Well, I must say that I am glad to see the new year ring in. 2024 was a hard year in every area, personal and business. Unexpected ailments with family coupled with daily struggles at work and just maintaining life on our little farm has brought the level of stress to my husband and I to an all-time high. The weight of it all falls mostly on Paul because he is around the house more than I since I am having to spend more time at the daycare. Hopefully that will ease a bit on him after the end of the month when he retires.
But enough complaining. I tell my mom all the time that she needs to focus on the positive. I must take my own advice. The new year is a good time for a fresh attitude. As I self-reflect, I am able to see areas that I need to work on in my life. I am not going to say I am making new year’s resolutions. In my experience, that is just what I say that sounds good but is never really followed through with. Instead, I am going to set goals. I have my new planner calendar. I want to become the queen of planning and organizing. I have too many balls in the air to juggle. My husband always tells me that I let the tail wag the dog, instead of the other way around. And that is probably true. One of the major characteristics of being in the childcare business is that you must be flexible. Which I am to a fault. I intend to set goals, both big and small to reach for this year. By setting my goals and planning the steps to reach them I believe I will have better success at accomplishing what I set out to.
So, I encourage you to self-reflect with me. What are some things you need to change? What are some things you need to stop doing? What are some new things you want to accomplish? Maybe it is reading your bible more. Maybe it is to pay off some bills or save more money. Maybe it is to de-clutter and clean out around your house. Whatever it is, set yourself some goals. Be specific. Set a date but be flexible. Life happens and we can’t always control circumstances. If you miss a goal, readjust. It is ok. Don’t beat yourself up, just put yourself back on track. And as I tell my mom, focus on the positive. Be content in all things, and remember…joy is a CHOICE!
