It has been awhile since I've thought about posting. Life has thankfully been very busy. I am about to start my second year as a music teacher at an elementary school and I couldn't be more excited or grateful.
I feel like I started a new life when I moved away from college. Not that I feel like I have changed much, but I know I have because change is inevitable. With all these changes I wanted to put my life into perspective before everything gets super busy and out of control again.
With that in mind, here are my goals for this next school/fiscal year:
1. Settle debts and mend relationships.
Of course I can only do so much, but I am going to try to be more accountable to do right by others. I think it's safe to say we all have done things we aren't proud of, and I'm going to do my best to work on my relationships. This includes not only family, but friends and former friends. I know that sounds harsh, but not everyone I was once close friends with is going to continue to be so, and that's okay. It's hard, but now I know it's a part of growing up.
2. Be more financially aware and responsible.
It was a big change going from a graduate assistantship income to an actual salary with two moves in the process, and I didn't plan ahead as much as I should have once the checks started coming each month. Budgeting and setting financial goals has already been in progress this summer.
A major goal is that I would like to get most if not all of my student loan debt paid off before other big life events may happen (doctorate, marriage, and/or children). They say college is the best years of your life, but I disagree if I have to pay for it for the next 20-30 years. Some may see that as extreme, but remember: teacher budget, plus I decided to get a Master's degree before really joining the work force.
3. Start giving back.
I've given a good amount of my time over the past year to work with students before or after school for different programs, but as I wasn't involved with a church or supporting a non-profit I don't feel like I've done enough to give back.
I know that I am so blessed and I can be selfish with my time and money. There are so many wonderful programs to support or get involved in, and it's just a matter of finding the right fit. I may have found my new church, which is incredibly exciting for me, so I am going to see if God shows me where he wants me to put my time, money, and talents.
4. Clean and organize!
If you know me well, you probably know my history with clutter. I have been reading a lot of tips lately and looking into ways to organize my stuff (like crafting supplies, college materials, etc.), and I know now the key is to have a place for everything. Recycling old magazines sure makes a big difference!
I also am going to try to make a weekly/monthly cleaning schedule. If you need an example,vacuuming doesn't happen as often as it should simply because of guilt; the vacuum terrifies my poor cat. I am, however, going to prevail by making a schedule which will eventually become a habit.
5. Celebrate- don't stress.
Over the last year I have become incredibly anxious and stressed for a number of factors that I can identify. With my new job came a new town, new people, new responsibilities, and bad phone reception. My family is further away than I have ever known, and it's been hard to adjust to the new normal. I can only see my family a few times a year and can only talk on the phone when our schedules work together and cell phone receptions on both ends are good, which is currently incredibly rare. I have had more trouble sleeping this year because I wake up with anxiety that I can't always find a source to.
Maybe this isn't the cure, but it's possible I'm focusing too much energy on the changes I cannot control, and perhaps I need to focus more on celebrating life, friendships, and the tiny successes that happen every day.
Feel free to comment with advice or loves.
