My Life Goals...

In my quiet time this morning I was reminded that I want to write out a list of 'Life Goals'.  Now this could be compared to a 'Bucket List', I would guess, but I like the sound of Life Goals much better.  I did manage to list about 26 or so life goals this morning before I needed to get breakfast and get ready for church.  (Yes, I actually cooked breakfast this morning!!)

As I shared with my husband at breakfast that I was working on my life goals, he questioned what I was listing.  I tried to explain these are my goals, not anyone else's.  To give you an idea of what some life goals can be - even for you - here are a few.  

1.  Read two books a month.  (I originally thought one a week but that could be stressful, but one a month seems too little).
2.  Try a new recipe each month.  (This should be fun)
3.  Run a marathon.  (Now this one will be a challenge - but I want it to be fun, not work)
4.  Run away with my daughter one weekend - just the two of us for a mother/daughter weekend. (We rarely have time together anymore.  It would be fun to become acquainted with her again)
5.  Make an effort to have alone time often.
6.  Write a book.
7.  Publish a book.
8.  Work out 3 x week for three months.  (just to start and get going)
9.  Make everyone one Christmas gift by hand.
10. Write at least one letter a week to someone.

Now these are not in order and I've added some that I haven't written down - but just to give you an idea of some life goals.  As you can see, they aren't hard goals and are easily attainable.  But it does require some effort and consistency on my part.  I've started this list and will be adding probably for the rest of my life.  It vaguely seems like I have done this before, but I have no idea where that list could be.  I want to keep this list 'up close and personal' so that I can stay focused on completing these goals, and checking them off.

What about you?   What are some things that you would like to do - or see - before you die?   I challenge you - and encourage you - to start your own 'Life Goals' list.  You can even encourage your children or your spouse to do the same.  Make each life goal attainable so that you don't become discouraged.  But be sure to also make them challenging so that you don't immediately check everything off your list.  And add to it as you think of new things.

Want to go to an NFL game?  Put it on your list!  What about flying to Hawaii for a week?  Start saving!  Want to write a novel?  Start writing chapters!   Quit dreaming about it and start living it!  I know, I'm preaching to the choir here.  There is so much I want to accomplish myself, and yet, there is also so much I can not do, that the reasons are out of my control.  But what I can do for now, I need to step out and do it. 

Please understand that if someone has a life goal that you may want to do as well, you can not push them into completing that life goal just because you want to complete it now.  These are LIFE goals - which means we can complete them next week - or twenty years from now.  These are PERSONAL unless they include you in them.   Do not take ownership of someone else's life goal!

Routine things you always do don't need to be on your life goals list.  If you are always taking your spouse on trips - unless it is a special trip - don't list it.  What fun is it in listing if it is something you always do?   And let it be YOUR life goals list.  Don't set your goals based on someone else's desires and wants.  

In the movie 'Pretty Woman' a man is walking down the street saying "What's your dream?".  So I am asking you the same question.  What is your dream?

Start building and make your dream happen!   Let me know how your list is going.

Blessings!