As I write this I’m feeling really accomplished because I have nearly made it through all of our end-of-the-year tasks. I don’t know if you have a running list, but I know that come December, when work life is a little slow and personal life is a little packed, I have a list of things that need to get done. Pay winter taxes for our house, finalize our FSA reimbursements, finalize our dependent care reimbursements, and complete last-minute giving to reach our tithing goals. Crossing these things off of the list while managing the three little critters is something we type a, achiever people really enjoy.
While I’m crossing these things off the list, I’m also starting to dream up things for the new year. I always pick a word of the year, so that’s floating through my mind until something feels right, and Jeff and I always start the year talking through our goals for seven areas: spiritual, personal, professional, marriage, family, health, and financial.
I don’t share all of the goals on the blog because a lot of them are really personal, but one of my personal goals is to read one book each month and listen to one book each month. I’ve really given myself excuses and more excuses for not actually reading physical books, but I’m not letting myself off of the hook this year. I’m restarting my habit of keeping my phone in the bathroom and making reading the last thing I do each night and the first thing I do each morning.
These end-of-the-year tasks signal the close of one chapter and the start of a new. I know it can be a stressful time of year, but I really feel a sense of peace in finalizing things for one year and so much excitement dreaming of things for the next. I think it’s just how I’m wired to get jacked up about making plans.
What are your end-of-the-year tasks and new year rituals? Tell me what you’re most excited for in the new year!