Wednesday, March 16, 2011

What I Would Do

I am always thinking about the choices I wish I made every day. I often make goals for myself, but I don't often keep them. That's not to say I don't change my behavior over time. I do. I'd like to think that I am becoming a better wife and mother. But I fall so short of my goals. The reality is that what I want for myself in terms of goals is unrealistic. So today, when I had the choice to make more goals, I decided against it. I decided instead to think about the ideal me: what I would do if I could. Just for fun. Maybe this will help me see that it is utterly unrealistic to be this person, and at the same time, motivate me a little to meet one or two of these goals.

So, here goes nothing!
  • I would wake up before Malachi and maybe even Joshua.
  • I would spend time in quiet prayer and meditation in the morning.
  • I would sit and enjoy a book with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
  • I would shower, fix my hair and take care of my skin daily.
  • I would get my hair cut and colored on a regular basis.
  • I would get dressed in a presentable outfit instead of staying in the clothes that I slept in and...wore yesterday.
  • I would make my husband's morning coffee and get his lunch ready.
  • I would make my bed.
  • I would spend some time moving every day, whether a walk, a swim, or hooping.
  • I would spend some time outdoors each and every day (maybe not if it's below freezing).
  • I would write on my blog most days.
  • I would plan my dinner menus.
  • I would keep our living spaces free of clutter and spend 15 minutes a day organizing something.
  • I would clean for four 15 minute stretches every day.
  • I would read for 20 minutes a day.
  • I would spend 15 minutes reading to Malachi every day.
  • I would spend 20 minutes playing the guitar or piano every day.
  • I would not nap at nap time. Instead I would work toward meeting the above goals.
  • Malachi and I would bike to the post office and library.
  • I would have music playing most of the day, but not during nap time, when it would be silent except for the hum of the dishwasher or washing machine.
  • I would say evening prayers from the daily office with Joshua and Malachi.
  • I would take evening walks with my little family.
  • Joshua and I would read together after Malachi goes to bed.
  • I would pamper Joshua for 10 minutes each evening (he loves this!)
  • I would unload/reload and start the dishwasher every night before bed.
  • I would take the time to put on pajamas before bed.
  • I would have a bed time and stick to it.
  • I would keep my nails nice (in other words STOP biting them).
  • I would floss my teeth twice a day.
  • I would drink 100 oz of water every day.
  • I would take a multivitamin and other helpful supplements religiously and remember to take my pills at meal times.
  • I would have dinner going before Joshua gets home.
  • I would have coffee or similar "girl time" with a friend every couple of weeks.
  • I would have lunch planned on Sundays so that we could invite guests over after church a couple times a month.
  • I would keep the laundry put away and clothes off the floor so we can always find what we want to wear.
  • I would have houseplants because my my life would be balanced enough that I would remember to keep them alive.
  • I would keep my phone on me at all times and answer it w every time my husband calls (this one is for his benefit).
  • I would have a special place for my keys, purse, cell phone, and iPod, and I would never lose them and I would keep the elctronics charged up.
  • I would put things away when I was done with them.
  • I would go on a date with my husband every week, even if it was just for coffee.
  • I would grow a garden.
So, what would you do? What is the "wish list" in your head that you wish you could accomplish?

5 comments:

  1. LOL, and I thought I was the queen of lists! Seriously, though ... it's nice to read that I'm not the only one that does/doesn't do alot of the things you mentioned. It's such a life changing ordeal to raise a family and it's the simple things that are on our wish list. Which, says alot!! Loved reading your list. I can relate to many ... and I already do alot of what you're wishing to do. I bet if I posted my list, it would be the same for you, LOL. I have been trying to set more routines in my day that really help to implement alot of the above things, without even a slight struggle. Add one thing a week and you'll amaze yourself ... but, be warned ... your list will continue to grow. As I get some things accomplished, others pop up! LOL!

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  2. Wow, that's quite a list! It seems like every time I try to get really organized like that I turn into a totally grumpy wife/mama because I am so goal oriented that all the spontaneous things just feel like they are getting in my way. As much as the perfection appeals to me, I keep myself saner just going with the flow.

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  3. Angie Murray KhakpourMarch 17, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    When most things fail, the best choice is to smile from deep within. It is then that you find you are loved regardless.

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  4. This was motivating! I like it, and hope I can meet some of those goals too!

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  5. Wow thats a big list.It would take me all day just to come up with a list like that(which would defeat the purpose of the list LOL).

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