The Battle Plan

Every neurotic, type-A, control-freakish, list-loving smart woman has a battle plan for when she turns 30, right?

{Just humor me here}

I thought so.

For as long as I can recall, I have loved the idea of being “in my thirties”. 

It’s a stage of life when one has enough years under their belt to have some experiential knowledge to draw from, some precious wisdom stored up, some grace-drenched maturity to bring into their circumstances, irreplaceable life-experience and a sense of having settled into who you are as an individual…it is these valuable traits that have always wooed me to this decade. 

I do realize these qualities are not a guarantee of this particular age bracket {as I’m sure we all know people who are well into their yonder years who do not wear wisdom and maturity as a garland around their necks}, but there’s something incredibly lovely about this season of life…to me.

I think 30 is mysterious.  And marvelous.  And sexy.

But hey, I have never claimed to be “normal”.

And yes, I totally plan on watching “13 Going On 30”, for the 9th time. 

And seeing I’m a list-maker par excellence, and a chronic goal-setter…I’ve established a battle plan.

Okay, so I may also be a self-improvement junkie. 

Don’t judge.

There are exactly 3 months until I hit the big 3-0 {whoot whoot}…and I intend to enter the decade in the best shape possible; mentally, physically, and spiritually. 

I want every inch of my house de-cluttered, organized and easy to maintain…I want my finances under control…I want to be a better steward of my time, manage my days more effectively, and not frittle my days away on unnecessary things…I want my marriage & the level of intimacy it holds to be even sweeter {and hotter!} than ever…I want my patience, one-on-one time and sacred influence with my kids to be more intentional…I want to live the best life I can, right here, right now…in the midst of God’s extravagant grace and incredible purpose for my life…and I want to love it!

{Cue Battle Hymn of the Republic…}

I have 13 weeks {and 2 days} until my birthday, and there is a lot I want to accomplish, and more importantly, set into motion.

So, without further ado, here’s my plan {please attempt to stifle your laughter}…

• Nutritionally speaking:
• no sweets
• no fast food
• mega increase in water, fruit and veggie intake
• no coffee, and only 1 cup of tea per day {sniff, sniff}
• portion control/focus on whole foods
• lean proteins: less meat, more beans and eggs, etc.
• Physically speaking:
• exercise 3 times per week
• get my heart rate up daily {even if it’s just chasing kids}
• actually get dressed {relatively nicely} every day…I need to either wear my nice clothes, or get rid of them!
• be more intentional about self-care/pampering – what a difference it makes when I feel good about myself and the sight of my weary reflection in the mirror doesn’t cause me to gasp in horror.
• Spiritually speaking:
• getting into my bible every day, even if only for 5 minutes
• choosing a verse each week to memorize and chew on
• being more intentional about fixing my mind on God and seeking His plans for my day, over mine – holding my thoughts captive
• journaling more
• being more intentional about praying for others {becoming more outward focused}
• Time management wise:
• not spending endless hours online in the name of research, inspiration, design and general nosy-ness ~ planning on setting a timer and then switching computer off
• read (a book) every day for at least 1/2 an hour
• get into bed no later than midnight {when hubby is not home} and getting up no later than 8 {yes, my kids go to bed late and often sleep until 9…but I need alone time before the barrage, and seldom get it because of how late I stay up}
• work more off a daily plan/schedule rather than just shooting from the hip – more accountability/less wasted time
• Home management wise:
• establish a home management folder to help me stay on track with daily, weekly and monthly household chores, meal planning, writing cards, etc.
• focus on “hot spots” daily with 15 minutes on the timer (to keep clutter under control), 27 fling boogie every week, clean sweep daily before bed – “shine sink” (thank you, Fly Lady*)
• incorporate the kids more into cleaning {laundry, vacuuming, dusting, organizing, etc.} so it can be done more regularly during the day, and become more of a consistent part of our day together (versus get left for “after-hours” when it’s a drag}
• focus on one area of the house during each of the 13 weeks {purge, de-clutter, organize and set up a system that is easy to maintain}:
• kitchen
• dining room
• family room
• living room
• entry way (closet)
• hallway (closet)
• Bug’s room
• Bean’s room
• master bedroom
• our closet
• bathrooms
• laundry room
• garage/pantry
• preparation for a summer garage sale
• Personal & relationally speaking:
• be more intentional about spending time with my little ones…time is flying by and these are irreplaceable, precious years!
• be more intentional about speaking my hubby’s love languages and pursuing his heart {and..ahem…body}
• be more purposeful about praying for/with my husband and kids every day
• send a card to a friend each week
• be more intentional about focusing on others, rather than getting so absorbed in my own little world and issues {aka. selfishness}

And that, my friends, is my grand plan!  I’m sure it will change and evolve regularly, but as “they say”…when you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. 

And I fully plan to rock out my thirties!!

{even as a neurotic, list-makin’ mama on the move}