Let me be the 500th person to observe that November flew by. Now that we are in the final month of 2014, I’m realizing how much my year was characterized by busy-ness, change, and rushing from place to place.
While I love having things to do, places to go and people to see, I confess that I am tired. I am bone-tired, and sometimes I feel as though I could sleep for weeks.
I usually share a monthly goal-setting post (see October and November), but this month I’ll be planning to accomplish less. My overall goal for the final month of this year is to slow down.
From a church program last December
Slowing down is hard for me. I’m an externally-motivated person, so it’s hard for me to set my own pace and be satisfied with what I’m doing. Instead, I am constantly looking around for feedback, striving for approval, and looking to improve. This is not necessarily bad, but it does mean that at the end of the day, month and year, I am exhausted.
Making monthly goals, then, is less about being accomplished than it is about remembering what’s important to me. I find that when I make a list like this, I remember what truly matters!
How did I do on my November goals? Let’s see:
Build strong and nurturing relationships with the students I’m tutoring.- Make those pumpkin macarons!
- Read for pleasure– when was the last time I did that?
- Finish thank-you notes from our June wedding so they don’t arrive right before our Christmas letter.
Make our first couple’s Christmas letter! I’ve gone back and forth about this, but have decided that it’s a great way to wish people well who are otherwise hard to reach.Exercise. Even just a few times– better than nothing.Continue to grow my blog and make the most of my November sponsorships.- Complete my application to Aspire Teacher Residency, where I hope to earn my credentials and learn to be an excellent Special Ed teacher next year!
Start creating the list of gifts to send to friends in December.Joyfully finish my current courses in family therapy!
Beautiful cherry blossoms that surprised us last December!
December Goals
- Finish my final application essays to Aspire Teacher Residency, where I hope to become a licensed Education Specialist next year!
- Use my alarm clock and resist looking at my phone first thing in the morning.
- Exercise a little more than I did last month.
- Learn to make a black bean recipe that I like: I’ve been looking for a good recipe and would love suggestions!
- Have a few nice, long conversations with my mom. We’re both busy!
- Spend time in silence and solitude before celebrating Christmas. Think. Reflect. Pray. Trust. Journal. Meditate.
- Try cross-country skiing when we are in Colorado!
- Make gingerbread cheesecake to share with family and friends.
- Go to bed earlier.
- Wake up rejuvenated, rested, and ready to love and encourage the people around me.
What are YOUR goals for this month? Did you accomplish what you wanted to in November? I would love to know!
Thanks girl! It’s so true. If I’m not going to be productive, I should do something that is actually restful rather than anxiety inducing (like checking my email!)
That’s good! I feel like January is when people try to spring forward on their resolutions, but relaxing and reflecting is an excellent way to start off the year!
Exactly! I am really trying to slow down before I run myself into the ground… Thanks for your encouragement Katie 🙂
Such great goals! I need to stay off of my phone first thing in the morning — I waste so much time and don’t do anything productive!
xo Southern Style
For some reason December doesn’t equal rest for me. January is when I feel I can really slow down (probably because it gets so dang cold!).
It’s sooo vital that we slow down once in a while! Especially in this culture that glorifies the busyness & the go-go-go mentality! I love your goals. I can’t wait to build a few gingerbread houses & oh, you’re not the only one who needs to work out more, haha. It’s too hard during this season!
Absolutely. I used to make the excuse that I couldn’t exercise because it was too cold outside. Now that I live in Southern California, I’ve been making the excuse that it’s too hot… I’m like Goldilocks 😉
Haha thanks Jasmin, I really appreciate it 🙂 December really is such a great month, and oftentimes I’m too busy to realize it!
Thanks Deniz! And no I didn’t follow Humans of NY till now but I am totally checking that out! And best of luck with finals Deniz– you can do it!! 🙂
Rest is needed, even among great goals and accomplishments! I have a feeling I’ll be exercising less this month than I did in November–the weather just turned cold and it’s not so fun to be outside anymore, haha!
Great goals! I wouldn’t mind a piece of that gingerbread cheesecake 😉 I really hope you manage to relax and unwind..it’s so important, isn’t it? My goal for December is to enjoy every single moment of it. It’s my favourite month of the year and I really want to take it all in.
Jasmin xx
http://www.whatdefinesus.com
These are great goals! I didn’t know you were planning to become a Special Ed teacher! That’s fantastic. I don’t know if you follow Humans of NY on Facebook, but today there was a post about a special ed teacher which I thought was really sweet. My goal for December is surviving finals week! And sleeping more than 3 hours a night!!
– Deniz
http://www.dressedupdeniz.com
Thanks girl!! I have to admit that this morning I woke up, resisted my phone and then got up and went straight to my computer… woops. baby steps 😉
Thank you Rachel! And you have great goals too– I hope that “fully enjoy the Christmas Season” is the ultimate goal… it certainly is for me, whether or not I accomplish everything 🙂
What awesome goals, Daisy! I also struggle with looking at my phone the first thing in the morning. It seems to be a habit I can’t break! I wish you all the luck in these goals but more so in slowing down for December and taking some time to relax, rest and breathe. Thanks girl for sharing these! 🙂
Wonderful goals, Daisy! Several of my goals are to continue to learn computer programming, read more, fully enjoy the Christmas season, plan Christmas presents, bake, and prepare for our next Louisiana trip. I also find that planning helps me be less busy. Since I’m often sick that means when I am well enough to do anything I’m rushing to do it all, but if I plan it out and know what I want to accomplish most it helps.
Haha so glad you can relate. This is such a busy time of year when what most of us need is to sit back and be quiet! And those black bean ideas are so great; I’ve not made chili in forever, and quesadillas are such a good idea. Thanks for sharing Jessica!
Hah I love it. I usually only accomplish half o fthe goals I set for the month 😉 And thank you for sharing that recipe! I love Minimalist Baker, so I’ll take a look. And if the cheesecake turns out well I’ll definitely share it 🙂
Thank you Jhem! I hope that making goals is helpful for you 🙂 I usually only accomplish about half of my goals for the month, but at least I’m making progress 🙂
Thank you so much Naima! I really appreciate you stopping by 🙂
Thanks Claire! It was my favorite from last year 🙂
Thank you Heidi! 🙂
I’m going to try to make it! I’ll probably send you the recipe first to see if you think it will work… I’m not the cheesecake expert in the fam 😉
Exactly! It’s a great month to spend slowing down and reflecting over the year that has passed. Thanks for stopping by, Cynthia!
The whole time I was reading this I was like “me too! me toooo! hear hear! so true!!” My goal right now is to have a day off when I can figure out my goals — I’ve notes jotted on scrap paper, in notepads and emails, and on my phone (at least I’m attempting to keep track of things) and I need to put them all together in one spot so I can start making plans.
I love throwing black beans in chili with winter vegetables. Or in simple quesadillas with any kind of cheese, and avocado + my favorite salsa on top. You could even throw them in a salad, with crisp romaine, red onions, goat cheese and whatever other bits and bobs you have around the house!
Oh I am equally guilty!! I lie in bed reading emails in the morning and by the time I get up, I’m super stressed out! I would love to start off my days differently. And I would love to pause too!! Choosing to pause, for me, might even mean turning down invitations this season. But I know I need it!
Hahah yes I’m very excited! Excited to spend Christmas in the snow 🙂
Seriously!! The sun definitely sets way too early now. And I will share gingerbread cheesecake photos if it’s successful 🙂
I feel you! This is a time when there’s a lot of exhaustion and burn out! oddly enough the season can be a great time for rest and quietness.
I love doing daily lists and I think they’re such a great idea! When I’m done with a list I move on and allow myself to relax 🙂 Setting goals is super helpful to keep in mind what’s really important to you when things get crazy. And thank you, Shannon!
Sounds absolutely perfect Charity!!
Oh you should! Listing goals are a great way to remember what’s important when things are getting crazy 🙂
Aw I’m so glad to hear 🙂 Let’s both commit to that this month!
Haha I have too many things in my head to keep track but that is very impressive of you! I will definitely share the recipe, but I’m getting it from someone else! 🙂
Slow is good!! And I usually only accomplish half of my goals for the month;) the rest of them serve as reminders that I want to do them… eventually.
Happy december to you too, Joi! 🙂
It’s so, so exhausting! I wonder why the “holiday shuffle” has to be this way… I hope you find some peace and rest this month too Joanna!
Thank you so much Miri! I hope you do– staying close to family is so important to me 🙂
It’s a real challenge but I hope we can all accomplish that! Good luck 🙂
Haha it’s helpful to remind myself of what’s important to me 🙂
Thanks girl! I really want to try out the cheesecake recipe 🙂
I totally didn’t accomplish all my goals for novemeber but I am super happy with how much I achieved even if I didn’t accomplish them. I always aim to high with my goals haha. You have to try this black bean recipe:http://minimalistbaker.com/vegan-gluten-free-black-bean-brownies/
So yummy! Gingerbread cheesecake sounds divine! Please share the recipe when you make it.
Really enjoyed this post (as always). Have a great day Daisy!
Hi Daisy!
Setting up a monthly goal is a good idea, hmm, I learned something from you today! 🙂
I’m so focused on my long time goals that I neglect my little or monthly-must-do’s but then I’m still stuck. 🙂
So from now on, I’ll to have my monthly goals, I bet it’ll be a good start to achieve my year’s to-do-list.
You’re such an inspiration!
xo
Jhem
Such an inspiration for everyone – thank you for sharing!! Goodluck with December!!
Naima
Milk Stripes
http://www.Milkstripes.com
http://www.Instagram.com/milkstripes
I adore the Christmas ornament! So gorgeous!
God bless,
XO, Claire
http://www.littlemissfashionqueen.blogspot.com
I love this idea! I also love that you write your goals down.
Heidi D.
http://www.wishesandreality.com
I’m with you on the x-country skiing, as long as I can have gingerbread cheesecake afterwards!
Thanks for sharing your goals.
December is a hard month. If we want a good 2015 we need to start now.
http://stylefuel.net
I love number 2. It sickens me how much I look at my phone. Or even how much I depend on my phone. I found it extremely funny to see that a huge part of Amazon’s cyber Monday sales were alarm clocks. I think we all need to take advice from this post and slow down. I certainly wish I had a pause button. I remember back in October saying I “wasn’t ready” for Halloween… wouldn’t you know it’s December.
Can we talk about number 7 and how incredible jealous I am that you are going to Colorado and have the opportunity to go cross country skiing?! Slowing down is definitely the way to go this time of year! 🙂
Make it 501. But seriously WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?!! I don’t get it. Maybe it’s because the sun sets at 4:55 now. Please share your gingerbread cheesecake with me. :] // â–² itsCarmen.com â–²
Haha, I just want to make it to Christmas! i’m really feeling the fall work-burnout!
One of my “New Year Resolutions” is to write down my goals. I’m so bad at lists, but like you, I’ve felt so run down lately and I feel like I have so much to do that I just keep putting off because I’m just exhausted. So now I’m working my way to the whole list of goals, by just doing daily lists for now in hopes that it will motivate me to actually accomplish what needs to be done. Good Luck on your December goals…looking forward to see what you accomplish!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
My goal is to take this week to get my holiday shopping wrapped up, get organized and to enjoy the rest of the month with family and friends!
Looks like you did pretty well with your November goals! I wish I had the time and motivation to make monthly goals… maybe I should start that up for a new years resolution!
xo ClassToCloset
Was so nice to read this this morning while I was still in bed and remind myself December is not all about running all over town trying to get everything done, but instead enjoy the little moments and save time for reflections. 🙂 Beautiful as always, Daisy. Xo, Alison
http://www.simplyfairbyalisonjeanine.com
I am the most unorganized person on earth and has never made any list/goals for myself. It is all in my head or so to speak. Years of working as a PA has pretty much trained me into doing that. I am great with making list and organizing for others, but when it comes to myself, I couldn’t be arse about it. I really should start though, probably will do me lots of good. And I hope you will share the recipe for the gingerbread cheesecake, I have never seen/heard/eaten that before!
Reflection of Sanity
I absolutely love this idea! I really hope you meet your goals and then some! I think a lot of my goals are slow ones without specific deadlines (ie not being too hard on myself). I think I’m showing progress and that’s the best I can hope for 🙂 Slowly but surely!
thesundaywardrobe.blogspot.com
ginger bread cheesecake sounds divine!
Happy December Daisy.
xoxo
http://thejoifullife.com/
I couldn’t agree with you more. I’m worn out and just want to take this month to relax and enjoy time with loved ones. I love your goals, Daisy. xx
lovejoanna.com
I like your December goals. Especially the one about talking to your mum and spending time in solitude! I may follow your example on that!
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
It’s definitely a goal of ours to stay more present this month and truly enjoy the holidays without getting stressed out!
Wish I had your motivation to constantly be doing things aha! Gingerbread cheese cake sounds so yummy
The Velvet Black // UK Style, Beauty Blog
These sound like great goals! 🙂 Gingerbread cheesecake sounds to die for! I hope you can accomplish what you want to accomplish this month 🙂