New Year's Resolutions

 

Once again, it's here! We survived the end of the Mayan Calendar year, and we're looking ahead, hopefully now down a fiscal cliff. Wow, I digress.

Looking back, my goals were generally reached. Many had to do with attitude and initiative and were not too measurable. I know I got distracted several times during the year, but as I evaluate where I am now with a year ago, I'm still satisfied.

Discovering the Me in Mommy's Goals

1. Write more frequently

2. Get more faithful readers as I'm faithful to read others' blogs

These goals were tough for me as I struggled to balance my time -- was my face in front of the computer or in front of my family and friends? But with some encouragement, I did realize that it's not all or nothing. 

  
Personal Spiritual Goals
1. Be more excited to regularly read my Bible 

This has proven true as I've had opportunity to regularly share with teens what I've been reading.

Personal Goals

1. Exercise 2-3 times a week

Yes, and then some! Under advice of a friend, I try to do 3-4 times a week, for 45 minutes each -- and I sweat more than I thought I was able to (Sorry, TMI)

2. Drink 6-8 cups of water each day

Um, no.

3. Come up with creative learning projects for my toddler

Just fair here.

4. Renew my teaching license

2/3 of the way there

5.Support and encourage my husband

Hopefully he'd say that was successful! I do feel that we're more connected now than last year.

So where do I go from here?

A friend shared how new year's resolutions tend to revolve around me (lost weight, spend less, quit smoking), and while those are good things, how am I wanting to better my life as it relates to helping others and bettering their lives?

So this year, I'm also considering an "others" category, so that I can be more intentional about meeting needs of the people around me.

Discovering the Me in Mommy's Goals

1. Consistently write 2-3 times a week.

2. Get more faithful readers as I'm faithful to read others' blogs

  

Personal Spiritual Goals
1. Develop a more varied and deeper prayer life.

Personal Goals

1. Exercise 3-4 times a week and cut out sugary sweets as snacks! (yikes, did I actually write that?!?)

2. Drink 6-8 cups of water each day

3. Play better with my child

4. Finish renewing my teaching license

5.Support and encourage my husband - either write down or tell him how I do appreciate him

"Others" Goals
1. Have more people over to the house for dinner (and not worry what they think about my decor or organization skills)

2. Make more phone calls to keep in touch with people or just call those who might not have many friends

Photo Credit: Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What I've Learned this Past Month

This has been a fun time for me! While I did forget a few things (none of which were life-changing, major), I was able to truly enjoy the festive and thankful time with my family.

1. Being real and genuine doesn't have to be totally organized, and I'm ok with that.
I've been wanting to get better connected with our neighbors since we've moved in, and finally after about 3 years, we've made huge progress. It helps that our bachelor-neighbor has gotten married and received a little boy who also likes playing with my little one! Two of our neighbors dropped by unexpectedly, and I invited them into our toy-littered living room, with couch overflowing with coats and other items that failed to make it to their proper place. But even though it wasn't as "perfect" as I'd have wanted, it represented that we're a far-from-perfect family, but we live in the here-and-now.

2. Gift-giving doesn't have to be complicated.
I was a little worried that I hadn't found the "perfect" gifts for our friends and family. I had shopped some during the year and purchased things that I thought the receiver would like. I also managed to score some holiday deals for things I knew would be liked, and this year, I had to spend less. Yet, most every (as we still have a "Christmas" to do still!) present was received much better than I had anticipated. Truly the heart is enough.

3. Laughter is always good.
We had a "blizzard warning" a few days ago. While it's really not blizzard-like, it's a bit more than normal for us. My husband went out to shovel the driveway, and my daughter and I went out to play! We ended up with a snowball fight, and our laughter carried down the street! That was such a sweet sound to my ears, to see, hear, and feel the fun it was to live life together as a family. I'm truly blessed!