A new feature on the blog!
I’ve decided to join the monthly link-up organized by Heather Gerwing, Share Four Somethings.
“Share Four Somethings is a monthly link-up where we share four ‘somethings.’ Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. Sharing these four somethings is a great way to recap your month and highlight what stood out to you. It helps me to pause and reflect on the month.”
I’ve been finding for the last couple of years that time seems to fly by and I forget so many of the good things that happen daily in my life. Hopefully, this will give me an opportunity to focus and reflect on the things that I often fail to notice.
Something Loved
I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions. (Ok, that’s not actually true. I love making them because I like to make lists of ways to improve my life. I’m awful at implementing them). But this year I looked objectively at my life and schedule and realized that if I wanted to read more and write more, I was going to have to give something up.
One of the steps I’ve taken is that I no longer watch TV (ie. Netflix, Youtube, etc.) in the evening Monday-Thursday. I’m still working on avoiding time-wasting on my phone but, in general, I’m loving the new routine. Most nights I don’t even take my laptop into the bedroom. This means I don’t write as much in the evening but I spend a lot less time getting pulled down the rabbit hole that is the internet and social media.
I don’t miss it as much as I thought. I’m enjoying the time to read, going to bed earlier and sleeping better. I don’t know if I’ll continue this indefinitely but for now, I’m actually loving it.
Something Read: 25% of My Yearly Reading Goal!
One of the goals I have set for myself this year is a reading challenge. I’m joining both the 2020 Reading Challenge at Modern Mrs. Darcy and set my own goal using Goodreads. I’m trying to read at least 20 books this year and I’m using the Modern Mrs. Darcy challenge to help me diversify my selection a little bit and expand my literary horizons.
So far I’ve finished 5 books! One of them, to be fair, I started last year and got sidetracked on, but I’m still happy to have finished it. I also read two books by Kathi Lipp (one of which is the soon-to-be-released Clutter-Free Home which I am very excited about).
I’m feeling inspired to finish books that I’ve left unfinished (if I still think they have value to me), as well as tackle some I’ve been putting off starting. Plus leaving plenty of room for fun reads. I tend to overdose on self-improvement style non-fiction and drive myself to distraction trying to change my life every other minute. But I know that a happily-ever-after piece of fiction makes my heart sing when it’s beautiful and thoughtfully crafted.
Something Treasured: Holding Little Hands
My youngest child seems to be growing up the fastest. I know it’s all in my perception of time but I try so hard to treasure these fading moments. I spent years wrangling him through parking lots and reminding him he has to hold my hand. Lately, it’s been rather automatic, and he even asks to hold my hand at times when I think he’s safe without it. It’s nice to know he still wants and needs me.
Something Ahead: Company Paid Time to Relax
I have the upcoming opportunity to go with hubby on a business trip/company retreat. He often says he misses me when he has to travel for work but it’s not usually feasible for the kids to come along. But this time the company is inviting spouses (partners, friends, plus1s etc.) and paying the airfare. It wouldn’t work if not for my gracious parents being willing to watch and school my kids for a few days. I’ll be on my own a lot while my husband does retreat type stuff but I’m actually looking forward to the time alone without the kids to focus on reading and writing. (Hopefully while also sitting on a beach).
It’s your turn to share! Link to your #sharefoursomethings post or leave them in the comments here!
I’m also doing the Modern Mrs. Darcy challenge and a Goodreads goal this year (this will be my third year). I do really enjoy the encouragement to diversify what I read. You’re off to a great start!
I’m not a great reader…but I’m working on it. Hoping to finish two books this month (as I joined a reading challenge!) But I cannot imagine reading 20 books in a year! Phew:) And I think it is super sweet that your guy wants to hold your hand now!! Savor these days:)
I’m glad you’re seeing the benefits of changing your routine so that you can read more and sleep better, and I hope you enjoy your trip!
Have a great time away! My youngest is 8 and when we were at disney at the end of the day he asked me to hold him and I did. I couldn’t remember the last time he asked me to pick him up. So glad you will be joining the link-up this year!!
Wow – you’re really killing your reading goal!! Nicely done.
I decided to read the books stacked up at home instead of buying new ones this year–kind of like your finishing books. When I’m tempted to add a book to my Amazon cart, I look at my stack of unread books and skip the click.