time is up

Do you remember my 30 Things I Want to Accomplish the First 30 days of my 30's? Well my time is up! How did I do? One part of me wants to say I failed, but I know better! I don't really believe in failure. So, my answer is that I succeeded in completing 26 of my 30 to-do's. It was a really great experience because it forced me to take on some projects I had been putting off and it also made me realize how many more good deeds I can fit into my time. I also confirmed the fact that I am a perfectionist because I found myself doing certain things over again because I didn't feel like what I did was good enough the first time....lame right? I learned a lot about myself and taught myself a few lessons too:

1. I need to be happy enough with my accomplishments, big or small.

2. Every good deed or goal doesn't need to be a gigantic offering of self sacrifice.

3. Sometimes I need to throw in the towel for my own good. It's okay not to finish everything when and how I want to....my well being is just as important.

4. Life throws us bad days/weeks/months that make it nearly impossible to finish your agenda (oh well, God has other plans)

5. I still always put the things most important to my own accomplishments last (my etsy shop and 5 pages for my book), but I'm a mom and that obviously won't change anytime soon.

6. That my husband is really just as nuts as me... he doesn't blink when I tell him we can't leave yet because I have to plant a garden really fast....or I'm sorry we are all sick, but we HAVE to have a picnic and it has to be today.

7. That I worked my ass off to get these done and I am so proud of myself.

I could go on and on and on and on. The four things I did not finish were setting up my etsy shop (couldn't find the time), writing 5 pages for my book (I wish I had), sleep training the baby (oops I waited too long and then he got sick) and losing 4 pounds (I only did 3).

Are you curious about some of the things I did do? Feel free to ask if you want more specifics from my list. Here are a few examples though. I sent an anonymous gift card to a very wonderful lady who works at a place I visit a lot. I donated to DonorsChoose.org and gave money for a classroom that needs books. I tried the new Barre Class at my pilates studio. Brody gave money from his piggy bank to children at CHOC. He also drew pictures and gave them to neighbors. I sewed a baby handkerchief for drool and a baby blanket with tags. I planted Roma tomatoes and some bell peppers. And, my hubby and I went to a wine party hosted by a friend and left the kids at home!

I have to say that praying for a miracle was my favorite.... because it is an act of faith. I prayed for it in different ways, and the thing about a miracle is that it may have happened and I have no idea. Or it may be in the works. You just never know.

I almost want to have a new list of things to accomplish every month....we all should. It really makes you slow down and be thoughtful about the choices you make with your money and your time. I encourage you to make your own list. Try it for a month. Tell me about it. Blog about it. Heck, I will blog about it for you.

Don't ever stop challenging yourself!