Thriving in January

Peach Blossom

My word of the year is "Thrive" and that's what I have been trying to do, although January was a difficult month for me, especially with the gale force winds and the wildfires.  We weren't in immediate danger, but, at least one friend lost their home and, at my daughter's insistence, we prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice if needed.  Fortunately, we didn't have to evacuate and the fires have all been contained now.  However, it was an anxious time. In addition, there were other happenings, which were beyond my control, but, which still impacted me and which caused some consternation.  Through it all, I was determined to be positive and to thrive.  Did you know that the past tense of thrive can be either throve or thrived?  

Since I didn't do a review of my monthly balanced life goals at the end of December or do any monthly goals for January, I thought I'd review January with thriving as my goal. 

Spiritual:

Throughout January, especially during the first week or two, I continued to feel buoyed by the almsgiving which was held at the end of December.  I kept my spiritual side thriving with daily prayers, meditation, and doing my best to live my life according to the teachings of my religion.  

Daughter:

I have loved having my daughter home all of January.  It is a joy and our relationship is thriving.  

Health & Well Being:

While there is much room for improvement in this area of my life, my follow-up  lab test results have been good.  As a result, I feel quite positive about this area of my life.  

Family, Friends, & Community:

I have kept in touch with family by phone, video chats, texts, etc., speaking with my sister, cousins, and aunts.  I've spoken on the phone and exchanged texts and emails with some friends and other friends have visited, bringing me gifts of food.  I did receive the sad news that my former neighbor and friend T had passed away on New Year's Day.  I also visited my neighbor S and her daughters in January and participated in the blogging community.  I'm pleased with the amount of interaction with my family, friends, and community, in January.  I think this area of my life is thriving.

Finances:

For the most part, I have done well managing my finances, in January.  I did go over the grocery budget, by a little over $15.  Nevertheless, this is another area in which I feel I've thrived.

Time Management:

As usual, another area with room for improvement!  I am afraid that I did not thrive in this area of my life!  I've procrastinated on many fronts and I need to really get a grip on myself and manage my time better.

Leisure/Hobbies/Crafting:

I have enjoyed lots of leisure time this month.  I finished crocheting a blanket and I've read a few e-books I borrowed from the library.  I did want to do more crafting in January, but, somehow, I didn't.  So, there's room for improvement in this area of my life.

House:

I am deeply grateful that my house was undamaged during the winds and the fires.  I am very thankful that I still have my house.  I was ready to ;eave everything behind and evacuate it if needed and the fact that I didn't need to means a lot to me.  It might not be the biggest house or the most beautifully decorated and maintained residence, but, it is my home.  I am determined to make my home a place where my daughter and I can thrive.  

Garden:

The garden in January is thriving in its own way.  Most of the fruit trees are dormant, right now, but,  I'm picking lemons and oranges almost daily and enjoying fresh lemonade and fresh oranges.  We've had one day of rain which was very welcome and there's another shower of rain in the forecast, so, the garden is thriving.

All in all, the month of January was challenging and I admit to struggling a bit.  However, I tried to thrive in small ways.

How was your January?