My goals for 2016

photo by Joshua Hibbert

It’s that time of the year again when bloggers from around the world share their goals for the upcoming year.  I like reading about new goals because everyone has something different that they want to focus on. I have read quirky goals and adventurous bucket list ones. I also like the goals that seem simple but are deceptively complex and meaningful.

My goals for this year are as follows:

1. Exercise regularly

I have to make the time to be active. If I falter, I can’t give up. I have to continue. I’ll even exercise in dead times like during commercial breaks and when I’ve been sitting too long.

2. Spend more time outdoors.

My favourite blog A Cup of Jo has a series on Parenting around the World, where expat mothers write about their experience in parenting in a foreign country.  While I’m not a parent, I am a teacher and I am interested in children and countries. I read about how in Sweden, babies sleep outside in all sorts of weather. They are bundled up in their prams and are warm enough. The country is pretty safe so nobody worries too much about kidnapping and the parents are usually nearby. I also read about how in some schools, the kids are mostly outside as well in all sorts of conditions.

I want to follow that example and be outside more. While I do go out for walks in lovely gardens and public places, I hardly ever spend time in my own backyard. It is the space I want to reclaim. Maybe I’ll grow some plants or at least tidy up the garden. I can also read books and use my laptop outside too.

3. SAVE MONEY!!!

I’ve had this goal for a while but I have never taken it seriously. However that stops today because this year I’ll be 30 years old. I want to have some emergency money available. Last year, I was sick for a month and wasn’t able to work. I work as a substitute teacher and as I am considered a casual worker, I’m not entitled to sick leave. So, I learnt that I really have savings for things like that.

4. Take more risks

This is my scariest goal. It comes from thinking about the work opportunities that came, which I was too afraid to take. I made all kinds of excuses mainly that the commute was too long and the contracts were too short but it would have been good for my career if I had taken them.

5. Me time once a month

Besides going to work and running errands, I hardly ever spend much time alone. I would like to do some special things just for me once a month. It would be good to recuperate and do things I enjoy. I know in the beginning I might feel a bit awkward eating by myself or watching a movie but I’m still looking forward to it.

6.Give to charity

I’ll keep a jar of pennies to save for donations and I’ll look for events to participate in.

7.Bed Makeover

I want to give my whole bedroom a makeover but I as I am saving money this year, I’ll just do my bed. I’m going to get a new bed frame, mattress and linen.

8.Read 40 Books

I’m going to spend more time reading than watching tv this year. I want to finally finish the booklist that Jon and I created three years ago. I’ve only got a few more books to go.

9.Explore Buddhism

I consider myself a Buddhist even though I don’t know much about the religion. I’m Laotian and Buddhism is the main religion of Laos. My family goes to temple to worship on occasion but we’re not that religious. It’s mainly for the cultural aspect of being with other Lao people in Australia.

10.Be Positive!

Last year I was a bit of a negative Nancy and I need to remember to be more positive.

11.Print Out Photos

I really need to update the family photo albums.  I have tons of photos on Facebook and on my computer but no physical photos to show for it.