Lifestyle Overhaul

September is almost the next best thing to New Year's - for me it is often a time of 'resolutions'. (You know, those crazy 'vows' we make to ourselves to change our ways, set goals, etc., etc.) It must be the fact that September marks the beginning of the new school year, something I've been doing now, in one form or another, for a long long time.

This year was no exception. As a teacher, I am always faced with the dilemna at the end of the summer break of how I'm going to manage to fit everything into my life once school starts again. It has become especially difficult now that marketing and promotion has been added to my 'to do' list. As well, I have vowed (oh no, not that word again!) to make more time for my own writing this year - something that often gets pushed aside during the urgency of all the other tasks that come my way.

I have decided to keep a log book entitled 'Lifestyle Overhaul'. (Seriously) And I figure if I share it here in cyberspace I just might be more accountable. Hm. We'll see ...

In my log book, I have divided each day into four sections:
1. Spiritual
2. Fitness
3. Diet
4. Writing

In each section I will record that days activities (or lack there or in the case of 'writing' . . . )
I recognize first and foremost my need of a more disciplined approach to Bible reading and prayer, thus the 'Spiritual' label. I have often used devotional books of one kind or another, while other times I like to just read and journal. Hopefully this will keep me on track. Those days when I sleep in and don't have time for more than a 2 minute verse before I'm out the door will hopefully become fewer and far between.

Fitness - well, this speaks for itself. I'm tired of being out of shape, and let's face it, the older we get the harder it becomes ...

Diet. I am really serious about making some changes here. My doctor tells me I have high cholesterol, and I have had family members with heart disease. My clock is ticking and I don't want it to become a bomb!

Finally, the fourth category called 'Writing' is my attempt to manage my time better so that I actually have time to write creatively. Of course, I will also record my blogging, networking, query writing etc., but my ultimate goal is to find more time for the creative end of things. (FYI - I plan to try NaNoWriMo - Yikes! I think I must be crazy!!!)  This means that I am going to have to make some hard choices with my time and learn to say NO.  I have already decided to direct and produce only one play this year with my theatre troupe 'The KodiActs', I am limiting myself to serving as worship leader/coordinator at the church, and I have already said NO three times to other 'offers'. Baby steps, perhaps, but it's a start.

Anyway, I plan to keep you updated on my progress throughout the year (more for my sake than yours, I'm sure) but a few cheers from the gallery would be appreciated now and again! (As part of my 'overhaul' , how do you like my new profile photo? Courtesy of Trent Ernst and 'Eye For Detail' Photography.)