Its that time of year when I start reflecting on last year, anticipating this year. Looking at myself, my life, my family and trying to find ways to have more balance. Better myself. Give more.
2013 was full. Full of loss. Full of life. I lost my Aunt Ree and my Uncle Mike. I didn't spend enough time with either of them. I heard more news of friends, family, loved ones, acquaintances who are battling illnesses, accidents and situations that break my heart into a million pieces. I know its prophesy that things will only get worse…and I just keep holding on to the promise that after the fall - we will rise. I've realized how much time I waste living with fear…wondering if any of the things my friends/family are going through will happen to me. Wasted time. So one goal is to find the balance between grief/compassion and embracing the joy in my life. There is no sense allowing the grief to rob the joy. Or for the joy to blur the grief. There is balance to feel it all….at the right times. For the right lengths. I pray God will help me on a continual journey through life to find this fine line.
My current Bible study was saying that even depression and anxiety are forms of pride. Because anything less than humility is pride. So even if you're putting yourself down, worrying about your own life, wallowing in your fears….you are focused on YOU. You may not be thinking you're better than others….but you are still completely focused and wrapped up in your own little world. Thus, PRIDEFUL. Harsh reality for me.
This year was also full of love and joy. I saw friends have babies. I was blessed with more business than I could handle. My family is healthy. My boys are thriving. We are blessed abundantly…and do not deserve it. But are deeply grateful.
2013 taught me a lot. About life. About love. About boys (mine in particular). About pride. About relationships. About business. About balance. About priorities. About victories. About reaching out and blessing others. About listening. About parenting. About joy.
Resolutions. Goals. Accountability.
I made a short list and am sharing for all to see. If you see me falling off track…throw me back on!
1. New schedule for work. Hoping it will grant me the time to do more devotionals/praying. Playing with my kids. Cooking for my family. Supporting my husband. Yet still pleasing my clients and growing my business. No TV. Less iPhone. Just molding and shaping my days to be full….but in a way that breeds love, not stress.
2. Drinking 65oz+ of water every day.
3. Get my fruits/veggies in…..consistently.
4. Truly take a day for Sabbath. Shut down technology. Be with my family. Embrace God and His love. Reflect, Renew, Rejoice.
5. Do daily devotions/prayers - at any point of the day (mornings are too much pressure….then I feel like a failure all day if I don't get to them).
6. Less shopping. More saving. More tithing. More gifting.
7. Better communication the 'old' way. Hand written notes (or even an email) instead of a quick FB post or text. Take time to call and give them my full attention. Be a better listener.
8. Take more photos (candid) of my family. Use my polaroid camera more. Print photos from my phone more. Create family albums.
9. Bless others through actions. Include the kids. Ie, bake cookies together to deliver. Donate used shoes, toys. Have a garage sale, then use the money to bless a struggling family. Teach my kids that when you give/bless others it warms your heart with love and peace that overflows. Far better than any 'good' temporary feeling we may get from buying/doing something for ourselves.
10. Date night with my hubby. At least once every 3 wks. Because I know our crazy schedules….yet once/month seems like too little. So 3 wks is our starting point - and seems doable.
That should keep me busy! But I truly feel like I can do all of these things. Life is too short to waste time on things that don't bring love. I already struggle with anxiety and overcoming my fears. These simple changes in my life will only encourage me to go in a brighter direction.
What are your resolutions? What are your goals? What ways will you make this world a brighter, happier, love-filled place? How did 2013 change you?