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Monday, August 16, 2010

4 Simple Goals


Elsie over at A Beautiful Mess has suggested we all take a moment to name 4 small, simple goals that we would like to acheive before 2011. Here are her guidelines:


1. choose simple goals that will make your life richer and happier on a daily basis. choose things you may not otherwise get done, but that are not difficult to accomplish. 
2. do not choose result oriented goals, choose activity oriented goals. for example.... instead of "lose 10 pounds", choose something like "eat fresh fruits and vegetables every day". get what i'm saying? positive actions instead of just the end result! 
3. choose goals that are personal that you believe will truly make your life richer just by doing them! they can be daily, weekly or one time experiences. 
4. choose a reward for each goal as it is accomplished! it can be a small or large reward. 
5. blog your goals, each one as you achieve it and a big post when they are all finished before the new year! i'll be doing this too! links back to this post are appreciated. 
It has been a bit of a challenge to come up with four simple goals, and a bit scary to voice them here, which adds pressure to realizing them. But here they are:

1. I WILL USE MY COOKBOOKS!
This goal is inspired by The Bitten Word , a foodie blog by Washington DC couple Zach and Clay who decided to actually start making recipes from their many beautiful cooking magazines instead of just admiring them. Ramon and I sat down with Jamie Oliver's latest cookbook, Jamie's America , and a pile of stickies, and marked the recipes that made our mouths water. I promised him I will make them all by the end of the year. We've decided to do this with all of our cookbooks, and I'm excited about being challenged with new things in the kitchen...and pleasing my foodie husband! 



2. I WILL BUILD A WARDROBE THAT MAKES ME LOOK MY BEST


As you all know, I gained weight over the past couple of years and no longer fit into children's clothes like I used to. I have slowly been buying clothes to fit my new, feminine figure, but held back a little, thinking, "Maybe this is just a phase and I'll lose it all at some point." Well, I have to say, I am tired of #1, wearing the same few things that fit over and over, and #2, having drawers full of clothes that are too tight! I also would like to begin dressing more feminine...I am usually in jeans or stretchy black capris because I am either walking the dogs, doing house work, painting, or making cake bunting. No audience for those things! :) I usually make an effort to pretty myself up before hubby gets home. But I think it might be nice to start being pretty just for me, too.






3. I WILL ASK FOR HELP


Kiki was such an easy dog to train. She really wanted to please me, and very much enjoyed getting praise for a job well done. I am always so proud of what a well-behaved doggy she is; I can (and do) take her everywhere, from restaurants to international hotels to the hair dresser.
Boston is already showing signs of being a little more feisty! I know I am good with dogs, but I also know it would be best to get a little outside help from a professional. In that past I have always tried to do things myself, but with this, I am going to humbly ask for help.








4. I WILL JOURNAL AGAIN


Recently I stumbled upon the journal that I kept in on my old computer, and it was such a joy to read! So many personal thoughts, so many memories; and so many notes about the seasons and simple things. While I do write about some of these things on my blog, there are some thoughts I keep to myself, whether they be too personal, or for fear I might bore my readers. Also, with a blog it has to look nice and sound nice, so there's a certain formality about it. And so: I will begin writing in my journal again!




So, what will my reward be, besides more happiness and fulfillment?


I don't know!


Why don't you all give me some ideas?


I would love it if you took part in this too....looking forward to hearing your thoughts and simple goals!


xoxo country girl






18 comments:

  1. Oh I like this! Perhaps I'll join in. My first goal will be to keep blogging :)

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  2. Lovely idea...really it is and I enjoyed reading your goals...not sure what to do for myself...will need to ponder...xxx

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  3. so nice dawn! i love your goals; they are great! i love how you are going to reference your cookbooks to make divine meals for your foodie husband. i am just started to cook now {at 31} and i'm really enjoying it. the difference for me is that i am making meals for someone who wholeheartedly appreciates it and this makes me feel great. i just want to try more and more things!
    i love your illustration of kiki's leash...so sweet & beautiful! you are really such a talent dawn xx
    also my body has been changing too...do the pounds come with happiness....i'm wondering. not sure how i feel about my round-y hips....but did a major closet purge and it felt great...making room for the new stuff!
    love this idea...going to start thinking of some goals for myself!
    enjoy your day....tummy rubs for kiki and boston!
    xo.
    k

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  4. When my body started "changing," I started wearing these long, beautiful skirts and I was so surprised when people would complement me as to how feminine I looked. It made me feel good.

    I love the idea of the four goals! Basically, we have four months until the end of the year, so is it a goal per month? I am going to put my thinking cap on.

    I have to confess that I do not know how to cook. I live in Mexico and I have a wonderful woman who helps me. But after reading your blog I just might have to give it a try. One thing is for sure, I always get hungry while reading your blog! :)

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  5. I'm really enjoying reading other people's goals. I have a question for you....where do you buy these feminine clothes that you talk of. I am in the exact same rut and even though I tend to buy a lot of impulse buys, I want a few things that I know will make me look pretty and feel good about myself. Do you think you could tell me of some good online clothes stores? Ones that ship to Canada would be great.
    I love your style!

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  6. good luck with the challenges - i like that they are very obtainable. i love little rewards like a piece of costume jewelry to go with your new outfits or a cute pair of flats. for journaling - how about a pretty pen or a bookmark? for cooking - a pretty pot holder (handmade maybe?), a spoon rest or some small utensil that you need. and for puppy training - i know that a happy mommy and baby will be the very best reward.

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  7. Loving this idea and your list too!

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  8. oh dawn, how you make life's challenges so sweet, attainable and full of joy. thank you. :) I am going to write up my list in the next couple days and will link to both you and Elsie [but have no followers, so i apologize if your audience doesnt' grow much. lol] -- but thought I would brainstorm some 'rewards' for you to obtain during your reaching of these goals! :)
    1) Using your cookbooks:
    *Emotional reward: accomplishment, pride, internal health

    *Physical reward: A new one? One of Jaimie Olivers? Gweneth Paltrow's new one? Maybe a 'romantic - exquisite' dinner out for you and R?

    2.) Wardrobe:
    *Emotional reward: Confidence, feeling sexy, beautiful
    *Physical: A day shopping where R picks out your outfit?

    3.) Kiki & Boston:
    *Emotional reward: peace, joy, happiness, playfulness, rest
    *Physical reward: Buy something animal related off of Etsy?

    4.) Journaling:
    *Emotional reward: memories, safety, therapeutic, peaceful
    *Physical reward: A new book to read? A new photo-journal camera piece or computer software?

    Sorry, just had fun wishing big dreams for you as you accomplish all of these...can't wait to hear updates & sending you well wishes, luck & a happy-goal-accomplished journey!!

    Peace,
    jacs ><>

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  9. umm p.s. did NOT realize how long my comment was...forgive me.

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  10. Oh Dawn..I love this idea, your goals are so attainable and great! What an amazing lady you are! I will consider this and let you know what
    I come up with! Best of luck to you...and I know you will do wonderful!!

    Blessings.......
    xoxo Gert

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  11. I loved the way you laid out your goals here! I think once you achieve them all, you and your husband should plan another trip back to New England! Wouldn't that be fun? :) ♥

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  12. Wonderfully thought provoking… I am just learning to be more gentle with myself and listening to my heart not my head!

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  13. I really like your goals, Dawn, because they are ones that will make you feel good and they are do-able. I especially love your cookbook goal. I have amazing cookbooks, many of which I use quite often, but there are some that have barely been cracked. This is definitely a goal I can set for myself, too! What an inspiring post. Thanks, sweet friend. xo Gigi

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  14. Ahhhh.... Sounds like Boston is all puppy! Such a cute stage and a little tiring for his Mom:). But, it will pass and puppy school might help too. KiKi will probably keep him in line!

    Elise

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  15. hi my sweet...saw you at farmhouse...so good to see you

    wishing you and ramon, kiki and little boston a wonderful late august weekend

    kary and teddy
    xxx

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  16. NICE!
    Sound like great goals to me...all of them.
    Especially resonate with the wardrobe and looking pretty to yourself for yourself.
    Something I practice with great enthusiasm, especially since I dont have a job that requires a costume for a role thats not naturally part of my life...it's all one life now and I get to wear exactly what makes me feel pretty, fun, feminine and free.

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  17. these are wonderful goals! i especially love #2, embrace your feminine beauty. you will feel better and more confident than when trying to be something you're not...or once were. i've done the same and it feels so much better, liberating even! i would love to participate, i'll let you know when i've posted my goals :)xo

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  18. I have discovered your blog through Lana's blog, Lanalou, and what a lovely discovery! I love your idea of 4 simple goals, definitely something to do. I'm going to need a few hours to browse through the rest of your blog - great to have found it - thanks Lana!

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