Commitments

"The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor."

Yesterday, I was watching the movie "In Her Shoes" (featuring Shirley MacLaine and Cameron Diaz). In the movie, I saw how the older sister (played by Toni Collette) transformed herself and her life by making a commitment to her well-being. She kicked her sister out of the house - a sad but needed step at that point in time. She quit her job as a lawyer and became a dog walker, which gave her free time to do whatever made her happy. Through the dog walking, she was able to lose weight and focus on her health/body. She became the best that she could be, and eventually let her sister back into her life, which completed her. (She also landed a great boyfriend in the process!)

After the movie, I reflected for a bit and realized that I need to make some commitments in my life - real commitments with goals that I will achieve no matter what. With all the changes going on in my life right now, I think it's best for me to set a small list of priorities/commitments so that I remain focused and happy.

My Commitments

1. Family - Raising a happy, healthy child isn't easy, especially as a single parent. Financial and work-related stresses often keep me from spending time with my son. He even told me he doesn't like me to work so much - he's only 4! From this point forward, I am making the commitment to playing with my son more and doing more physical activities outside.
2. Health - I'm not happy with the way I look, and recent aches and pain in my body tell me that I'm probably not living the most healthy lifestyle. I'm a pretty good eater, and I've managed to maintain my weight for the past year or so, so I know dieting is not an issue. I need abandon my sedentary lifestyle and work out. I am committing myself to exercising. I'm not going to make a specific plan or routine just yet...I'll just take it day by day. My goal is to lose 30lbs by my 30th birthday, which is in 6 months.
3. Career - Obviously, it's important to have a job to support yourself and your family. But a career...that's a whole other thing. I'd like to take my career to the next level, whatever that may be. I am making the commitment to enhance my career by excelling at my current position and engaging in more professional development activities.

These commitments all have one thing in common - TIME. There's only so much time in the day to work, run a household, play with your child, exercise, participate in professional and/or volunteer activities, and sleep. Therefore, I'll have to scale back some of my activities, including writing this blog.

From Facebook to reading and responding to other people's blogs, I spend way too much time online. Writing this blog has proven to be a time-sucker as well, so I am going on a hiatus from Single Mom Saves. Blogging is a great interest of mine, but I can't be committed to it on a regular basis.

And so, I bid you adieu for now...

"The achievement of your goal is assured the moment you commit yourself to it."