2020 goals

Most years I don't make a list of goals, but I always have a list in my head. This year, it seemed important to commit them to paper, so I guess I'll also commit them to the internet. These are simple, measurable goals that I think will enrich my life in some way, but they're all things that I've struggled with completing in the past. I hope they'll bring clarity to the days of 2020.




Pray for myself daily.
This is my most important goal of the year. All the other goals, all the reading goals, none of it matters like this one. There are a number of healings I have been working toward for years, and this year I plan to spend concentrated effort on these demonstrations.


Write to Tomoe.
My only college friend who keeps in touch with me, Tomoe, always writes to me at Christmas, though she hasn't heard from me for years. I feel tremendous guilt every time her wonderful card and letter comes from Japan. This year, I WILL WRITE BACK.


Visit Mom.
My mother has made not-so-subtle requests that my husband and I visit her more. She comes to our house several times per year to visit, but we only find our way to her house on holidays. We only live an hour away, so there's no reason not to make the effort. This year, we will.


Start a commonplace book.
I've started and abandoned more journals in my life than I can count. I am just not cut out for daily journaling. But I've long loved the idea of an inspiration journal or a place to collect random thoughts, quotes, questions I'm working my way through, and things I don't want to forget. Little did I know there's a term for such a journal: a commonplace book. I want to start one this year and add to it at whim instead of on a schedule.


Complete "Grandma's Room."
When we moved into our house in 2011, one of the spare bedrooms became my library/study. When my little grandson was helping us move in, we were directing him to the rooms by calling that room "Grandma's room" and the name stuck. This is where I keep all of my books, my antique photo collection, and all of my favorite paintings. It's a very, very full room, and because I'm not in there every day, it becomes a dumping ground for piles. This year it's getting cleaned up, re-organized, redecorated--whatever it takes to make it cozy, usable, and beautiful. I'd love to get a new rug and light fixture, but I don't know if we'll go that far. I'd be happy just to have all the clutter tamed.


Read family history binders.
My lovely Aunt Carol has spent the last several years compiling family history binders for each of her siblings and for me. These are amazing works of love, and I'm way behind in reading and enjoying them.


Turn off the news when it devolves into something other than news.
This will be especially helpful later this year when the presidential election heats up. I detest political bickering. And in our house we make conscious effort to shut out prophesying. We're gonna wear out that mute button this year.


Make a conscious effort to discern what's not working for me and change or eliminate it.
This is so important, and I think I was too busy reading last year to do much of it. But I can think of a couple of examples. I finally admitted I liked gardening as long as I didn't have to do it. I dug up all of my flowers and gave the plants to work friends. Now there are no guilty projects waiting for me outside other than trimming bushes every spring which I don't really mind. It's very freeing. I also reorganized my unmentionables drawer to get everything in one place, and it has made me very happy. I want to tackle more of these projects this year. Maybe I'll begin with my linens drawer or decluttering my kitchen countertop. These have been driving me nuts.