SPRING FORWARD

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES

I can hardly believe that we are well over halfway through March. 2025 is flying by, and this year has been one of significant progress for me as an individual.

I recently noted my use of an iPad to organize my schedule and notes for school, personal and work purposes. Goodnotes allows me to upload PDF documents and take notes directly on them, while Pencil Planner enables me to interact with an online calendar with reminders linked to my iCloud. 

At the start of this year, I set a few goals: make my bed each morning, read my Bible each day, read one chapter in a book each day, and journal at least once each day. Thus far, I have achieved these items on my list. 

James Clear's Atomic Habits book helped me begin the process of changing my habits. I did not expect how much small habits could change the way I felt that day. 

Making my bed each morning is a simple task, but it helps me begin the day with order. It gives me a clear signal that it is time to move forward. 

Reading my Bible each day helps me keep my focus where it needs to be. Reading one chapter from a book each day has helped me move through several books already this year. One chapter at a time may seem slow, but it adds up quickly.

Journaling has been my most surprising habit. Some days, I write only a few sentences and other days, I write many more. I try to be honest with myself and capture what I am thinking or feeling. 

Writing helps me understand where I am and reminds me that each day has value. These small entries help me keep track of what is going on in my heart and mind.

There have been days when I almost forgot one of these habits. A few times, I got in bed and remembered I had not journaled yet. I got back up and did it anyway. 

I do not want to break the chain. Keeping these habits has helped me feel more present and more balanced.

I am thankful for the tools that help me stay organized, but I am even more grateful for the growth that has come from being consistent. As spring arrives, I plan to keep moving forward.

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