It was a tough weekend. Being faced with my own mortality wasn't that hard. Really. I know I have a lot of life left to live, but if it was my time, I am OK with that, Here's the big BUT. But, to face the possibility of your child's mortality is so much more difficult. I appreciate my mother so much after spending this weekend watching my son struggle. It seems like a cut finger is such a little thing, but the first night we were told was about saving his life. The second day was all about saving the hand. And modern medicine did it's magic. Third day was the charm. A day of feeling well with no narcotics for the pain was his ticket home.
The support for our family was once again astounding. All of Ian's friends were there for his birthday. Throughout the days we were there, family and friends came to visit. At one point, there were 12 people in his room. There was cake. There were balloons. I love our clan!
So, needless to say, I left you hanging again. Let's talk about how to finish off this series we've been working on.
Step 5:
Look at each of your dream big goals from step 4. Write what it will look like and how it will feel when you reach that goal.
Business: Become my own boss.
I will write or create 8 hours a day. However, those 8 hours will be my choice. No more 8 to 4:30 with lunch at 11:30 for exactly 30 minutes. I will be able to keep doctor appointments, workout, meditate, and give my time to others when it is needed. I will have enough money for health insurance and more than enough to pay my bills. The feeling of making my living from what I love, makes me so much more easy going. My health is so much improved, because I am less stressed. Having the funds left over at the end of the month allows me to feel secure and charitable. I can help out my family, especially my parents, when they need it. I can travel or take little trips without worrying about letting bills slide by. In a word, I feel FREE.
Health: Hike once a month. Do 2 runs this year.
I plan out where and when I will hike each month, and I calendar it. If no one is available, I take myself hiking. I do not let others interrupt my date with nature. I'm already registered for one run in April. Now, I just need to find another run that is fun. I pay for my registration in advance and train throughout the year for each run. Because, I am my own boss, I have the money to pay for this without feeling guilty. I feel determined and motivated as I train and gain more stamina. I challenge myself to go faster and further. In a word, I feel STRONG.
Relationships: Do not settle for less than what I deserve.
I deserve to have someone in my life that wants to take care of me. I am worthy of being loved for who I am not because of what I can give. I am a nurturer by nature, but I want someone who will help me to be nurtured as well. I need a friend whom I can trust with my whole life, who is accepting of my children, grandchild, parents, and friends. I deserve to have someone who is mature, fun, financially secure, and fun to be around. I will not commit to someone who is an alcoholic or drug addict. If I find myself with someone who does not fit these criteria, I will remove myself. I will not get attached. When I find myself in a relationships with a man who does embody these characteristics, I will feel connected, loved, and safe. In a word, I feel ADORED.
Family: Spend time with each kid (including Kayden) each week.
I have a phone conversation, a drive, a meal, or play time with each of the four young people in my life. No electronics (unless we are watching a movie together or playing a video game together). Whatever, we are doing, we are doing it together, and I am giving that person my full attention. In order to do this, I will plan time every week with each child. It is a set date that is not to be broken . . . just like a business appointment. I feel that I know each of my children and my grandson on a much deeper level. I feel closer to each of them. In a word, I feel CONNECTED.
Finances: Become debt free.
In order to be debt free, I would need 6 figures. My house is paid off, my car is paid off, my credit cards and student loans are all paid off. Because I have met my business goals, I am able to pay for these things which makes my monthly bills much easier to manage. This is where the leftover at the end of the month comes in. If I need to make a purchase like a new dryer or a part for the car, I can afford it. If I have medical payments, I can pay them instead of making minimal payments. I feel so much less stress, because there is enough money to go around. There is no chance of losing our home or having a necessity like electricity shut off. I can afford all of my treatments. In a word, I feel ACCOMPLISHED.
Self Care: Take myself on a trip each year.
I may do this with a friend, a family member, my children, or my parents, or I may go alone. I go to a places I want to go: the desert to 4 wheel, our national parks, haunted hotels in the U.S. to experience history and maybe a bit of the paranormal, beautiful places to hike, the coast, cities that I love like San Francisco, San Diego, Washington D.C., Ireland, Wales, or simply a cabin in the mountains for a weekend. Sometimes, I invite others along. Sometimes, I decide to venture out on my own. Because of my business and finance goals being met, this is not difficult to plan and afford. I have enough to have fun while enjoying the experience. I live fully in the moments that I experience on my adventures. I take photos to record the memories. I feel spiritually fulfilled and at peace. I feel adventerous and enlightened. I feel cultured and excited about learning new things. In a word, I feel ALIVE.
As I wrote this, I realized that these dream goals are attainable. I can do this. I start now. I start today. How about you? What will you do with 2015?