Goal Setting Archives - Leah Stirewalt

About four months before Joel suddenly went Home to Heaven, we had embarked upon a health journey together. While our journeys were a bit different in the specifics, the end result intention was to be the same…we longed to get to get to the healthiest adult versions of ourselves we’ve ever seen (or at least get as close as we safely could).

Austyn’s adoption party! Just so happens to also be the day I was at my very largest…ever. 🙁

My biggest cheerleader in this fight for good health was my precious man! During the time we were were married, I had been up and down on the scale repeatedly (which, in and of itself, is not healthy). He never doubted me. Never doubted my ability to get to a healthy weight and stay there. Never doubted my goal of running my first 5K someday. (I was scheduled to participate in one several years ago, which sadly ended up being the day of my previous husband’s funeral.) He never doubted anything I set my mind to do. However, I was my own worst critic. I guess I’ve tried and failed at so many different things in the past that I began to believe that was my “lot in life”. Attempting, yet never reaching the prize.

Upon Joel’s death, I promised him I wouldn’t stop. I would hold up my end of the deal, no matter how the large the challenges I encountered (and boy…have there been challenges!). I so long to please him, to please God, and to please myself. And…ultimately, our children need their mama to be around for a long time, God willing.

So, I’m excited to announce that since October, I’ve lost 70 pounds! Aside from the trauma I’ve also experienced over the last several months, I really do feel great! Now…Joel had promised me little rewards with each measurable goal that I reach along the journey. While I don’t have him to do that for me anymore, I’m asking God to step in as the husband He’s promised to be and provide little pick-me-ups as He sees fit. He, of all people knows the incentives that will keep me motivated.

I’m getting there…little by little. Considering all I’ve endured since my health journey began, I think I’ve held out okay.

As for you…if you are a praying friend, will you fervently join me in asking God to help me reach me the Goals He has for me please?! I so want to continue to please Joel, and I trust God will give him (Joel) a little glimpse when this is all said and done. Thank you friends!

#HeIsStillGood

Now that the month is close to being over, I guess it’s about time to take a look at my goals for this year.

Who am I kidding?

I’ve been thinking & praying about these goals since before 2014 began, but I’m trying really hard to find that place. You know the one. The place where I can look back at the end of the year and see all goals met with absolutely no failures. In all honesty, I don’t think that place exists, but a girl can dream can’t she?

In my last post, I took a moment to reflect back on 2013. I created a one-year “bucket list”, so to speak. I was a bit ambitious…perhaps too ambitious. I struggled with creating a realistic list while challenging myself at the same time. I didn’t want it to be so realistic that little effort was involved, and I also didn’t want it to be so ridiculously full of idealism that I set myself up to fail from the very beginning.

And so…

In looking at 2014, I’ve decided to group my goals into categories. In some areas, I may only have one goal listed, and that is intentional…I want nothing to get in my way of achieving that goal. I also don’t intend to create such a monstrous list that I lose joy all while trying to reach goals. So, the list that follows is simply a guideline…a map…something to help me achieve those things that I’ve deemed important for 2014. Without any further ado…

My 2014 Bucket List:

Spiritual Goals…

Completely read through the Bible this year. In the past, I used to do so every other year and would follow a less-structured reading plan during the “off” years. However, it’s been a few years since I’ve done a complete read-through. It’s time to do that again this year!
Memorize 12 new scripture verses this year.

Marriage Goals...

Have at least two overnight dates away together.
Read Love and Respect together.

Personal Health Goals…

Reach my healthy goal weight! More on this in a future post!

Ministry and writing Goals…

Develop and keep a reasonable blogging schedule.
Explore the possibility of a second blog. (I know…I know…you might be wondering how I could possibly manage to do this when I can hardly keep up with this one. Valid point, but I’ll share more on this in a future post as well.)
Open up my speaking schedule again and try to speak at a minimum of three events.
Finish developing book proposal.

Miscellaneous Goals…

Make curtains for at least three rooms in the house this year.
Get another newspaper for my state capital collection.
Complete at least two crafts per month.
Set aside 2 days per month for scrapbooking and do it!

I also have several goals involving our children/grandchildren, but I simply choose not to share those on this platform.

There you have it! My 2014 bucket (or goal) list! I’ll keep you posted a couple times throughout the year to let you know how I’m doing with these goals. You can all be my accountability partners, so to speak. K?

How about you? What are your 2014 goals? If you started 2014 with strong, lofty plans for accomplishing lots but found you’ve already fallen short of where you expected to be by nearly the end of month one…have no fear! Restart! Yes – you can restart today! There is nothing “magical” about January 1. Don’t throw in the towel. Pray about what God’s plans are for you this year, and make a realistic plan to achieve them. I’d love to hear from you! We can do this…together!