Waiting for a new year to begin to set goals is overrated. September is my favorite time of year to set resolutions. After playing with the kids all summer, it is the perfect month to regroup and focus on new goals for myself.
This September it is even more important to set goals. In addition to being a single mom who works part-time, has a blog, and writes for two other blogs, I am starting photography school on September 20th. Add to the list of responsibilities that I have a home to maintain, kids’ activities to attend, and homework to assist with, this year setting goals is essential.
Today the kids and I are having a family meeting to discuss how my school schedule will affect our daily routines and responsibilities. This coming week I am doing a “spring clean” of the entire house so that I start school with the house completely in order. I will also be spending the week finding ways to add more structure in my life.
This last “to do” is worrisome to me. In my marriage I was a tightly-wound, over-committed, frenetically-busy person. In 12 days I will be more committed than I have been since I separated. I have spent time shedding myself of an over-committed schedule and simplifying my life. I wonder if I will revert back to the unhappy, stressed-out person soon.
I also battled a progressive auto-immune disease that magically went into remission three months after separation. I still monitor my diet, but I don’t need medication. I don’t want return to a life of drugs and specialists, hoping to keep a progressive disease at bay.
But structure is inevitable.
The next ten months my life will be very busy. I will not succeed if I don’t allow my dormant organizational skills to resurface. What I think is different this time is that everything filling my time makes me happy. The busy schedule will not exist to divert attention from a bigger problem in my life. This time I am structuring my life to create more room for something I want to accomplish.
This time structure is not pathological.
It is a means to an end.
PERSONAL NOTE: My writing schedule has been off the last two weeks. As part of my effort to create structure, I will be returning to a regular writing schedule next week. I will be publishing on this site 3 days a week. I look forward to reconnecting.
Comments
16 responses to “Back-to-School Resolutions”
Saying hi from SITS!. Good resolutions. The spring clean is crucial – it will help clear your head to tackle all that will be on your plate. I have the same resolution – just not quite executed yet. Hope your cleaning went well. We also have a very busy year ahead – I’m nervous but trying to be organized while still taking it one day at a time. Good luck with it all.
Good luck to you as well!
This sounds so familiar! I had set a goal to a “Fall” Cleaning of my home and have it done by labor day, but unfortunately my garage was more of a challenge than I thought it would be. But, I’m on my way and hoping to finish by the end of the month! I teach, so the beginning of the school year is also a great time for me to set some resolutions! I just wish I was more on schedule with it! Good luck with yours!
Sue,
It really is a good time to set goals. Maybe you will catch up over the weekends! For me it will be a huge effort to get on top of my house. I dread it, but know I will begin school with one less thing to worry about!
you…over-committed? no way! ;)
good luck!
I think as long as you understand the person you were, don’t want to be again, and know why – you will always have that in mind. Not to mention what is keeping you busy, like you said, are all things you WANT to do – not feel like you HAVE to do (except for the house and kids – those fall into both categories!). When you feel anxious or overwhelmed – give it up and do something not on the to do list that is for complete enjoyment for the family. May seem counterproductive at the time, but it will get the importance of life back into perspective and give you a fresh approach when you head back to the busy schedule. Good luck with it all… can’t wait to hear more about how it all goes!
AKeo,
Thank you for taking the time to comment and for the excellent advice.
I totally agree – I think goal setting in September would be much more effective. I am at a point where I need to restructure some things so that I can do the things I want to do and do the things I need to do. Take care!
I have a feeling you’re going to be able to do all you need to do with absolute grace. And for the record, I’m rooting for you!
Thanks Grace. I am a nervous wreck!
I sure hope that we get to see some of the photos you’re going to take. That will be a treat!!
I promise to share the photos!
For the record, I am proud of you and think you are brave for taking this step to pursue something you love! It’s scary, but exciting too – right? You will do great and all of the juggling will turn out just fine as long as you relax and take it as it comes. I don’t usually use quotes, but one I truly believe in is ANYTHING WORTH HAVING IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR. Please know also that you have friends who will support you in any way you ask and help you out whenever you need it. Enjoy your journey!
Thank you Angela! Thanks for the encouraging words and the support.
I’m impressed that you are setting new resolutions. And I took a photography class years ago, which I loved. I wish I would have stuck with it. I hope you get back on a writing schedule, only so that I can read your lovely posts. Just don’t be too hard on yourself if life gets crazy and you have to alter it! I keep trying to create a blogging “schedule” but I have yet to stick to it. Maybe next week…
I hope I can stick to a blogging schedule and that school isn’t too much for me to handle. I really want this for myself and for some professional interests that I have, but I also think about my limitations as a single mom.