Goals Met

 

It's the end of the year and I can say I reached my goals and beyond. I'm a dreamer and this year I dreamed big. I'm ending the year with exactly 365 published blog posts. That may seem silly, but for me it was a goal of writing every day. I wrote well over 365 posts when I decided to participate in a month long writing challenge on the day it began. Thousands of writers had prepped for the day and I randomly started with not even a full idea of what to write. It was an addictive feeling to be honest.

As I sit in front of my computer this New Year's Eve, reflective as usual, I'm feel a mix of pride accomplishment, and amazement. I'm not sure if I've ever felt the same sense of accomplishment I'm feeling today. I did big things in 2021. It was a good, hard year. I've exceeded my goals plenty of times in the past, but this year feels different. With everything we missed out on in 2020, doing things that were once normal to us felt extraordinary. Perhaps those feelings are wandering into my sense of accomplishment for the year? Regardless, I'm pretty proud of myself for reaching my goals. 

They weren't goals of money or even doing big things. They were hard, but attainable. They made me work, they made me grow, they made me stronger. They gave me a chance to make myself a priority, which as a mom and business owner, is an accomplishment in and of itself. Despite being hours away from a new year, I don't have a clear idea of what exactly I want to do with it. Maybe that's a goal? Keep it open, keep my mind free, and see what happens. 

Onwards, hopefully upwards, always finding joy, here's to 2022 and deep gratitude to 2021 for showing me what I'm made of.

Visiting Wilson Island State Recreation Area

We really, truly had every intention of finishing our Iowa state parks tour. With only five parks left it was going to be tough since the parks left to visit are spread out, but it was doable. Then the minis and I decided we needed not one, but two days resting at home after a very busy holiday weekend. We will always prioritize mental and physical health over all else, so that left us with only one day to adventure. We chose to visit Wilson Island State Recreation Area in western Iowa primarily because they didn't get the freezing rain and snow that central Iowa saw. Plus, the temps were a good ten degrees warmer and it was sunny. All a huge help in our overall moods.

Wilson Island sits along the Missouri River and at just under two hours from Des Moines, it makes it an easy trip. I did not realize Wilson Island sits on the other side of DeSoto Wildlife Refuge. We have been there years ago and it was a great place to explore. Unfortunately, the Refuge was closed for the season, so we didn't get to add it to our visit. I didn't look closely at what Wilson Island offered as far as recreation goes, but with it's picnic areas, seasonal camping, and dock, I feel as though this is a popular fishing spot. We chose to hike a bit along the river and did one of the trails through the woods (away from the river).

The soft sand was a highlight. The minis threw off their gloves and played in the sand, walked along the icy river, and enjoyed the much needed sunshine. Of course, being right next to the river made 40 degrees feel like 30, but we were just happy to be outdoors with no agenda.

Nothing beats a quick car picnic after a hike! We've gotten quite good at them.