Perspective.
One word. For the last 5 or so years, I’ve chosen a word that I want to focus on throughout the year. Usually choosing a word that is meaningful to where my life is at the time but also represents where I’d like to see it to go in the next year. Focus, courage, balance, enjoy, intentional…some of the words I’ve chosen in the past.
For 2020, the word I’ve chosen is perspective. I chose the word back in November. A friend of mine was going through something horrific and in all our conversations, we kept coming back to the word perspective. One of my favorite quotes is “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”
Something I teach my students (and my kids) is about the circle of control. It’s something I really wish I would have learned at an early age. Inside your circle of control- things YOU can change. Things YOU can control. Your attitude, your effort, your opinion, your words, your actions, etc. Outside of your circle of control- what others think of you, what happens to you, what others do to you, the weather, traffic, Government, other peoples feelings, behaviors, etc. I think this relates perfectly to perspective. YOU have the choice to see things the way you do. YOU can choose to make things into a big deal or not. YOU can choose to let it go or not. The lens you view things from is your choice and no one else’s. When you put things into perspective with everything else going on or happening- your outlook may just change.
Over the last few years, I’ve focused more on goals along with my “one word” instead of resolutions. At the beginning of each month, I take time to set specific goals for faith, fitness, family, fun and finances. From reading a devotionals to finishing a book a month to sticking to a specific budget or saving for something special and fun nights out with the kids. Setting these goals, putting them on paper and having them in one place helps keep me on track throughout the month.
This year, I found a planner that works perfectly for the planning I’d like to do. There is a monthly layout for each month and then a page for budget, meal planning, goals and more. Plus a daily page as well. We’re only a few days in, but so far it’s been easy to use and keep up with.
Along with a planner to help me keep it together in the new year, I’m going to continue using something I started using at the end of last year- Walmart grocery pickup. I don’t know why I waited so long to try it, but you guys- life changing! Not only does it save me time but also a lot of money. When I take the kids grocery shopping with me, I swear I spend an additional $50 on the “mom, I want” stuff. Now, I plan our meals, have the things on my favorites list that I use weekly and can schedule a time to drive up and pick up. I still run to the store for some of my fresh ingredients, but this has made a big dent in my monthly grocery budget for sure. The link above will save you $10 if you haven’t used Walmart pick up before. I also make sure to go to Walmart for many of my household needs, while taking advantage of their best coupons.
What is your word for the year? What are goals your’e going to focus on? Anything else out there that will save me time and money and will simplify my life?!?
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