How I Built a Stronger Foundation in January

My 2017 word foundation was in the forefront throughout the month of January. I built my goals and to do lists around asking myself "is this helping me build a strong foundation for us?". There were so many things that I added to our lives and some things I stopped doing. I want to share those with you today. I want to document this foundation and all of my accomplishments. I truly believe 2017 will be the year of great change for us.

What I've accomplished in January:

Relationship with God:

• I read the book of Psalms. I actually finished it on the 24th so I've decided to move onto the book of Romans. I figure February is a short month anyways so I'll need these extra few days. 
• I've been praying more often and being intentional in my prayers. My biggest prayer is "I want God's will to be done". 
• I haven't been going to church. I'm full of excuses, mainly weather. We did good for awhile but got off track. Going to church and belonging to a church community is important to me so I need to make it a priority. 

Finances:

• I check my bank balance every single day and write it down.
• I paid off two medical bills.
• I did my taxes and now have to start thinking about how to use my refund.
• I deleted some of my favorite shopping apps from my phone.
• I unsubscribed from the shopping emails I get.

Relationship with Jack:

• I got on the floor and built many of train tracks.
• I played puzzles, Pop the Pig, Trouble, Candyland (even when I didn't want to).
• I jumped on the trampoline and we had a leaf fight.
• Jack and I baked cookies several times. The kid loves to be in the kitchen!
• When Jack gets frustrated I would not yell but talk to him in a very soft voice. 
• We snuggle often and especially when he starts to get super active. Today he said, "Mama wanna watch Dinosaur Train and snuggle?" Oh yeah sweet child.
• I've read Pete the Cat too many times to count.
• I've let Jack help me with chores.
• I need to put my phone down more. I'm bad about checking and responding to a text message even in the middle of playing with Jack. The other day we went outside to play and I decided to just leave the phone in the house.
• I've taken less pictures which has been bittersweet. I love having pictures but I know how good it is to be in the moment. 

Health and Wellness:

• I went to the doctor and got on Paxil. The best thing I could have ever done!
• I've been drinking more water but I still struggle with this one and am looking to buy something to measure my water intake that isn't too bulky.
• Walking more. For some reason I stopped using my Fitbit. I think I just stopped wanting to wear it. Regardless, I have been making a point of walking more. 
• I've been sending snail mail to friends to help cultivate those important blogger and in real person friendships. 
• I've been checking in with two important Facebook groups. I want to build these relationships with my blogger friends and my Powersheets group. Both groups are so encouraging! 
• I've asked a new Powersheets friend to be my accountability partner. She is so encouraging and I love being able to just text and say "I'm not feeling it today". 

January went so well that I'm excited for what February will bring. I have some great goals planned and some habits that I want to continue. I can feel our stronger foundation coming together. I can't wait to see all the amazing things that will happen for us in the following months.