I had a blah month in May. I’ve kind of felt like it’s been a blah year. I haven’t been focused on my goals or my theme for the year.
I decided I’m going to take the month of June and reconnect. Reconnect with my goals, ambitions, hobbies, family, etc. And maybe I’ll change my theme of the year to connection. For now, June will be a month to inhale and to soak it all in.
If you’re lacking in motivation too, it’s okay. Reach out and let’s help each other move forward! We can do it!
Despite May feeling like it was a dud, I did actually move forward with some of my goals, so I want to acknowledge what I did do, instead of focusing on what I didn’t do.
KNOWLEDGE:
· Read 52(ish) books:
I read 5 books this month and am right on track!
-The Rosie Effect: Graeme Simsion
-Braving the Wilderness: Brene Brown
-courage to be YOU: Gail Miller
-Simon vs the Home Sapiens Agenda: Becky Albertalli
-The Joy of doing Nothing: Rachel Jonat
· Learn/try something new:
I am wanting to get better at nightscaping. This month I have been watching tutorials and reading up on some tips on how to improve. I’m hoping to go out and practice in June!
SPIRITUAL:
· Attend the temple monthly.
I haven’t been to the temple in MONTHS. I’m hoping to reconnect with this in June.
· Read the Doctrine and Covenants
I fell off on this one too. *Cue the eyeroll*. So here’s to hoping my spiritual side does better in June.
PHYSICAL:
· Run 400-500 miles.
My mileage is still pretty low. But I have officially started training, so I’m expecting to be running more through the summer. My total mileage for the year is 142 (oh wow. That’s embarrassing.)
· Trilogize with Runtastic
· Go to the dentist
Okay. Honestly this is my least favorite goal for the year. But I know I need to do it. So, I’m planning on going before the end of August.
FUN:
· Create a bucket list with Mike and cross off at least one item.
I need to share our list so far! I just added it to my to-do list for June, so keep your eyes open! In the meantime, what’s on your bucket list?
· Travel to 3 places we’ve never been to together
We hit Thailand in April and booked our trip to South Dakota for July! Have you been to South Dakota? We haven’t and would love some suggestions! We are also still looking for one more small trip to take. Mike started a new job, so it will have to be a weekend trip somewhere. Any ideas?
· Catch up on scrapbooking
I said I was going to get a book made in May, and I did! I have 3 more full years to go, plus finishing 2017. But I’m getting close!
FINANCIAL:
· Create 72 hour kits
I still haven’t started this goal. Does anyone else have a goal to put together 72 hour kits? I need some help with motivation! Or maybe I’ll just buy one.
· Save 20% of income one month and intentionally save 10% the rest of the year. (started in March)
Due to some unforeseen events, we haven’t been able to start saving 10%, but we should be able to in June!
It’s been an interesting year. It’s not going the way I imagined, which has been frustrating, but I keep moving forward. What else can you do? I’m excited to reconnect and focus on the things that matter to me. Although I’m disappointed with where I’m at, I know 6 months is a long time to be able to turn things around and still be successful. If you would like help setting or maintaining your goals, please feel free to reach out to me: bethflint88@gmail.com
I’m still not sure how it’s already May. This year feels like it’s been a big, hot, ugly mess. I’ve had theeee hardest time staying organized and on top of things. It’s like I get caught up on things for a day or so, and then I feel like the rug gets ripped from underneath me. Am I the only one??
April felt so short and I don’t feel like I did much. I’m hoping with a new month, I can use it as a fresh start, and I’ll keep trying!
My biggest goal for May is to prioritize my time better. I’ve gotten into the habit of sleeping in too long, napping after work, and overcommitting to things. From the outside looking in, it’s clear I’m tired and need to realign my time. So that’s what I plan to do in May.
April wasn’t a huge disappointment in regards to my goals. Here’s where I’m at for the year:
KNOWLEDGE:
I read 4 books this month!
-The 5 Love Languages: Gary Chapman
-In conclusion, don’t worry about it: Lauren Graham
-Turtles all the way down: John Green
-The coaching habit: Michael Bungay Stanier
I tried a lot of new foods and did new things while I was in Thailand! One thing my husband has been trying to get me to do, that I tried, was Muay Thai striking.
SPIRITUAL:
I didn’t go again this month. I’m not sure why/how I’ve gotten off the wagon on this one, but I’m hoping to turn it around next month!
I started and stopped while we were gone, but again, I’m hoping to start back up in May!
PHYSICAL:
My mileage for April is laughable. I logged a whopping 22 miles.
I hate this goal SO MUCH. I need to work up the idea of doing this. Haha
FUN:
We started our bucket list (I’ll do a separate post), but haven’t crossed anything off yet.
I haven’t worked on this in months. So I plan to do something in May…even if it’s just putting together a book online!
FINANCIAL:
UGH. Haven’t started this either. Or, kinda started, but not much progress.
Hoping May will kick some things into gear!
I finished my 30 before 30 list! I’ll have to post about that as well! I anticipate those things will keep me pretty busy the next few months!
I hope your year is going well. Remember, it’s not too late to set goals and it’s okay to readjust goals you’ve already set! If you would like help setting or maintaining your goals, please feel free to reach out to me: bethflint88@gmail.com
The year is ¼ of the way over and I decided this is a good time to look at my goals and readjust as necessary. Sometimes you get going with a goal and then down the line recognize it may not be the best fit. And that’s okay. I’m readjusting quite a bit, which I used to hate doing because I felt like I was failing, now I recognize it as adapting and part of goal setting.
So here’s what I’m planning on changing:
KNOWLEDGE:
SPIRITUAL:
PHYSICAL:
FUN:
FINANCIAL:
I’m not necessarily where I would like to be at this point in the year, but my goals keep shifting.
Here’s where I’m at so far:
I’m looking forward to the rest of the year. I’m hoping by adjusting my goals, I will be more excited about them. Also, I decided to do a 30 before 30 list! So I’m excited to cross many things off in the next 6 months! I’m still short on ideas, so hit me with any suggestions you have!
I hope your year is going well. Remember, it’s not too late to set goals and it’s okay to readjust goals you’ve already set! If you would like help setting or maintaining your goals, please feel free to reach out to me: bethflint88@gmail.com
I knew this would happen eventually. I’ve hit a month where I don’t really want to blog about my monthly progress because I feel like I have nothing to blog about. Somehow February felt even longer than January. Maybe it was the tease Utah gave us in thinking Spring was coming. I don’t know. But I feel like I was stagnant this month.
This month I kind of ditched my goals, but I have been working towards creating more balance. Awhile ago, my sister showed me a check list of things she wanted to do every day, when she had checked off a certain amount of boxes, she was going to buy herself something she really wants. She joked about how she was like a child, and it got me thinking about how that could be a great way to bring more balance into my life (I love checking things off!) So I created a chart of things I wanted to do more/less and I am surprised by how effective the results have been. There are still several areas I need some work on, but overall, I think it’s been a great way to change some of my habits.
Like I said, my overall goals took a little bit of a back seat this month, and honestly, I may end up changing them as I work out this whole balance thing. But for now, here’s my progress.
KNOWLEDGE:
· Reading Challenge (I keep looking at the challenge list and there are some topics I don’t know if I’m into. I’m going to keep with the challenge as long as I can, but have decided I want to read roughly 52 books this year) In February I read 4 books:
- The Fault in Our Stars: John Green (perfect Valentine’s Day book)
- When Breath Becomes Air: Paul Kalanithi
- The Rosie Project: Graeme Simsion
- Madly in Love with Me: Christine Arylo
*My favorite book for the month was The Rosie Project. I already have a hold in for the second book. (@simplisisters on Instagram as a monthly book club, go check us out!)
· Learn/try something new each month. In February I learned how to hand crotchet and even made a blanket! Mike has already asked me to make one for him. Haha. It was hard at first, but I started getting the hang of it at the end. I’m glad I stuck with it.
SPIRITUAL:
· Attend the temple at least once per month. My sisters and I had a date scheduled and then it didn’t work out. I kept telling myself I would go another time and then I never did. No excuse for this one. Clearly this is still an area I’m working on….
PHYSICAL:
· Run more than 822 miles. HAHAHAHAHAHA. I ran 0 miles this month. 0. I’ve been focusing on some other exercises. This goal is not looking too promising, but we’ll see how the warmer months ahead go.
· Trilogize. I’m still hoping to do this, but the first race won’t be until June.
· Go to the dentist. Nope. Hasn’t happened yet.
FUN:
· Create a bucket list with Mike and cross off at least one item. We still haven’t made a list, but I’m thinking we will this month. My running list is so small though, shouldn’t I have a long list of things I want to do before I die?? What’s on your bucket list?
· Travel to 3 places we’ve never been to together. We know where we’re going for all 3 trips and Thailand is so soon!!!
· Finish scrapbooking 2017 and get caught up. Maybe I’ll make one real quick tonight. I did well in January and then dropped the ball. March is a no spend month for us so I feel like I will need some time fillers. I plan to work on my 2017 scrapbook.
FINANCIAL:
· Create 72 hour kits. I’m hoping to officially start this in April. We have purchased a few things, but have focusing our time/money on a different goal we have together for the year. More on that coming soon!
· Have a no spend month. It officially starts tomorrow. Wish us all the good luck.
· Build up my business. Initially, I wanted to build up my photography business, but I’ve been focusing more of my time on my sisters Instagram at @simplisisters
So, not really where I want to be, but kind of because I’m finding more balance and feel like I’m getting to a good place. How is your 2018 going so far? Have you set any goals yet? If not, I encourage you to think about something you want to work on or focus for the next month/year. Then choose some measurable goals that can go along with your focus. Need help creating/maintaining your goals? Feel free to reach out to me: bethflint@gmail.com
Donuts:
2 TB dry yeast (I used instant)
¼ C warm water
1 ½ C warm milk
½ C sugar
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/3 C shortening
5 C flour
1 quart vegetable oil for frying
DIRECTIONS:
1. Mix the water and the yeast
2. In a large bowl, mix together the yeast, milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening, and 2 cups of flour. Once the mixture is combined, add the rest of the flour in half cup increments. Knead for about 5 mins. Allow the dough to rise. (As I used instant yeast, I let it sit for 20 mins and then used it)
3. Roll dough out to ½ inch thickness and cut with a donut cutter
4. Heat the oil to 350*. Fry donuts on each side about 3-4 mins. (Should be golden brown) Set on wire racks to drain any remaining oil.
5. Allow donuts to cool before adding the frosting.
Vanilla Frosting:
4 TB heavy cream
2 /12 C powdered sugar
½ tsp Salt
½ tsp Vanilla extract
Sprinkles for decoration
DIRECTIONS:
1. Mix ingredients together adding more powdered sugar/heavy cream if needed to get the consistency right.
2. Once the donuts are cool, dip them into the frosting, add sprinkles, and ENJOY!
Valentine’s Day is coming up and the topic of love is everywhere! Whether you’ve been in your relationship for years or you’re just starting out, it’s important to actively show love to your significant other. I asked my husband to help me with this post and we will take turns sharing tips on how you can show love to your partner.
6 steps to showing love to your significant other
1. I think the most important aspect of showing your significant other love is to know their love language. Have you heard of Gary Chapman’s love languages? If not, (or if you need a refresher) take the quiz, linked below. By knowing your significant other’s love language, you can ensure you are showing them love the way they recognize it. (If you’re not familiar with this idea, seriously, go read up on it now!)
5 love languages2. Do something for your partner. Whether it’s giving them a back massage, completing a chore/task they don’t like to do, or something they usually do. Go out of your way to do something nice for them. Without them asking. I think this is something universal that you can make work for any love language.
3. Do things as a couple you like, your partner likes, and you both like. I love to run and hike, my husband, not as much. So when he suggests going for a hike or signs up to run a race with me, I know he is making an effort to spend time with me. Likewise, I try to offer to do things he likes with him. Also important, find activities you can do as a couple (that you both like), and do them often. *Make sure you have an activity for each season if some are weather specific.
4. Make team decisions. It’s easy to think of a relationships as two individuals coming together, but some of the best moments I have had in my marriage is when we make decsions about what things we want to do, see, or experience together. It will make your relationship team more invested in your goals for each other. A relationship is a two person job so be a good partner and don't let your significant other do all the heavy lifting.
5. Speak kindly to your significant other. Have you noticed when you use kind words to people, they tend to use them back to you? I think sometimes we get in the habit of treating people we love with less love than those we don’t know as well. We think, “it doesn’t matter, they’ll love me and forgive me anyway” and we use it as a way to justify ourselves venting on them. I know when I’m treating my spouse with love and speaking kindly to him, he is more likely to do the same to me. By doing that, we are inviting love and warmth into our marriage.
6. Use fair fighting rules. I think the term fair fighting rules could also be called the disagreement rules because having differences of opinion is part of any relationship and a strong relationship for me is often demonstrated by a couple’s ability to compromise and disagree in a healthy way, as opposed to rarely or never disagreeing at all.
Read the fair fighting rules:
fight fairIf you and your partner can both commit to agreeing to these great tips we can guarantee you will have a healthy, happy, loving and more productive relationship.
