February can be a strange month. For some of us, the winter chill is far from gone; while others bask in the advent of spring flowers.
You can probably guess what weather we’re having here in Southern California, but my memories of frigid temperatures around this time of year are not buried yet. It was so fun to see photographs of friends who actually enjoyed their time in the recent New England storm. That’s the odd thing about snow– once it’s done its damage, it’s hard to ignore the fact that it’s beautiful.
After I published this post last month about blogging less, I’ve been sort of on a journey figuring out how I want to allocate my time everyday. I foresaw being busy– in a good way– but I haven’t quite nailed down my daily schedule.
For one, my tutoring students have increased in number and I’m so grateful. But on the other hand, I’ve been trying to put more effort into personal home and health-related responsibilities. My husband and I do our fair share of chores, but somehow I often feel we’re behind schedule. Is this something we ought to just get used to?
Furthermore, I’m reading a great book recommended to me by a friend: What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Bolles (here). It’s an incredibly inspiring book about careers, callings, and changes (and I strongly recommend it to anyone who is in between jobs, looking for something better or just ready for a change).
Bolles has published an annual edition of this book for years, but I imagine much of the core material is similar. I particularly liked something he wrote about unpredictable periods of life transition:
Use this opportunity. Make this not only a hunt for a job, but a hunt for a life. A deeper life, a victorious life, and a life you’re prouder of.
The world currently is filled with workers whose weeklong cry is, “when is the weekend going to be here?” And, then, “Thank God it’s Friday!” Their work puts bread on the table but… they are bored out of their minds. They’ve never taken the time to think out what they uniquely can do, and what they uniquely have to offer to the world. The world doesn’t need any more bored workers. Dream a little. Dream a lot.
Boy, does that speak to my heart.
And it’s so timely that this particular (Kindle) book is in my hands. As I mentioned in January, I had an interview with a potential teacher residency program just south of Los Angeles. I’m very grateful to say that I think the interview day went well, but I won’t have a final answer until the end of this month. Before then, I’ll need to think long and hard about whether I want to participate in this residency.
In addition, my husband and I are making serious plans to move! We’ve been apartment hunting, and with a little luck, have found a place that we like. And we just might move in if everything lines up! It’s only about 5 minutes from our current place, but it’s a very different space, and we’re pretty excited.
So, our February looks rather full– full of big things, life things. And that means that setting goals for February somewhat revolves around that reality.
5 Realistic Goals for February
- Nail down a consistent weekly routine that balances work, household responsibilities, quality time, relaxation, exercise and good food.
- Come closer to a career decision about whether I’ll join the teacher residency (if accepted), continue tutoring or work on something else after the summer.
- Continue to meal plan based on our Community-Supported Agriculture boxes, full of seasonal organic produce that we pick up each week (more on that this week!).
- Strip my current wardrobe down to the essentials and put together a “uniform” for work.
- Finish What Color is Your Parachute, because it has been such a great read!
What are your goals for this month? I’d love to know!
Wow Jenna, I’m so touched by your words. Praying for you, sister. I’m actually in a similar position, because I’ve been wanting to be a teacher for ages but am having some serious second thoughts. Here’s to life that is exciting, joy-filled and generous, dear friend! Hope you enjoy the book– lots of practical stuff in there too!
Wow, that book sounds like something I definitely need to read! I’m pursuing a different career. So I’m currently trying to decide what to do about my teaching position for next year. I’m in tears after reading the quote you shared from the book. I’ve had a hard time pinpointing why I’m miserable in my job–I’m passionless about it…and yes, bored.
Thank you, thank you for sharing this! I’m going to buy the book now!
I think I need this book, it sounds great! Great to hear your February is full of big things. That’s exciting!
Glad to hear you have found some sought after inspiration! The book sounds helpful. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for your upcoming decision about the teacher residency. I have missed your posts! Hope all is well! 🙂
xo Erin
http://www.winkandatwirl.com
Wonderful goals, Daisy! I’ll be praying about the move and a decision for the job.
Thank you Gina!! It’s a really, really good read and I highly recommend it! There are certain chapters (like the one I quoted) that I think are so good and super helpful. It’s a wildly popular book for a reason! Hope you’re doing well, friend!
It’s such a great book, I think you’d love to read it, even if you’re not in that transition period anymore 😉 Lots of sound advice that’s given me real hope for the future. 🙂
Haha, yes so I’ve heard!! And yes, my work schedule can fluctuate a bit but I’m working on it! 🙂
Thank you so much Elmira 🙂 And yes, I spend a lot of time thinking… perhaps too much. 😉 I do need to just go for it!
Yes, it’s good to designate certain days for certain things I think… thanks for that tip! 🙂 Hope you’re doing well, Shireen!
Thanks friend! Oh gosh, I read about that storm and saw plenty of photos. Stay warm and think sunshine!
Thanks girl. And yes! Produce boxes– I wrote about them today, you should definitely consider it if you have the time. We have great CSA’s here in SoCal 😉
Yes I saw your post! You’re so right… there’s always a trade-off when it comes to how we spend our time. Thank you Sheryl! 🙂
These are such wonderful goals, Daisy! And wow, thank you so much for the inspiration from What Color is Your Parachute. I now must check out that book since I’m in a “job hunting/what’s next?” phase of my life too. It’s kinda crazy. That’s something I’m really afraid of with finding a job–being scared that I will end up not passionate about it and bored. I think we’re all ready for something that lights us up, that uses our own unique gifts to make genuine and positive change in the world. It’s just figuring all that out is a process!
I’ve heard wonderful things about that book! I was one of those “is it the weekend yet” employees. It felt like I was “rushing” time to go by faster. Life is short! Fill it with things that you love! I made a career change a year ago and could not be happier!
Have no doubt, Daisy- Cambridge has been cold! Brrr… Congrats and good luck on getting that apartment. I bet you’ll fall into your daily/weekly routine groove before you know it. Sometimes these things just work themselves out.
http://ohthethingsshedoes.blogspot.com/
I am sure you will get done the entire list in no time. Sometimes it would be better not to think about it too much and just do it. You know what I mean? At least in my case if I repeat and repeat things that I have to get done to myself numerous times, I tend to get overwhelmed and not get anything done. I hope everything works out for you, moving and all:)
xo
Elmira
http://www.wellputtogetherstylebyelmira.com
I know what you mean by falling behind on house chores, I often feel the same. Hubby and I have finally decided that every Sunday will be our cleaning day, we’ll clean inside out, upside down. That way it’s less stressing and to be honest, we’re not messy people anyway. Hope you’ll find the right balance soon, Daisy. xx
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
I think these are all spectacular goals! Best of luck on your residency, I’m very hopeful for you. Also best of luck on your new place. (: Spring flowers seem sooooo far away. Especially since recovering from the Super Storm of the east. (;
http://www.accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com
Love these thoughts. I love having a routine that I can rely on. In a weird way, it makes me much more flexible, because I’m not as stressed out! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the produce boxes — I’ve heard good things. 🙂
Have a good week, Daisy!
Always, Anita
I shared my goals on today’s post and we share the same in regards to finding balance for all of the things we want to have in our lives. Over the years I have learned that when I am “on top” of all of the chores and responsibilities at home that I’ve also had to make decisions about not doing other things I wanted to do. I think you will begin to find your own rhythm. Here’s to a good February.