnomorexboxesforsurecough*)
3. Be more active -- I want to be doing yoga and walking pretty much every day. Also I took advantage of that x-box one purchase by asking for Just Dance and a Zumba game for Christmas so I'm totally dancing it out in my living room why my dog watches skeptically... WHY DONT YOU LIVE IN TEXAS TO COME DANCE WITH ME?????? :P
4. Be online less. I'm trying to remind myself that it is okay to brush my teeth without looking at my phone, and okay to occasionally fold laundry without having the TV on (I'm not sure I believe me, but I'm trying...). Of course, I was the kid who read Nancy Drew while brushing my teeth, so that level of distracted-ness isn't new... but I'm also trying to be more present, in the moment, same as you, and for me that def means be online less.
5. Read more & craft more. I've started doing better with reading again now that I post reviews and kind of have that accountability, so I want to keep it up and start crafting more too. I donated all my knitting stuff but I want to start making greeting cards, getting back into embroidery, decoupage, etc... I too have blank canvases waiting to be painted!!
6. Keep minimal. <--- it's hard....!
I love our goals in common!! Unfortunately I hate to cook so I probably won't be joining you there, but I love to eat so if I'm in Florida I might be inviting myself over for dinner.... ;) Looking forward to hearing about your global cooking adventures!!
helloredds 23p · 481 weeks ago
We spent time over the weekend getting rid of clutter. It feels good. Very cleansing!
Found your post today on Works for Me.
Hope you have a blessed day~
Melanie
syncopatedmama 110p · 481 weeks ago
Carlee · 446 weeks ago
syncopatedmama 110p · 446 weeks ago