My Goals for 2018

And just like that, one year has ended and another has begun.  It's hard to believe that we're turning the page into 2018, and yet here it is.  In the past couple of years, I laid down setting goals for the year.  Time marched on and while I had dreams, I didn't really set down goals.  As 2018 comes into view, I wanted to purposefully write down a few of my priorities for the new year.

1. Spend a weekend away with my husband

In the past we've taken a yearly retreat to sleep, eat, and just have an uninterrupted conversation.  Due to some time and financial constraints, we missed that weekend in 2017.  We're hoping to get a weekend away in the spring.

2. Develop a weekly planning time with my husband

I think it would be really helpful for us to sit down sometime on the weekend, just to talk, plan, and make sure we're on the same page.

3. Establish a date night

Financially we can't get out of the house for a weekly date night.  However, I'd like to start incorporating an at home date night or even an occasional night out with my husband.

4. Learn better publishing techniques for Youtube

I mentioned in my End of the Year Reflections video that I really need to work on my thumbnails.  Additionally I want to continue growing in my editing and polishing techniques.

5. Learn more about making printable

One of the things I'd like to include on the blog is some printable, specifically some calendar printables.  But I have no idea how to start that.  So doing some research, learning lots, and hopefully bringing more into 2018.

6. Read through the Old Testament

Yes, ideally, I'd like to read the whole Bible in one year, and yet, that seems very overwhelming.  So for now, let's just say, I'm working on reading the Old Testament.

7. Write one handwritten note a week

One of my goals this year is to really connect on a personal level with a handful of women in my life.  In order to do that one a deeply impactful way, I want to hand write notes, let them know that they're worth my time.  More time than a text or an email.

8. Read 12 read aloud with the kids

Reading to our kids is a huge value in our home.  Each year, we start out with a list of 12 books that we plan to read in the new year.  And while we don't always finish the list, it's a great goal.

9. Start a Family Evening routine

A new idea that we'd like to try out this year is to incorporate a Family Evening with worship and games.  A night when we're all at home and can just bond as a family.  Yes, we spend a lot of time together since we homeschool and try to stay involved in all our kids' lives.  But this will just be a time without a schedule and having fun together.

10.  Practice a Sabbath/offline day

It's hard for me to turn my brain off.  Turn off social media and shut down the computer.  But I think it would make me a better blogger, better Youtuber, better mom, better wife... So it's an experiment.  We'll see where it goes.

I'll be posting updates on my progress throughout the year.

What are your goals for 2018?