I turn 49 tomorrow!
How do I want to live my last year of the first half of my century long life? I think I'm going through a bit of a mid-life crisis as I think about this and think that I need to make some choices and changes in my life so that I can get through the second 50 years of my life. As I have been thinking about this and talking it over with my husband, who is already well into his 50's (well, 51 anyways!), I have narrowed it down to some choice words -- LIVING DELIBERATELY.

I actually journalled a bit while camping these last few days and here are some of those thoughts. Living deliberately will mean making choices according to my goals. I will need to make decisions, have discipline and practice being aware. My goals centre around 4 areas of my life at this point. I may add more if they come to me through this time.

First, I have some personal goals. These relate to my physical well-being and health. I want to make healthy choices. I want to be able to quit taking high blood pressure medication. I want to lose some weight and I want to be fit again.

Secondly, I have relational goals. I am a wife and mother and these are two of the most important self-definitions I can think of. How can I be a better wife? A better mother?
But I don't only relate to the people in my home...I also have friends, co-workers, neighbours, fellow church people, my students, others I meet shopping or walking....
So what is my goal relationally? To see the best in people and to build the people up that I meet, wherever that might be.

Next, I have spiritual goals. I have been a Christian for as long as I can remember and it has made an indelible mark on my life. I live differently because of it. But, I don't pursue it like I should. What does having a relationship with Jesus mean in my day to day life? I'm about to question, discover, and try to live always knowing that God is here with me, now...every day and in every thing!

Finally, I'd like to live deliberately in my vocation. I LOVE being a teacher and I want to be the best teacher I can possibly be. Teaching is tough in some ways, and delightful in others. What are some ways that I can improve professionally? I have some books to read, courses and seminars to attend, and of course, a wealth of information and help in my colleagues every day. I want to be a better teacher this coming year.

So there are the four areas I want to grow in this last year of my 40's. To keep myself accountable, I will try to record things that I experience. Come along for the ride, if you dare!