Apparently I don't have enough resolve in me to actually be successful. Instead, I moved to picking a theme word. Something I could strive to achieve that was more of an internal thing.

Last year, I picked relationships. Specifically trying to foster them between my children. I did pretty good! They were split into six different groups of two (the biologicals, the chosen, the girls, the boys, opposites 1 and opposites 2), and each month, I took one of the groups to do an activity they might enjoy. For instance, the girls and I went to an escape room. The boys and I went paddle boarding. Just a few days ago, opposites 2 (that would be the 20 year old girl and 7 year old boy) went to see Bluey Live because they both love Bluey.

It worked out really well so we're continuing the tradition this year.

In the meantime, my new word is rejuvenation.

I don't get enough rest. I know that full well. I have three jobs, I'm still raising four kids (yes, even the 20 year old who has some maturing to do), I'm in charge of one of the children's programs at church, and three of the four kids have activities that require a ton of driving. So I give myself Saturdays to nap and rest.

However, my mind needs rest, too, and that's where rejuvenation is coming in. I'm trying to make more time for myself to get away from all of it - social media, kids, jobs, responsibilities - so my mind can rest.

This one is a work in progress. So far, I've gone to dinner with a friend once and I'm now doing karate while the boys are in their karate classes. Not only am I working my muscles in a new way, I'm doing it with other adults. And instead of sitting in the lobby for six hours, I'm working out, which frees up time during my very busy day.

I'm also going to RARE Florence in September. Yes, I said ITALY! I'll be there for nine days, which means eight days of enjoying time away.

I'm still looking for other ways to rejuvenate my mind. If you have any ideas, let me know! I'm determined to feel better this year and I'll take all the suggestions I can get!
If reading more is one of your goals, this is a great way to start!!

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Whether you're just starting the series, forgot to read the last book, or got distracted somewhere in the middle, now is the time to pick them up again!

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People ask all the time for Dramione recommendations If you like dark romance, Perfectly in Pieces is my latest recommendation. Not only is it gripping, but it's the BEST rendition of Theo Nott I've ever read. I love, love, love him.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/327...

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Who wants a free sports romance?

Sindy is a fashion designer and boutique owner who's being pressured to go to her high school reunion. If nothing else, it's an opportunity to show off her designs. Should a klutz wear platform stilettos in the name fashion?

Kenny is a major league baseball player with a body honed to perfection. Dressed to the nines and drawing female attention with every step he takes, but he's only there for one of them... Will he find her?

Falling for Prince is the first in the Short Stop collection, a spin off An All About the Diamond Romance series.
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/m4byq7b6g7

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New year, same old us. We're just wiser now.
<3, M.E.