Let’s just get this over with: September was terrible, intention-wise. I could tell you my excuses (busier than I expected with photoshoots, unexpected emotional struggles, a 5 day trip to California, quitting my job stress, etc.) – but this is a new month and I’m moving forward. It’s embarrassing how terribly I did, but dwelling doesn’t help.
[September Update]
– – B U S I N E S S – –
Finish one business book. Nope. The Referral Engine was due back before I finished and now I’m waiting for it on hold. I did start Brene Brown’s book Daring Greatly, which I’ve been wanting to read forever and it made me cry on the airplane, so I’m chalking that up to a WIN.
Make a list of enjoyable & unenjoyable tasks for business. Nope. I did get one step closer by Googling, “Ideas for what to outsource,” though. We also discussed this at DesignerVACA, the design conference/retreat I attended last week. I think my problem is 1) I like control and I have a hard time trusting others to take parts of what I do, and 2) I like variety and completing things is satisfying. Whether for my business – from the initial client inquiry through the final launch – or for my home – cooking meals from scratch and cleaning. I guess I could outsource cleaning, but really? Can do that for a small two-bedroom apartment? If I was better at picking up after myself, this wouldn’t be an issue. Sigh.
– – P E R S O N A L – –
Don’t look at my phone while at stop lights. Yes! After my friend texted me her stoplight ritual, I started doing a little deep breathing and happy uterus manta (really? REALLY.) Every now and then, I need to look at it for directions, but I stopped just *checking* things. Whew.
Start a meditation program. Not really. So I meditated twice on my own and completed only SIX days of the 10 day Headspace program. That means 27% of the days, I meditated. Not so great. Though I did really get a lot from the Headspace meditations, more so than any other meditation I’ve ever tried. Something I’ll explore further, I think.
[October Intentions]
– – B U S I N E S S – –
Learn one new development thing. There was an explosion in my learning awhile ago when I learned SO much web development. The world of the website creation opened to me and I happily chugged along, learning new tricks and methods as I needed to. But this month I want to take the time to intentionally choose to learn something new. A little more about HTML5, perhaps? Maybe more CSS3 animation? Finally start with Javascript? Who knows!
Read Rock the System book. If there’s one thing that will improve my business and my time management, it’s creating more efficient ways to do things. I’ve known this is an area to work on, but now I’m going to actually take steps toward that goal. Maybe even implement a few changes? Mostly I need to slow down and move forward intentionally.
– – P E R S O N A L – –
Run 20 miles. I’ve found that setting running goals is important for me to run. Whether it’s a pace, a race, or a mileage number – I need tangible goals. Though not a large number for serious runners, I just want to challenge myself to get out there.
Find some time to spend with Mike & do nice things for him. These last few weeks have been stressful with Mike starting his new job while I still have my day job to juggle child care and sharing one car and he’s writing his dissertation and applying to internship for next fall and then I went to California for 5 days and we’re dealing with the leftover grief and anxiety from having two miscarriages this year and health insurance woes and…and…and. Exhale. While Hawaii was amazing and rejuvenating, the return to real life has meant we spend more time discussing work and child care arrangements than just about anything else. I want to find nice things to do for Mike. Surprise him with coffee or get Chipotle or whatever I can do to make this time a little less stressful for him (as he works to propose his dissertation and apply for his mandatory post-school internship this month). Ideas are welcome since being thoughtful is not my strong suit.
Also, I turn 29 this month. My last year of my twenties!
I hope October is your best month as birthday months should be. & I’ve made myself a similar note of doing nice things for Matt as it’s so easy to get wrapped up in the moment and the emotions and just, I get you.
Always thinking of you lady and sending lots of happy uterus vibes your way :)
I turned 29 in June so I can say, yay- you are going to love it! Hopefully it’s going to bring a lot of great things for you guys.
I love your goal to do nice things for Mike after a stressful month. I’m not sure this is my specialty either but I think the intention is there, so you will figure something out!
I love Gabe’s first day of school picture. I assume this means he is going to the inclusion preschool you were talking about earlier this month? How is it going?!
He’s not going to that preschool – he went for a week, but for a number of reasons (mostly our childcare needs and having one car), we’re sending him to a preschool down the road instead. He LOVES it. :) He’s so shy that it’s nicer for him to be in a two-classroom school that’s JUST preschoolers instead of a big building with TWO entire elementary schools in it!
Here’s to a new month!
I try to do little things for Ben when I want to be thoughtful – like leaving him a note that I know will make him laugh – or something as simple as packing his lunch because I know he’s always rushing out the door. Small little things will add up quickly!
You are the master at being thoughtful. :)
Happy early birthday!
One thing I do for Knight is leave him little notes in his lunches everyday (we both take leftovers/sandwiches to work to save on $$) and he says how much he loves them! I also try to remember to set out his coffee mug or pick up his favorite coffee or something like that on the weekends. I think you are a thoughtful person for what it’s worth; it’s hard to be there and do nice things for the other person when so much is going on. I totally get that. We get into that here, too!
Be kind to yourself, friend.
I’m excited that you embark on new adventures professionally this month.