Friday, September 3, 2010

Purpose

Hey there blog readers, did you think I was never coming back?  I don't blame you, I've been gone a while. I'm back now, though.

What a summer! I don't know why I keep thinking I'll get a lot done every summer.  I've been back at work 3 weeks and I've done more in those 3 weeks than most of the summer.  Well, there was that little issue of being a good momma to my 3 awesome boys. I hope I did that effectively this summer.  And every day.

Speaking of effectiveness. I did a lot of thinking (read: beating myself up) this summer about what I'm doing and why I'm doing it.  So, I decided that I would come up with 5 purposes for my life and then make sure the 'things' I'm doing fit into those 5 things.  I've already committed to some things that don't fit into my 5.  So, I'm going to finish those up and politely decline to continue.

Here are my 5 purposes:
1. Being a good wife/mom - a lot of 'stuff' used to fit into this.  I thought I had to be in charge of everything to make sure the boys had a great experience. I'm going to learn to believe that this is not true ('cause it's not).  There are things grown ups think are terribly important that kids don't care about. I'm going to ask the boys what's important about their activities and do those things.  Ryan and I also need to have more date nights.  And a vacation alone together. (A girl can dream)

2.  Being a strong Christian - I will continue my daily Bible studies.  I would also like to get involved in a Life Group at church. But also, I need to work to make sure my faith is reflected in the things I do, how I speak and how I treat others. 

3. Being a good teacher - I work on this everyday.  I want to be a positive force in young people's lives.  I have to remind myself of this everyday so I don't get a bad attitude in the drudgery of the day. Right now this also means serving the teachers at my school. If I can help them integrate technology more effectively, more kids are excited to learn. This also involves getting my Librarian certification.  Started classes this week!  WooWhoo! Excitement for the win!

4. Being a good writer - I really beat myself up this summer for not getting my book finished.  Or even writing a lot.  I'm going to write more often but not strive for perfection on my first draft (this is my big demon).  I love to write. I want to enjoy it and be good at it.

5. Being physically fit - I am continuing my running and work out programs.  However, I did decide to not train for my 10K to make room in my schedule for my other purposes.  I'm okay with that.  I'm trying hard to not get too focused on being a certain size or weight. I just want to feel better about my body. 

So, that's my 5 purposes.  Help hold me to them.

What are your 5? Share in the comments!