CONNECTED in 2018

So have you heard the word? The word is to have a word. A word to live by and guide you through 2018.

At the beginning of every year I don't give much thought to this. But by the second or third week, I read many 'word' posts floating around the blogosphere. 

They inspire me to think about my own goals for the year, and the things I want to better at, and fears I want to overcome.

In past years I have had 'brave', which lead me to entering more photography comps, and doing things out of my comfort zone. Another 'no guilt' which I know is two words, but pushed me not be guilty about me time, and all those other silly things that mums and wives seem to let seep into thier feeling guilty filter.

This year I am focusing on being CONNECTED.


HOME

• Connected to knowing when I need a break, some me time. Instead of powering through and falling into an emotional, cranky heap.
• Paying more attention to my health and fitness.
• Connected to what my kids need to succeed, at school(which means more communication with thier teachers, which I am slack at). Listening to them, and asking meaningful questions about their day and how they are feeling. 
• Spending more time together, around the table at dinner time.

WORK 

• Forcing myself to be better at communication with parents of my gymnasts students. 
• Communicating well with other coaches, and committee members at the gym club.

COMMUNITY

• Actually get out of the car and talk to other parents at school pick up.
• Now that the community garden is under other management, get involved. I am actually excited about this, after the circus monkeys that used to run it.
• When someone says "hi, how are you", acutally ask the same to them instead of saying "good thanks" and moving on.

I am not good at talking to people. I seem to avoid it, rather than seeking it out.

I am one of those people who sit back and watch, think too hard about conversation before I speak, and end up not saying much at all. 

It is hard work for me sometimes to actually get the words out of my head, and out of my mouth. I hide behind a smile and for a long time, I have gotten away with that. 

I am sure I have some sort of social anxiety when it comes to talking to new people. I am not so bad at saying hello, but anything further than that is like being a deer in the headlights. Bloody confronting.

So this is something I want to be better at this year. To not be afraid to speak. To say the words in my head, without being afraid that they might sound silly, or they may come out muddled up, which they mostly always do. I am not confident in conversation, especially with people I don't know well.


So my goal this year is so just speak. Communicate, connect.Talk to people!

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