Time to look myself in the mirror...

{Self Portrait}
I took these photos on a whim one day when I was messing around with the camera...oh yes and because it was fun and made me start feeling like a teenager again like Scott's sister Tenery who's always taking self-portrait photos of herself...LOL. However, about the time I really started to lose myself in it I felt a tug on my pants and I was reminded of reality. I am a mother to 6 beautiful and very active kiddos. (I think the tug was from Hyrum need assistance to pee)


{Time to look inside}
However, my post today isn't going to focus on my kids or my potty training struggles with Hyrum. No instead its going to focus on me. I've been thinking for a long time about all the things I struggle and am weak at. Instead of getting frustrated (and overwhelmed) about all of these things its time to refocus and methodically figure out how I can get better at the things I feel are important for me to improve on.

I believe there are seasons in life that we naturally go through. I haven't always really believed this, but as I have recently come to understand and embrace this concept I have begun to realize that life isn't about getting to the finish line...its about making it through those seasons, learning, and getting ready to go through another season. I'm starting to think about life as a series of cycles we go through instead of as a linear race where things are conquered and forgotten in our past as we try to conquer the next thing (not always allowing us to learn from the last battle/event/experience). So with this new perspective I am ready to slowly and 'intentionally' progress and improve. Realizing there is a time and season for everything.

{the first list}
So here is my initial list of things I want to improve on. Its not a list I spent much time on yet...just the first brain storm of my many life to dos.

1. Get my life more organized
2. Establish a better daily routine with my kids
3. Figure out how to get the laundry actually put away into the kids drawers
4. Create a meal system to plan/shop/cook my meals for my family
5. Start exercising!!
6. Teach my children to work
7. Create a master inspire plan for me and my kids...where do I want to be a year from now and how am I going to get there?!
8. Study the scriptures more consistently so I am more prepared for my gospel doctrine lessons
9. Be more inspiring
10. Wake up earlier!!
11. Try to not get overwhelmed with so many goals that I get paralyzed and don't do anything :)

{step two}
Now its time to make a plan and start moving forward with the BIG perspective and focus. I am excited and ready for the adventure and peace this new journey will bring!!