July 2013 Goals

Winner of the Contentment Challenge Giveaway : Kathryn!
Email me your shoe size and I’ll order your pair of Sseko Sandals! 

I woke up this morning at 5:30am feeling so refreshed after a full day of rest. Goodness I’m learning that rest is so, so important. Today is a new day, a new week, a new month. We’ve made it halfway through the year (high fives!), and I’m so grateful for all that I’ve experienced and accomplished so far. I have to be honest – June was crazy. I traveled to Myrtle Beach SC, Asheville, Winston-Salem, Charlottesville VA, Nashville TN, Wilmington, Cary and Pittsboro (twice). Last week, we took 26 kids to summer camp, then photographed a rehearsal dinner and 2 weddings… all in the span of 6 days. I was so exhausted, but that 1 day of rest gave me exactly what I needed to feel refreshed once again.

Don’t get me wrong – I love love love my life! It’s busy and crazy and hectic and fun and so, so rewarding. Will and I both love to work hard and hustle, then rest well and intentionally relax. That’s why I love July! With no weddings scheduled, I’m ready to head to the beach and simply celebrate life. And make some homemade peach ice cream. Hallelujah.

Another thing I love about July? It means we are officially halfway through 2013, and it’s time to stop and re-assess my 2013 goals. I’m happy to say I’m right on track!

2013 Goals I’ve Completed:
- Run an official half marathon
- Purchase and learn to ride a Roadbike
- Host a Dinner Party
- Be a 6am morning person (5 out of 7 days/week)
- Complete the Whole 30
- Expand my business [outsource more]
- Change the way we shop for groceries (ie: local, organic, farmers market, whole foods)
- Be intentional with rest

2013 Goals I have yet to accomplish:
- Learn to play the guitar well (Needing lots of practice!)
- Complete a sprint triathlon
- Learn Calligraphy (I still need lots of practice here, too!)
- Celebrate our 5th Anniversary in style! (Trip scheduled for September)
- Become completely comfortable shooting in film (I am very, very close to this being my reality. Once I get my camera fixed, I think I’ll move this into the “accomplished” list!)
- Mentor a group of girls at church
- Read 15 Books in 12 Months
- Be intentional with rest (While I’ve somewhat succeeded at this the first half of the year, I still feel I have far to go. Implementing lots of rest is something that doesn’t come naturally to myself or Will, but it will be so important the last half of this year since it’s our busiest season.)

And the key to making those yearly goals happen? Breaking them down to monthly goals! …

July Goals

  • 15 in 12 : Read His Excellency: George Washington
    (My new tradition: read the biography of a founding father each year in July! Last year I read John Adams)

  • Shoot zero weddings and relax. Very thankful for this month of recovery!

  • Enjoy Beaufort and Myrtle Beach with family

  • Make homemade peach ice cream

  • Buy a pair of Sseko Sandals

  • Go to the Farmer’s Market

  • Launch new website galleries

  • Take 2 swim lessons

  • Share the love of Jesus with the people of Nicaragua as Will and I lead a group of 30 students and adults

  • Play the guitar for fun

  • Really sign up for a triathlon, or make up my own. My schedule’s crazy. I’m having a difficult time finding one that isn’t on a wedding weekend!

  • Buy a new seat for my road bike (recommendations welcome!)

Here’s a wonderful July, and a fulfilling last half of 2013!

GoalsNancy RayGoalsComment