The year is already past the half-way mark. The kids are settled into their school routines with projects underway and a band concert in the works. I’ve been working on steam cleaning and book marketing.  What does all of this mean for me? Well, the first week of school is always a time when I re-evaluate where I am with my yearly goals. Do I need to press harder to complete my goals or do I have a chance to relax and take it easy?

As I was in the middle of looking over my goals, I looked at the table beside the chair and noticed the next book on my reading list…Mom Overboard by Robin Chaddock. I picked it up at a used bookstore thinking it might be fun to read at some point when I was feeling stressed. With all three kids in middle school and no more elementary school, I felt it would be a good time to read this book to make sure I didn’t try to fill my “sadness of leaving elementary school behind feelings” with busyness.  I wanted to be responsible with my decisions of how my time was spent. So, I opened the book and began reading. I loved the fact that she started the book with knowing your purpose in life and how that purpose affects how you live and spend your time. How appropriate I thought.

I looked over the questions she asked and over the answers I had written and then read a quote by Abraham Lincoln, “The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.” This was so freeing and reassuring.  In life, when I look at long-term goals, it can become a bit overwhelming. When I take it down to one day at a time, though, it’s workable and manageable. Every day there is a decision to make; a decision closer or further from my goal. The goal doesn’t have to be completed day one. Progress towards my goal is a success simply because it’s progress.

What insurmountable obstacle are you facing today? What decision can you make today to get you closer to your goal? Can you make it one day at a time?

Image courtesy of Mr. Lightman/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

© 2013 Susan M. Sims

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