Thinking of the Big Five

Friday already. Crazy! I am participating in Five on Friday over at the Good Life Blog. This means I get to write about ANY five things that I want. Things on my mind, things I love these days…. Anything.

I decided that since five is such a nice round number I would theme my Five on Friday post this week. January is not the only time to be setting goals guys, or thinking about those five important areas that you should be working on.

So here is what is going on lately in my big five. Challenge yourself to think about these areas and set little personal goals. I know, I know, January is just around the corner. But why wait until then to just evaluate what you are doing to improve yourself? It only has to take a minute. Just a thought :)

 

1.       Intellectual

A month after I finished school I missed it. Is that weird? The challenges. The learning. The forced discipline. In the moment I couldn’t wait to graduate, and now I wouldn’t mind being in that place again. Isn’t that always the way of things? Well, huge epiphany! I discovered that I don’t have to be in school to learn, to write, or to be disciplined in these areas. It is so important to continually challenge yourself intellectually. Read books you never would have read, learn random bits of information, write yourself silly in bed at night. This season, this learning on my own season, is so different, but so much fun. 

2.       Spiritual

This is a familiar scripture, I am sure. But have you read it in the amplified version and just let the words hit you?

Ephesians 3:20

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams].

Superabundantly… I love that. Not just super which signifies "above, over, or excess" and not just abundant which means "available in large quantities; plentiful".  What a word combo. God is so able to do superabundantly all we can ask or imagine! The hope, the power, the authority, the purpose that is in these words just resonates in my spirit. Don’t limit God. He CAN do it. We meet him half way and do our part, but he can and will go beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams. That is absolutely amazing because I can hope and dream a lot. But my imagination is limited, God’s isn’t. I think I will tap into his purpose for me. 

3.       Physical

As a rule, I am very consistent in my workout routine. If I am home I will not miss a day going to the gym… until the holiday season (which has already begun) comes around. For some reason it is like I let myself have a little excuse in the back of my mind... this time only comes once a year…. And if I gain five pounds no big deal. But no! You always have to fight against those thoughts. And so, this holiday season I am going to be better. I am not going to let my gym days fall to a measly two or three times a week. After all, fitness is a lifestyle! Make that choice, you will feel so much better about every other area in your life, trust me on that.

4.       Emotional/Social

I am pretty elated in this area because next week our long anticipated family cruise arrives. Hooray! We are going to get out of the cold mountain weather (though it has not really been cold) and enjoy the beautiful Mexico sunshine. It is going to be grand. 

5.       Financial

In preparation of the holiday season, Cory and I decided to do a month long fast from spending any extra money. No eating out, no trips, no random presents etc. I am not sure how long it lasted…. But we did really poorly. Cory would spend bits here and there and then tell me he didn’t realize that particular purchase was part of the fast. I got an opportunity to go to Palm Springs with all the girls for an overnight Christmas shopping extravaganza… and I didn’t hesitate. So we kind of failed… But the bills are still paid and we are quite happy, so why worry about it?

What are some of your thoughts and ideas for these five areas in your life? Have you discovered a new work out you love or been hit by a powerful spiritual revelation? I would love to hear!