So it's been a long time since I was last here - makes you wonder why I bother right? And this is something I am really thinking about as yet another year comes to a close.
As most people do at this time of year, I am reflecting on 2014 and how the year has gone for me. It has not been my best year yet in many ways and in others I feel I have gained a great deal. Too many things are undone at the end of the year for me to feel 100% happy with myself. So I wanted to take a moment and reflect on my three words.
To recap they were Wellbeing, AccountAbility and Explore. At the time I thought they were very clever and perhaps they were too clever. Let's look at them one at a time.
WellBeing - this year I have had the worst health I have had in a long time, a symptom I think of being over-worked and pulled in too many directions. I had two month long illnesses requiring me to have extended periods of bed rest and double doses of antibiotics.
I have not scheduled the regular medical appointments as I had intended and as 2014 draws to a close I am nearly 10kg heavier than at the start of the year. On the plus side I have started taking some actions to resolve these issues. Exercising daily with Russ to help with motivation - a combination of HIIT and Yoga which seems to be working. I have also adjusted some of my diet and plan to tackle even more. But ultimately I am not a healthier, fitter version of myself. This has been a real struggle.
AccountAbility - This is a classic case of being too clever by half. This was split between delivering on promises and improving my financial education/health. I would say I invested most time and have had most success, albeit not as much as I would like, in the delivery side of things. I have still had some major failures in this area but by and large I have learned from them and have invested heavily in my personal productivity and therefore delivery this year. In this area I feel I have a decent foundation on which to build in 2015.
But in the area of financial health I have been a disaster. And I think the combination of two different things under one heading was what got me into trouble. Addressing my financial issues requires me to shed my shame. This is, I think, an area requiring a deeper dive in 2015.
Explore - this was rather amorphous. I liked it at the time because the idea was to open up to new things and stretch myself out of a comfort zone but I never put a frame around it that would see it actually delivered.
So as I reflect on my year and my three words a few things strike me. Be less clever and more specific. Be clear about my intent and spell out the things that are required to make a difference.
Translate that to daily practice. What I have learned most recently, especially when my youngest son was sick and in hospital, is that focus and daily discipline are actually key to achieving the things you set out to do.
So as I ready myself for 2015 I am holding these two things in my mind as I consider what my words are going to be for 2015. I want to give Chris's three words another shot. I still think the big story and vision I set out for myself is right, but my articulation of that into a daily way of life was way out of whack in 2014. Oddly enough simplify was a word I toyed with last year, perhaps that holds the key for 2015.
Tuesday, 30 December 2014
Monday, 21 July 2014
Why I am a Working Mum (And how I deal with the guilt)
I am a Working Mum. It's a badge I used to feel self conscious about, but now I am trying to let it sit more comfortably. Why does it even matter? Lots of Mums work, lots don't. But somehow the "labels" - Working Mum, Stay at Home Mum, Work at Home Mum seem to have become far more politicised.
Let's be honest, all Mums are Working Mums. You stay at home with my two boys for the day and see if you aren't exhausted at the end of it. Raising children is hard work, work that should be acknowledged, rewarded and respected. So I am really talking about being a mum who has a job outside of the home.
Last week I finally succumbed to being full time (I used to work a five day week in four days). It felt like a massive shift. One I wasn't sure I was ready for.
It coincided with some issues for Bear at school too which just adds to the Mummy guilt.
Now I don't work a 9-5 job, never have. But the fact that I work for an international organisation with bosses in the US and UK means I often work all the hours on the clock, which can be fairly anti-social. So in deciding to go full time I knew I'd have to come up with a flexible plan that worked for our family.
So now I split shift. Three mornings a week at least I am on calls with the US and working between 6-8am then I take a two hour break to be Mum, do the school and daycare run and some exercise for myself, before getting back to my desk. Two days Bear is in after school care meaning I can work till 5 or 5.30pm. The other days I ride to school and pick him up. He comes home and has a snack, does chores and homework while I knock out at least another hour at my desk. Two or more evenings a night I work 8-10pm to pick up Europe.
Sounds mental right? But it works. At least it is working so far. At first I was worried about what other people would think until a friend told me I was nuts ("you work harder than a lot of people, who cares when you do it" was her sage advice) and my boss said "As long as your deliver the results what do I care when you are at your desk". It was a great reminder that it is the delivery that matters.
My split shift lifestyle might sound nuts to some, and utterly undesirable to others. But my flexible working arrangements mean I can take my kids to school and day care every day, I can give my eldest the support he needs - my need to work doesn't have to add to his fatigue and therefore his behaviour challenges. By talking it through with REG we also came up with a plan that works for both of us. He picks up the Bean daily and both of them on the days when Bear is in after school care.
REG is travelling this week but the routine is flexible (and robust) enough that I know while it will be tiring it will also be totally do-able. When I am away he feels the same. And I am away a lot.
How do I deal with the guilt now? By being as fully present as I can when I am in "Mummy mode". I don't take calls, I try and stay off my phone and off email (Facebook is a work in progress). If I travel over weekends I take time in lieu. I don't feel rushed or guilty if I am parent helper for a morning at school. I also clearly signpost to work colleagues when I won't be around. REG was away for ten days so I made a no morning calls rule for that time as I didn't think I could juggle it all. Colleagues were respectful.
I know I am fortunate - I work from home, have understanding bosses, and a supportive partner. We have access to good schools and childcare and a solid support system of friends. If we need her to my Mum will come to us and help out for longer periods. I recognise these are options and opportunities not available to all.
I work for me. It is good for my mental health, it is good for my sense of identity, and I like having income that I bring into the family. I also work for my boys. I want them to see that women work, we hold positions of importance outside of the home as well as inside it. I want them to see and learn that families are teams, that parents are partners and that we are in this together.
Reminding myself of that is how I deal with the guilt. How do you deal with it? And should we even have guilt?
Let's be honest, all Mums are Working Mums. You stay at home with my two boys for the day and see if you aren't exhausted at the end of it. Raising children is hard work, work that should be acknowledged, rewarded and respected. So I am really talking about being a mum who has a job outside of the home.
Last week I finally succumbed to being full time (I used to work a five day week in four days). It felt like a massive shift. One I wasn't sure I was ready for.
It coincided with some issues for Bear at school too which just adds to the Mummy guilt.
Now I don't work a 9-5 job, never have. But the fact that I work for an international organisation with bosses in the US and UK means I often work all the hours on the clock, which can be fairly anti-social. So in deciding to go full time I knew I'd have to come up with a flexible plan that worked for our family.
So now I split shift. Three mornings a week at least I am on calls with the US and working between 6-8am then I take a two hour break to be Mum, do the school and daycare run and some exercise for myself, before getting back to my desk. Two days Bear is in after school care meaning I can work till 5 or 5.30pm. The other days I ride to school and pick him up. He comes home and has a snack, does chores and homework while I knock out at least another hour at my desk. Two or more evenings a night I work 8-10pm to pick up Europe.
Sounds mental right? But it works. At least it is working so far. At first I was worried about what other people would think until a friend told me I was nuts ("you work harder than a lot of people, who cares when you do it" was her sage advice) and my boss said "As long as your deliver the results what do I care when you are at your desk". It was a great reminder that it is the delivery that matters.
My split shift lifestyle might sound nuts to some, and utterly undesirable to others. But my flexible working arrangements mean I can take my kids to school and day care every day, I can give my eldest the support he needs - my need to work doesn't have to add to his fatigue and therefore his behaviour challenges. By talking it through with REG we also came up with a plan that works for both of us. He picks up the Bean daily and both of them on the days when Bear is in after school care.
REG is travelling this week but the routine is flexible (and robust) enough that I know while it will be tiring it will also be totally do-able. When I am away he feels the same. And I am away a lot.
How do I deal with the guilt now? By being as fully present as I can when I am in "Mummy mode". I don't take calls, I try and stay off my phone and off email (Facebook is a work in progress). If I travel over weekends I take time in lieu. I don't feel rushed or guilty if I am parent helper for a morning at school. I also clearly signpost to work colleagues when I won't be around. REG was away for ten days so I made a no morning calls rule for that time as I didn't think I could juggle it all. Colleagues were respectful.
I know I am fortunate - I work from home, have understanding bosses, and a supportive partner. We have access to good schools and childcare and a solid support system of friends. If we need her to my Mum will come to us and help out for longer periods. I recognise these are options and opportunities not available to all.
I work for me. It is good for my mental health, it is good for my sense of identity, and I like having income that I bring into the family. I also work for my boys. I want them to see that women work, we hold positions of importance outside of the home as well as inside it. I want them to see and learn that families are teams, that parents are partners and that we are in this together.
Reminding myself of that is how I deal with the guilt. How do you deal with it? And should we even have guilt?
Thursday, 30 January 2014
Why I am signing up for a year of ethical fashion
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| Image via Pip Lincolne, Meat Me at Mikes |
I love Pip Lincolne, I find her funny and honest and interesting. She makes stuff, reads stuff, thinks stuff and shares it all with the world. So when I saw her posting about ethical fashion I was intrigued. Post Google Reader I am still getting to grips with Feedly and I haven't stayed as on top of my favourite blogs as I used to.
Pip was writing about the ethics, or lack thereof, behind so much of fashion. Inspired (or horrified) by the Bangladeshi clothing factory disaster Pip was taking pause and asking about her own contribution, all of our contributions really, to the industry that ultimately resulted in that tragedy last year.
This is an area I have previously felt very uncomfortable about in my own life. I've picked up $3 and $5 t-shirts from K-Mart. I've grabbed that bargain in Target, and have purchased in many of the big name outlets that were implicated in the incident. While I shop rarely for clothes, compared to some, I do shop and I don't always ask good questions about what I am buying in the area of fashion. I started to think about why.
Firstly I really do detest shopping so I limit how often I do it, which often results in a last minute "oh I need such and such" rather than a more thoughtful search and spend.
Secondly as a sewer I often look at things and think, I could make that. Except of course I don't. And even if I did get around to it, there are still questions to be asked about the fabric and notions I use to produce my own garments.
Thirdly, I don't think I have a natural sense of style. So to a certain extent I find it easier to buy into the capsule collections put together for me by others. I am, to be frank, rubbish at op shopping.
Fourthly like anyone I love a bargain, and I don't like spending a lot of money on clothes (shoes are a different story, always invest in your feet, and your teeth).
But this push for cheap, wear it once chuck it out fashion, just doesn't sit well with my values. As someone who works in sustainability I know that someone, probably lots of someones, is getting screwed in the supply chain so I can pick up a $3 t-shirt at K-mart for one of the boys. I also know how much I've loved and valued the network of clothes-sharing others in my life that mean my youngest son is usually dressed in well loved hand me downs. And of course how much I love wearing, and watching my sons wear, something I've made.
So I'm signing up for the Year of Ethical Fashion. I expect it to be hard. But who doesn't like a challenge. If you are interested you can sign up here.
Tuesday, 28 January 2014
Twelve in Twelve - turning words into action
So earlier this month I reflected on my three words for 2014 - Well Being, AccountAbility and Explore. To keep me honest and to try and bring those words alive each month I am also trying out the 12 in 12 idea.
So many people have taken this idea of focusing on one thing each month - whether it is Gretchen Ruben's Happiness Project, Leo Babauta's Year of Living Without and many others. I like the idea of tackling one thing at a time and really focusing on it. So I've created my own list. I couldn't quite come up with a full year's worth but I came pretty close. So each month I've identified three words to help me keep on track with the big three.
January is nearly over and if I am honest I think I did a passing job at using my three words to keep me motivated and on track. Because we had people staying to the middle of the month and then went to Bali for the last two weeks of the month I always knew it would be challenging.
I think I scraped a passing mark for my first word - Move. I knew committing to a specific exercise or eating plan would be challenging so instead I tried to focus on adding more movement to my every day. Whether that was standing during phone calls, walking to the local shops, or attending a yoga class, I tried to be more mobile. And mostly I think that worked.
My big fail was my AccountAbility word - Debt. I really wanted to tackle some issues around debt and cash flow and while some progress was made it was much, much less than I could have achieved. A sign that I still let the money fear take hold. Add some unexpected expenses and this one was pretty much a wipe out.
My third was Bali. Usually when I travel to Bali for work that is all I do, work. But this time I was taking my family and we really wanted to explore what Bali had to offer to us all. I feel really satisfied with this one. A space to watch.
So to my focus words for February: Dry, Deliver, Make.
After the excesses of the holidays I'm going to give the booze a break. It's not like I've been knocking it back by the gallon but those summer night beers do come at a hefty calorie price. So I'll be saying no to alcohol for the month.
Delivering on my commitments, finishing tasks on time, that's my AccountAbility focus this month. I have some projects that have lagged and they need to step up a gear this month. And so do I.
In February I'll be heading away on craftcation with my lovely craft group friends. I'm going to be sewing for myself which will be a treat and hopefully knocking off a few unfinished projects. After a month of not making, and hardly even cooking, I'm looking forward to an emphasis on making my own things.
I'll be trying to keep Move, Debt and Bali in mind too, the idea being that the words build up slowly over the course of the year, that each month's fresh emphasis or focus keeps you engaged in the greater goal. We'll see how it goes. How do you keep your New Year's Resolutions or goals alive all year round?
So many people have taken this idea of focusing on one thing each month - whether it is Gretchen Ruben's Happiness Project, Leo Babauta's Year of Living Without and many others. I like the idea of tackling one thing at a time and really focusing on it. So I've created my own list. I couldn't quite come up with a full year's worth but I came pretty close. So each month I've identified three words to help me keep on track with the big three.
January is nearly over and if I am honest I think I did a passing job at using my three words to keep me motivated and on track. Because we had people staying to the middle of the month and then went to Bali for the last two weeks of the month I always knew it would be challenging.
I think I scraped a passing mark for my first word - Move. I knew committing to a specific exercise or eating plan would be challenging so instead I tried to focus on adding more movement to my every day. Whether that was standing during phone calls, walking to the local shops, or attending a yoga class, I tried to be more mobile. And mostly I think that worked.
My big fail was my AccountAbility word - Debt. I really wanted to tackle some issues around debt and cash flow and while some progress was made it was much, much less than I could have achieved. A sign that I still let the money fear take hold. Add some unexpected expenses and this one was pretty much a wipe out.
My third was Bali. Usually when I travel to Bali for work that is all I do, work. But this time I was taking my family and we really wanted to explore what Bali had to offer to us all. I feel really satisfied with this one. A space to watch.
So to my focus words for February: Dry, Deliver, Make.
After the excesses of the holidays I'm going to give the booze a break. It's not like I've been knocking it back by the gallon but those summer night beers do come at a hefty calorie price. So I'll be saying no to alcohol for the month.
Delivering on my commitments, finishing tasks on time, that's my AccountAbility focus this month. I have some projects that have lagged and they need to step up a gear this month. And so do I.
In February I'll be heading away on craftcation with my lovely craft group friends. I'm going to be sewing for myself which will be a treat and hopefully knocking off a few unfinished projects. After a month of not making, and hardly even cooking, I'm looking forward to an emphasis on making my own things.
I'll be trying to keep Move, Debt and Bali in mind too, the idea being that the words build up slowly over the course of the year, that each month's fresh emphasis or focus keeps you engaged in the greater goal. We'll see how it goes. How do you keep your New Year's Resolutions or goals alive all year round?
Saturday, 4 January 2014
My Three Words for 2014
Inspired by Chris Brogan's approach to "resolutions" and reading and thinking I've done over the last year and more I've identified my own three words for 2014. Based on average life expectancy it is fair to say I am at or have just passed the middle of my life. What do I want to do with the next 40 years? How will my life be different, better, remembered? And what life lessons am I modelling for my children?
These are the questions I had in mind while trying to think of my three words. In large part I was motivated by a feeling that I've mostly been "winging it" through life and I don't want to do that anymore. I want to make conscious choices that lead me down a desired path. I want to get stuff done. I don't want to look back and say 'if only...' And as it happens some interesting opportunities have been placed in my path in 2014 that require me to make clear choices. Not just for myself but for our whole family.
Following Chris's model I've set out my big story, vision and goals. Turning those into plans and milestones and getting them into the daily calendar is the next step. In the past I haven't really looked beyond the year ahead of me. At how acting on resolutions would get me where I want to go. I've tried to be more aware of that, more mindful, this time. And by writing them down, in this way, here, I am hoping to instigate some level of accountability, a key focus this year. So here goes:
The Big StoryContributing to a more sustainable way of living personally, at home, in my community and globally.
VisionThat every day I contribute in some way to ensuring or enabling a way of life for myself and others that does not harm or degrade the environment, contributes to social justice, and is economically viable.
GoalsWell Being: I will be a fitter, healthier me, mentally and physically at the end of 2014. For me this is about exercising daily and eating better (more fruit and veg, less 'white food', more nuts and seeds). But it also about being more calm mentally, about being present and mindful. And about taking the time to care for myself; making and keeping regular appointments for example.
AccountAbility: In 2013 I got stretched too thin. Work took over, everything else got sidelined and because I lost grip on the wheel I failed to deliver on promises I made to myself and others. This goal is about reversing that. It's about delivering on my potential. About ensuring I keep promises or commitments I make to myself, my family, friends, colleagues and others. It is about getting things done. It is also about tackling a constant thorn in my side, my financial health. This is the year to lose the money fear. To learn basic business accounting. To get my Super in order and to carve out that future house buying plan.
Explore: When life gets crazy busy I bunker down. I don't want to go anywhere or do anything. I just want to coccoon myself away and try and work my way out. This year I want to open up to new opportunities, experiences, places and people. I want to learn more - about myself, how to do things, other cultures, languages - and I want to visit new places in Australia and elsewhere. I also want to explore solutions to our sustainability challenges as a family, indeed to explore and set our goals as a family too.
So there they are, my three words for 2014: Well Being, AccountAbility, Explore. What do you want in the year ahead?
Monday, 25 February 2013
When life goes topsy turvy it's time to focus
Last week did not go according to plan. At. All.
But it taught me a good lesson - the kind you feel you know already but need reminding about from time to time. In fact it taught me more than one.
Lesson: Health is everything
On Monday Bear's asthma kicked in and boy, oh boy did it hit him hard and fast. A trip to the Doctor's confirmed what I suspected and then we were off to Emergency. Then transported from our lovely local hospital to Sunshine so he could be observed by a paeds specialist. By then it was obvious we were in for an overnight stay. Equally obvious - the week we thought we were going to have wasn't going to happen.
Lesson: Good friends are valuable treasures
Bear threw up in the car on the way to Emergency. Beanie was freaking out. A couple of calls and one of my gorgeous friends met me at the hospital to take Beanie off my hands. "Let's see the dogs" was all it took to calm him down. Bless you Amber, you are a gem!
And yet another gem, delivered food - dinner to my door, handmade, super delish dinner. There is nothing better when you or the kids have been poorly than a meal made with love arriving on the doorstep with nothing more for you to do than heat it up. Thanks Jenxx
People texted, rang and facebooked to check in on Bear and it made me realise that despite having no family here in Melbourne REG and I are rich in the network of friends we have built around us in the past three years. And oh so grateful too.
Lesson: Sometimes "I'll just work through it" is not a good plan
REG and I tagged teamed work versus nurse duties for the remainder of the week. He cancelled a trip, I cancelled meetings. But by Friday it was clear the "do a bit here, do a bit there" approach was no longer working. I felt stretched very thin, and REG was fighting off some lurgy too. Sometimes you just need to focus on one thing. So on Friday I did. Just me and the Bear.
When it all goes pear shaped it's important to just focus on the essential thing, on the thing right in front of you. Not the myriad of things that are on the to do list, or the wish list, or what other people expect you to do.
Lesson: We really are incredibly lucky
A night in the Children's Ward is enough to make you realise how incredibly lucky you are. How lucky that your kid while ill is not in serious danger. How lucky that you can afford health insurance. How lucky that Australia has universal access to healthcare. How lucky we are to have such high quality professionals in our health care system. How lucky we are to have flexible jobs where we are able to chop and change to suit the needs of our family. How lucky we are to have the aforementioned friends. It was a crappy week for sure but our fortunes outweighed the misfortunes when all was said and done.
Lesson: No matter how old your children get they'll always be your "baby"
At about 10pm at night as I was trying to encourage Bear to sleep despite all the noise and interruptions in the children's ward this gorgeous little man who'd spent most of the day struggling to breathe squeezed my hand and with those earnest blue eyes of his staring at me intently said: "Thanks Mum for being with me, I'm not nervous because you are here." He's my big boy but at that moment all I could see was my baby.
But it taught me a good lesson - the kind you feel you know already but need reminding about from time to time. In fact it taught me more than one.
Lesson: Health is everything
On Monday Bear's asthma kicked in and boy, oh boy did it hit him hard and fast. A trip to the Doctor's confirmed what I suspected and then we were off to Emergency. Then transported from our lovely local hospital to Sunshine so he could be observed by a paeds specialist. By then it was obvious we were in for an overnight stay. Equally obvious - the week we thought we were going to have wasn't going to happen.
Lesson: Good friends are valuable treasures
Bear threw up in the car on the way to Emergency. Beanie was freaking out. A couple of calls and one of my gorgeous friends met me at the hospital to take Beanie off my hands. "Let's see the dogs" was all it took to calm him down. Bless you Amber, you are a gem!
And yet another gem, delivered food - dinner to my door, handmade, super delish dinner. There is nothing better when you or the kids have been poorly than a meal made with love arriving on the doorstep with nothing more for you to do than heat it up. Thanks Jenxx
People texted, rang and facebooked to check in on Bear and it made me realise that despite having no family here in Melbourne REG and I are rich in the network of friends we have built around us in the past three years. And oh so grateful too.
Lesson: Sometimes "I'll just work through it" is not a good plan
REG and I tagged teamed work versus nurse duties for the remainder of the week. He cancelled a trip, I cancelled meetings. But by Friday it was clear the "do a bit here, do a bit there" approach was no longer working. I felt stretched very thin, and REG was fighting off some lurgy too. Sometimes you just need to focus on one thing. So on Friday I did. Just me and the Bear.
When it all goes pear shaped it's important to just focus on the essential thing, on the thing right in front of you. Not the myriad of things that are on the to do list, or the wish list, or what other people expect you to do.
Lesson: We really are incredibly lucky
A night in the Children's Ward is enough to make you realise how incredibly lucky you are. How lucky that your kid while ill is not in serious danger. How lucky that you can afford health insurance. How lucky that Australia has universal access to healthcare. How lucky we are to have such high quality professionals in our health care system. How lucky we are to have flexible jobs where we are able to chop and change to suit the needs of our family. How lucky we are to have the aforementioned friends. It was a crappy week for sure but our fortunes outweighed the misfortunes when all was said and done.
Lesson: No matter how old your children get they'll always be your "baby"
At about 10pm at night as I was trying to encourage Bear to sleep despite all the noise and interruptions in the children's ward this gorgeous little man who'd spent most of the day struggling to breathe squeezed my hand and with those earnest blue eyes of his staring at me intently said: "Thanks Mum for being with me, I'm not nervous because you are here." He's my big boy but at that moment all I could see was my baby.
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| From this... |
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| ...to this |
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
What will life look like in 12 months time?
No I am not wishing 2013 away already but hey it is February after all.
But like most people I spent much of January reflecting on what I'd like to achieve this year. I've always liked the fresh sheet of paper that comes with the New Year, that first clean page of a new diary or journal. The promise of the possible, and maybe even the impossible.
I'm really good at writing resolutions. I just really suck at keeping them. I'm better with goals but they tend to be the same things year in year out. You know the usual chestnuts: lose weight, exercise more, read more, spend more quality time with REG, be more eco-conscious...
In 2011 I was inspired by Gretchen Reuthling's Happiness Project which I had finished reading over the holidays and was convinced I was going to tackle my own project - I even had my areas written down and everything. And. It. Just. Never. Happened.
So this year I decided I needed a different plan of attack. Setting goals and meeting them has probably never been more important. I am on the cusp of having the job I dreamed of when I moved back to Australia in 2009 - in fact I am 80% there really. So I really need to deliver.
Bear is starting Grade 1 and we know so much more now about how we need to support him through the ups and downs of school after our tumultuous year of prep. Beanie is trying our patience and stretching our love in equal measure as nearly three year olds are won't to do.
Yes I want to get fitter, eat better, sew more, procrastinate less. But mostly I want to do. I want to get stuff done, I want to look back in 12 months and think, wow look at all that great stuff I did.
So what will life look like in twelve months? Hmm, watch this space...
But like most people I spent much of January reflecting on what I'd like to achieve this year. I've always liked the fresh sheet of paper that comes with the New Year, that first clean page of a new diary or journal. The promise of the possible, and maybe even the impossible.
I'm really good at writing resolutions. I just really suck at keeping them. I'm better with goals but they tend to be the same things year in year out. You know the usual chestnuts: lose weight, exercise more, read more, spend more quality time with REG, be more eco-conscious...
In 2011 I was inspired by Gretchen Reuthling's Happiness Project which I had finished reading over the holidays and was convinced I was going to tackle my own project - I even had my areas written down and everything. And. It. Just. Never. Happened.
So this year I decided I needed a different plan of attack. Setting goals and meeting them has probably never been more important. I am on the cusp of having the job I dreamed of when I moved back to Australia in 2009 - in fact I am 80% there really. So I really need to deliver.
Bear is starting Grade 1 and we know so much more now about how we need to support him through the ups and downs of school after our tumultuous year of prep. Beanie is trying our patience and stretching our love in equal measure as nearly three year olds are won't to do.
Yes I want to get fitter, eat better, sew more, procrastinate less. But mostly I want to do. I want to get stuff done, I want to look back in 12 months and think, wow look at all that great stuff I did.
So what will life look like in twelve months? Hmm, watch this space...
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