As I welcome the new year, I can’t help but look back on 2012. Did I keep my resolution to be more joyful?
YES. Sort of.
My grandiose thoughts of joyfulness weren’t what I expected. I hit all my goals:
- Keep running/Be fit
- Take time for music
- Play with my kids more
- Be more prayerful and open to hear God’s answers
- Embrace the off-kilter
- Be more charitable
- Be compassionate
- Bake more, sew more, craft more
- Love my husband
But it didn’t bring a joy that I thought it would, but I can say that my head is now in the right place (most of the time). I learned that meeting goals won’t always bring happiness. It’s only a check off the list. 2012 wasn’t without challenges. The economy hit us hard but the biggest challenge for me was “giving in.” So many times I try to control my life when I learn that there’s a higher force that’s really taking the wheel.
While I would be more than happy to bid 2012 “good riddance,” the year also brought forth opportunities. I made new friends—some of who will grow to be life-long friends. I’ve worked on my spirituality which has made me see people in a whole new light (which is good thing).
So how can I top last year’s resolution to be more joyful? Well, this year I need to work on being the BEST version of ME. The best version of me will affect who I interact with, how I make my decisions, how I treat myself and how I treat others. I need to:
De-frumpify — on a budget. I don’t like to shop and it shows. I have clothes in my closet that I’ve had since college (hey, it’s much better than the high-school clothes I hung on to a few years ago). I’m a bit tired of my “mom uniform” of a t-shirt and jeans. While I’m not aiming to be a fashionista, I think I’d do myself some good to dress better. I open to all advice. Be aware, I’m a cheap bastard. So if I can find it in a thrift store – the better!
Eat better. Yes, we all say it. I’ve been lazy and the only freezer meal left is pizza sauce and some frozen dough. Not exactly healthy! I’ve gotta fill the fridge with healthy foods — especially now that I think we fixed the “butter melting” problem.
Challenge myself. Whether is exercise, learning something new, or even keeping up the house, I need to keep my brain and body working!
Continue my journey in faith. I’m constantly learning about myself the more I see, feel and hear God in my life. My faith makes me a better person and it has helped me in all aspects of my life.
What are your resolutions? How do you plan to keep them?