Dec 2, 2021

November Progress and December PowerSheets Goals

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Listen to me. It is time to sit still,
to tilt your face to the light
and catch the notes of music

which sweeten the tongue
like snowflakes as they fall and melt
this bare December morning.

– Linda Pastan

Time to be still. December is one of those months that feels set apart from all the others. It’s a time to settle after the long year and reflect, notice—and in the noticing, give thanks and look ahead with hope. December, I am glad to see you!

We spent a few days in November on a small North Carolina island where there are no cars, just the sounds of the ocean and kiddos exclaiming, “Mom, look what I found!” Ari chased them on the beach, I took long walks from one end of the island to the other, and we celebrated Grace’s first decade together. Josh was insistent that we see the sunrise and sunset together every day, so that’s what we did. The view from the window of our small cottage (originally inhabited by Captain Charles Swan, the lighthouse keeper), became my favorite place on earth. This special window begged me to open my Bible and uncover my focus for 2022 in my new PowerSheets. More to come in the annual Goal Setting Series (and next Monday for many of you who are joining for Cultivate Your Year Live!), but let me say this: it was by far my favorite year uncovering what matters in these pages. I love my 2022 goals!

In case you missed these:
— Say YES to what matters with the 2022 Powersheets Intentional Goal Planner. Buy your 2022 PowerSheets today!
— I was tickled pink to be included in this Wall Street Journal piece about one of my favorite subjects: caring for our customers.

Onto December! Here’s what’s on my Tending List for the month ahead—all action steps from my 2021 goals.

My goals for the month:

December Monthly Goals:
— Clear the decks and get set up for 2022 – clear out my work deck (Asana, EOY finance, prep for our 2022 initiatives), clear out the house (making my way through Kondo’ing), and get organized for the year ahead
— Cultivate our 2022 Calendar – my annual session to plan for what matters in our family before our schedule plans us
— Share my 2022 goals in the annual Goal Setting Series
— Learn about planning – this one is all about curiosity. One of my 2022 goals centers on slowing down. Something I’ve noticed about my friends in the planner community is that intentionally writing out their days and thoughts allows them to slow down, notice, and celebrate (among many other benefits!). I’m curious to learn and see what I can implement.
— Enjoy Advent. We’re using my favorite gift set we’ve ever created (it’s so beautiful and the conversation and scripture cards are incredible!) and this book by Cindy Rollins. It has been so fun and enriching!
— Lead and experience Cultivate Your Year LIVE next week
— Enjoy a NYE date with Ari – this is big for us. My parents got Ari and me tickets to the symphony for NYE (my favorite music – Ella and Louis!) and we decided to go black tie. I was telling Team Cultivate yesterday that I haven’t worn heels in a decade — I gave them all away when I had Grace. On top of that, I have never seen my husband in a tux. He wore his Navy chocker whites for our wedding and all of our Southern Weddings launch parties were suit- and seersucker-friendly. We have had just one date this year for our fifteen-year anniversary, so we are especially excited for a couple of hours of music and time together. My word of 2021 is faithful, and the Lord has indeed been that in our marriage. We’re considering this a praise date!

December Weekly Goals:
— Rich homeschool

December Daily Goals:
— Work it out
— Bible reading
— Advent reading
— 14k steps!

What are you cultivating this season? Share in the comments below!

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6 Comments

  1. Bailey Robert on December 7, 2021 at 3:43 pm

    I can’t believe Grace is 10, that’s just wild! And your NYE date sounds so fun! I love the idea of “clearing the deck” before 2022, too, and may have to incorporate that into my year wrap up over the break.

    • Lara on December 8, 2021 at 11:50 am

      Yes, clearing the decks can be a great start to the new year! Grateful for you, Bailey!

  2. Rhiannon on December 9, 2021 at 1:25 pm

    HOW IS GRACE 10?! Happy birthday, sweet girl! Miss you, friend.

  3. Sierra on December 13, 2021 at 11:14 pm

    When does your annual goal setting series start?

    • Lara on December 15, 2021 at 1:53 pm

      Hi! I’m working on the first post now, so likely today or tomorrow : )

      • Sierra Opper on December 15, 2021 at 11:08 pm

        YAY! Thank you so much! I’m very excited!

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