Instead of setting New Year Resolutions I now set and work on goals. For whatever reason it seems by March we all lose our motivation with resolutions. But goals, those are a different matter. When I reverse engineer them to doable bite sized actions, I have discovered I am more likely to achieve the results I desire. The feeling of accomplishment I get from putting a check mark next to each of my six to eight daily goals makes me feel so good and motivates me to do more! Goals keep me accountable too, if it’s written down, I want to complete it. However, there are days when I don’t get to tick every box on my list and that’s ok, I give myself grace on those days vowing to do better tomorrow. I do not beat myself up over it. We shouldn’t be so rigid when doing something meant to help us or obsess over it, that’s not healthy!

I recently joined a women’s mentoring group which has been life changing for me. Pamela Crim, the head mamma of this group, has educated me on the importance of writing goals. She has taught me how to turn big goals, dreams and aspirations into a daily, weekly and monthly to do lists. Looking at them every day, checking them off my to do list is a great motivator. Once I master something or achieve part of a goal I can change or add to it to reach bigger loftier goals. For example, I want to be more present in the moment, so a daily goal is to remember to be just that, PRESENT, and to be aware of my surroundings. It may seem a little basic or lacking in specificity but let me tell you because I read ‘be present and be aware of your surroundings’ this will be on my mind all, day every day, set as a little voice in my head so when I start skipping ahead in my mind to what’s next I’ll hear, ‘whoa slow down girl, be present and savour this moment, this time’…it could be when I am talking with my husband, spending time with a grandchild, on a phone call with my daughter, mum or a friend. I might be serving at church. Writing. Attending a sporting event. Reading a book. Working out. Watching the sun rise. Listening to the sound of the ocean. A bird singing. Whatever moment I am in, I am learning to be all in fully present, fully engaged and grateful knowing that I will never be in this moment of time again.

I am committed to being present in all things for all people in every situation. I will set my intention, my focus, 100% on who or what is in front of me. Every moment, every interaction, conversation and tick of the clock is a gift from God.

Every good thing given, and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17

I firmly believe being intentionally present will make my time here on earth better, more fulfilling. It will even make it seem longer because I am embracing every minute of every day big or small. I know it’s going to take work and focus but I am committed because the payoff will be priceless. There will be greater joy, peace and personal growth. There will be deeper more meaningful relationships and hopefully others in my life will feel more seen, more heard and more loved by me.

So, no more looking back at my past with anger, regret and the coulda, shoulda, woulda’s. No more looking forward to the future with fear, concern or worry. I will look at my present situation, my here and now with a new awareness, with awe and excitement fully engaged in the present. Knowing this moment is the only time I am guaranteed. Yesterday has passed. Tomorrow isn’t promised. But today, this particular moment in time, is a precious gift from God. It is to be embraced and lived with purpose, passion and pleasure. This will be my primary focus.

Who’s with me?

Father thank you for this miraculous precious day of life. I will savour it and live with intention and be fully present in it. Opening my eyes, my ears and my heart to be fully aware of my surroundings and those you have placed in my life. I won’t fret about yesterday or worry over tomorrow. Today, this moment in your presence is a gift and I thank you for it. I will appreciate each and every moment of life as you give it. Amen.