I want to offer you a more in-depth look at each of my mini-goals for January. I’ll do the same for each upcoming month, and update you on how things worked out (or not!)
I admit, giving specific examples of how to put each goal into practice really gave me a clearer understanding of what I’m actually supposed to do this month. I’m going to use an “Out with the old, in with the new” format so I can pray for specific help to free myself from old bad habits and replace them with new good ones.
1) Slow Down: Spend intentional time each day with each child to build a personal relationship with him; build connection.
OLD: Spending the whole day doing things for my children that they don’t ask me to do (but are eventually necessary, like laundry), and yet saying, “No” every time they ask to play with me.
NEW: Say “Yes!” It’s always a relief to sit, nurse and be “forced” to stop what I’m doing so I can put my feet up and nurse my 6 month old. Why not look at the few times the others ask me to play with them the same way? Maybe it is God’s way of speaking to me through my kids. “Erin, you need some fun. How about a game of hide-and-seek?”
2) Take a 15 minute mini-vacation every day!
OLD: My only breaks are the ones “forced” onto me from nursing, and I always have some form of media for company.
NEW: During one of the baby’s naps, I will either lock myself in our bedroom and stare out the window, or sit on the front/back porch, and just be QUIET. REST. FOR 15 MINUTES. No kids, no phone or laptop. I don’t even have to try to pray. Just breathe.
3) Keep Sunday a day of rest and family prayer time
OLD: We go to Mass, but that is the only thing different about Sunday.
NEW: Limit the use of media on Sunday, and pray the Family Rosary, for starters. I really think Sunday should be entirely media-free, but I got scared as I typed those words. Unfortunately, I’m afraid that means one thing: I am attached to media, and how can I “Honor the Lord’s Day” without at the same time offending Him by loving the “false god” of media. I think putting a strict limit on checking email, stats, blogs, etc. once a week will be a much needed rest. I’m going to start by only using my phone to call someone, find the recipe for dinner, pray the divine office, or listen to the Station of the Cross. I’ll start with me, and see if any other family members follow…
