resolution

The Snooze War

January 2, 2010 By Sarah Reinhard Leave a Comment

I’ve noticed a trend in the last few weeks, and it involves the snooze bar on my alarm clock.

I’ve struggled with this before (even going so far as to make sport of it and weigh the pros and cons), but this time it feels like it needs addressed.

So, thought I, what better way to address it than with a monthly resolution?

What is a monthly resolution? Michelle explains:

Every month I look at where I need to focus my attention. Perhaps I’ve been procrastinating on certain chores. Perhaps I need to spend some extra time with one or more of the kids. Perhaps I’d like to try a new habit. New Month’s Resolutions are not grandiose plans to lose ten pounds or declutter the entire house or give up smoking (of course, I don’t smoke, but if I did, this would not be the venue in which I would give it up). New Month’s resolutions are short-term commitments; they are easily attained goals; they focus on what is needed right now, instead of what is best for a lifetime.

I’ll show that snooze bar who’s boss! I’ll win the contest! I’ll…

Wait a minute; if I’m not careful, I’m going to set myself up for failure!

So, this month, during the cold and bitter, the long nights and huddled mornings, I’m going to resist the urge to snuggle down and resort to Snooze Bar Tactics. This is going to force me to consider the time I go to bed as well as the time I set my alarm. It’s going to make me think about the end of my day as much as the beginning.

And that’s OK. It’s a new month. I’m up for the challenge.

(Oh, and there’s a lot that needs done in those early morning hours, did I mention that?)

Filed Under: resolution Tagged With: resolution, sleep, snooze, waking

Failed Resolutions

January 1, 2010 By Sarah Reinhard 8 Comments

I love resolutions. Whether it’s an attempt at small monthly goals or the blank slate of a new year, I have always been motivated by setting goals and making plans.

This year, though, I’m coming up blank.

Maybe it’s the birthday party planning for my five-year-old. Maybe I’ve just relaxed too much since Christmas. Maybe… Well, I don’t know. This post is as much me “thinking out loud” as anything. Don’t say I didn’t warn you…

Failed Resolution #1: To get organized

Though I dearly love organization, resolving to “get organized” is a sure recipe for disaster. I can never live up to the standards in my mind, and lowering them is just. not. an. option. I need to set bite-sized goals, things that can be accomplished (perhaps even in a few hours on a Saturday).

Failed Resolution #2: To change “them”

This is a sneaky sort of thing that I sometimes forget about. I can’t change other people; I can hardly change myself! Whether it’s a daughter or a spouse, a friend or a family member, I need to focus on ME, not THEM.

Failed Resolution #3: To accomplish {fill in with something nearly impossible here, like writing a book}

You know, it’s not going to happen if it’s not the right time. And though I don’t dispute that having goals is good and worthy and even helpful, this sort of resolution is sure to set me up for a big crash (at least at this point in my life). Maybe I’m just shooting for the wrong things… Or maybe I need to trust more. Or…well, sometimes, as a dear aunt reminded me the other day, there is no why. (Yoda said that first, from what I understand.)

Failed Resolution #4: Do more

Perhaps what makes this a failed resolution for me, every single time, is that I very rarely have room to do more. The way I add to my plate is by discernment, and it never ever happens on January 1st. Though I started writing a regular column last year at the beginning of the year, it was less a “Do More” resolution than a calling that had been some time in coming. So I won’t be resolving, this year, to do more. I might end up doing more, yes. But it won’t be because I have it all figured out, whether what the “more” involves or what the “doing” is.

Failed Resolution #5: Free up some time

This is self-evident, isn’t it? Except that it’s not, at least for me. I need reminded not to resolve this. Every year.

Failed Resolution #6: Not to {fill in with something preposterous, like “waste entire days reading blogs”}

The fact is, I will do these things I vow not to do. It’s a question of balance. It’s a question of discipline. It’s a question of building in down time.

which leads me to…

This Year’s Resolution (The One That Won’t Let Me Down)

To keep letting go and trusting God. Prayer, first and foremost. The prayer will be integrated into my daily duties, as I wash dishes or answer the phone, when I’m at home with the kids or at work with my colleagues. I want to be in line with God’s will, but to do that, I have to be in conversation with Him. (Which, I’d like to add, is easier said than done for me.) I do think I’m going to revisit that old habit of having a monthly resolution. (I used to do that (see here and here), but last year I decided to try something different, though I fizzled out after July. Time to revisit the old standard!)

Jen has more Quick Takes today at her blog, Conversion Diary. Stop by and wish her a New Year!

Filed Under: resolution Tagged With: Faith, planning, prayer, resolution

Jumpin’ July (2009, One Month at a Time)

July 1, 2009 By Sarah Reinhard Leave a Comment

This is part of my adventure in giving my monthly resolutions focus a yearly focus. You can read all of my resolution posts here (scroll down for older posts).

Mental Focus: Clearing the clutter through home organization
At the beginning of the year, I made a plan for which part of my house I would focus on each month. Well, that flopped. Or rather, it changed. Because life is not static, is it? I had to adapt a bit.

July marks the beginning of my two month sabbatical from work. I’m going to be working on my book, yes, but I also plan to attack some of the little hidden areas in the house. The porch is long overdue for a cleansing, and the playroom is looking haggard too. And how about the living room? We spend our evenings there, but it could use some attention.

This month, I’m going to spend at least five minutes a day clearing out clutter. Though I’m cringing at how small that commitment is, I also know myself: I’ll abandon ship if it looks un-doable. So, five minutes a day on clutter control.

Physical Focus: Getting off my duff
Last month, I had no sooner written that I needed the humility to ask for help in this area than a friend of mine offered to let me borrow a couple of DVDs. I was hesitant, because I’m always hesitant about working out. But it’s been great! I did a one mile workout throughout June, and just this morning, I started the two mile workout. I put it on mute and listen to my iPod (the audio rosary fits in well for me). I have missed a day or two, but I’ve been averaging five days a week. I plan to keep that going this month, and then the habit should be routine.

Spiritual Focus: Staying focused in my prayer life
I’ll be continuing on the Holy Cloak of St. Joseph novena which I started in honor of Father’s Day and today, I’m beginning the Little Flower Novena at the suggestion of a friend. (You’re welcome to join me for either or both — and don’t worry about whether you don’t read this on the first day; jump in the middle and do it, time is less important than the praying.)

When I was wringing my hands about my sabbatical (this is a scary thing for me), my husband suggested I spend an extra hour in Adoration. And you know what? That’s just what I’m going to do. I’m going to take my wringing hands and piles of worries, and I’m going to lay them at His feet.

Do you have plans for July? Are there areas that you’re going to focus on improving?