Intentions, Plans, Goals, Action?

I talk about these a lot with the women in the different communities I belong.  Over the years the ways in which these things are communicated have changed.  But no matter who I'm talking with or listening to, I have found that we are excellent at talking about our intentions, our dreams and our goals--even our plans. Some make distinct differences in what each word means/represents to them personally.  Others use them interchangeably.  No matter how you use these words, at the end of the day, if you're not putting things into ACTION it doesn't matter what you call it.

Every year I read through two books--yes, the same two books.  Every year, I find that I'm in a different place and so they speak to me in different ways each time.  I recently shared this with the homeschooling community to which I belong sharing it as an example of how reading good books help you change.  With things going as they've been in my life, I'm more about the action part of things now. I am good at planning; at balancing different priorities; adjusting and being flexible; yet keeping my goals every before me.  I've decided that in addition to my weekly planning for my family overall (meal plans, weekly schedule, learning opportunities, down time, music lessons, etc.), I need to be extremely intentional about creating regular time and space for myself.

A mother-friend of mine recently shared how she was being intentional about her family life.  Her husband made it a point to her to make sure she included time for herself and her personal development.  That was powerful to me.  Not because it was new.  Not because this was something I hadn't tried.  It was powerful because it involved her partner.  He is one who pushes her towards her continued development--and not only that, he helps make time for it weekly by being fully present with their children during that time.

After hearing this from her and speaking my with own husband (who, I must say, has been a support and encourager all these years), we have come up with a better schedule for our lives now that includes intentional time for both of us to pursue activities that continue to keep us at our best.

So as I get through my weekly planning today, I've decided that I want to set some intentions at the beginning of the week.  Intentions that I can then put into action right away.  I will be looking for practices that will stretch me yet reinforce these intentions.  I'll check in later in the week to let you know how things are going.  What's working and what needs some adjustments.

• I intend to be fully present, specifically with my children & husband; secondly with those I'm with over the course of the week.  I will practice listening, giving eye contact, seeking to understand first before being understood.
• I intend to make time this week to create.  I am working on warm hats, scarves and making gift items for the upcoming holidays. 
• I intend to reach out and make plans with three friends to engage them in creating/crafting.  By week's end I hope to have those dates on my calendar.
• I intend to spend time three times this week working on my professional and personal development classes online.
• I intend to make time daily to read, for myself and aloud to my children.
• I intend to make time daily to write for one hour on my book projects.
• I intend to make adjustments in my bedtime and change my overall sleeping patterns.  I will begin this evening by getting to bed by 11pm and practicing this all week.

Honestly, I have a lot more I'd like to add, but am stopping myself now. (This might need to be one of my intentions as well, keeping things simply and not overdoing just because I can.) I want to be successful at this. I know that although I may be able to do more part of being intentional, for me, at least, is to put this list into ACTION.  No longer just on paper or on a nice check-list or chart.

I'm wondering if this might be something you already do. Perhaps you have some tips to offer me as I begin.  I would love to hear your experience with moving plans, goals, intentions (whatever you call them) in to action.  You're also welcome to cheer me on should this be something new to you.  And I would be remiss if I didn't invite anyone of you to join me in this practice of setting weekly intentions and then making them happen through immediate action.

Your comments are welcomed below.  Thanks for stopping by and reading today.

Have a great week.

How to Plan Your Homeschool Year :: Step 1 Goal Setting

I've decided to do a series of posts based on the workshops I've done for homeschoolers over the course of the past several years.  If you're just starting out or considering homeschooling your child or children, there are definitely steps you can take to make this process less overwhelming and stressful.

I'll start by saying that the fact you've decided to take full responsibility for providing your child/ren with a learning rich environment and thus opening up the world to him/her/them is admirable.  You may be feeling excitement about your decision and as you explore the world of homeschooling may also feel lost in the sea of all your options.  Surprisingly enough there are a great number of options now readily available to homeschoolers now days.  There are more and more families opting to homeschool for various reasons and thus there is a large market now just for us.

Home Again, Home Again Jiggity Jog

So our little vacation is over. Technically we've been home for a few days, but I didn't want to give up our 'vacation mode' just yet. But today, we're back in full swing. I have to say that I'm glad to be back. We had a nice time away. The kids got to do a lot of fun things and we visited with family and friends.

Now for the unpacking, reordering and getting things together for some structured learning starting again in August. I've gotten our 'classroom' cleaned and straightened up (I'll have to post photos) which has been a long time coming, for me anyway. I have a few more things I'd like to put in order so that our learning time will move smoothly for the kids and clean-up will be a breeze.

I am also working on our chore chart. Each of the children have regular jobs but I'm thinking that I'd like to have something up for all of to see. My sister in law has a really cute one that she's done for her dd with pictures for her to read. I'm thinking that I'll use this format as well.

I have Jaya making a list of all the things she's interested in learning, she has quite a list already. We will then sit down next week go through her list and choose three things to focus on in August. She already is doing piano and reading/phonics so I don't want to start too many new things with her as her frustration level will elevate and things won't be productive. Kari is still in a very free-flowing place and I'm very open to keeping things that way for her. She is doing the reading/phonics lessons with us but hasn't shared anything that she wasn't to do formally. We'll see what develops. Melvin is very much into doing his thing--building, music, singing, shouting, throwing things, etc. We're organizing his room better so he can get to the things he enjoys without wrecking his entire room to get to them.

I also need to contact my homeschooling friend here to see if she wants to get the kids together on a more regular basis. She recently had twins, so I know things are crazy over there...so we'll see how that goes. I have two other friends who are within a few hours that I'd like to connect with as well. Perhaps we can get the kids together for field trips, etc. There really is a lot of great things to do up here, you just have to be willing to drive to them. But the drive is awesome through the country, I'm really liking that!

Now that I'm out of school I hoping to get down to DC a bit more often to connect with the homeschooling group there. I made some connections last year with the leader (her friend is leading my group in Atlanta while we're away) but haven't been able to attend anything as of yet. I'm hoping to get down once a month or so. We'll see.

I'm putting down on paper some goals for us and a list of things I'd like us to do before we head back South! On the top of my list is going to some of the U-pick farms here to pick fruit. Last fall we went to a couple farms for pumpkin picking and other fun activities (corn mazes, rides), I'd like to do that again too.

So there you have it. I'm getting in the planning mode. The change of scenery was needed. I've gotten some better perspective on my life and where I need to be.

(The image I used is from here.)

just another manic monday

(oh-woe) wish it were sunday...




and so another work week begins. my husband left at some ungodly hour (for us) and one by one my children woke up needing one thing or another from me (go figure). it has been hard to get out of my bed this morning. i've turned over several times to find sleep again. i'm thankful that i've taught my kids to get up and play quietly, sort of. what finally got me out of bed was the thought about getting back into the routine of our lives. since our big move in august, we've been 'off schedule' and everyday is unpredictable, which isn't always good for little ones. so out of bed i got!



i've found it helpful to get up and get dressed on days like these. it gives some direction: this won't be a "lay-around-lazy-day.' so we are now fed and dressed and doing some artwork. must get this holiday thanks out b/4 the kids forget who gave what. lol!



i guess i should have a goal for today, or at least a plan. hmmm...let's see.


today's goal: enjoy my children. read to them. give them time to be creative.


i'm ok with this! hope your day is as good as mine will be! ;)