2017: Goals, and a word
Welcome to 2017!
Is it just me, or did 2016 fly???? It honestly doesn't feel like a new year. Maybe it's because I'm writing this today at home, sick, rather than at work. Gotta love sick days and stomach bugs. Yeah...Not.
I don't typically keep New Years Resolutions. It's not that I am not about making goals or challenging yourself. Believe me, I am all for that. Instead of one "giant" resolution that sometimes leads to intimidation or frustration, this year I'm making several smaller "goals". They're quite simple, but I know that if can be intentional about doing my best to meet these goals, every day, it is my hope that I will be better in my relationships, at my job, and among my family.
1. Listen: I am learning that there is a difference between listening and simply hearing. And honestly, it shames me to admit this, but sometimes I tend to zone out during a conversation. Eventually I know this will hurt my relationships. The gift of undivided attention is a rarity these days, and it's just that: a gift. How special do you feel when a loved one tells you "Hey, I'm listening," and you know they mean it?
2. Spend every day reading the Bible: They say what you put in is what will come out. On the 27th of December I started a 1 Year Chronological reading plan and it has been fascinating re-reading Genesis, being in awe of every single detail, and taking that time to focus on God as best as I can. You maintain and improve a relationship by spending time with the other person; God, in this case. By centering my time on Him, I believe it will become a foundation for my other relationships, as well as bettering me as a person.
3. Learn to let go of my desire to fit in: I'll be 27 this year, and it's embarrassing to me to admit that I still struggle with wanting to fit in. Often times, I'll butt into conversations, and I need to work on simply being present, all the while remembering that I am valued and needed where I am.
4. Be still, and trust the process: There are a lot of possibilities on the horizon for me this year. I don't often take the time to think, pray, and reflect; instead it's just go go go and "we'll see what happens". I know that in order to trust and obey Him, I need to be still before Him, and listen to what He's saying. (See item 1).
I'm ready! It's a bit daunting and unnerving to make changes, but oh! how much better as humans we are once we accept that and take that first step!
Finally, a word, and I don't think the person who shared it with me will mind if I share it here: Positive
It's not surprising that the world is going crazy. It's not surprising that life is just hard sometimes. I'll leave you with this: Find the joy in the every day. Find one thing, just one thing, positive in your day, even if it's small. On top of that, make a conscious choice to look for the positive. I think you'll soon find that it will soon become easier, and that there are many small and beautiful moments in life that add up to mean the most.
Happy New Year everyone! Let's get out there and make it great!
Is it just me, or did 2016 fly???? It honestly doesn't feel like a new year. Maybe it's because I'm writing this today at home, sick, rather than at work. Gotta love sick days and stomach bugs. Yeah...Not.
I don't typically keep New Years Resolutions. It's not that I am not about making goals or challenging yourself. Believe me, I am all for that. Instead of one "giant" resolution that sometimes leads to intimidation or frustration, this year I'm making several smaller "goals". They're quite simple, but I know that if can be intentional about doing my best to meet these goals, every day, it is my hope that I will be better in my relationships, at my job, and among my family.
1. Listen: I am learning that there is a difference between listening and simply hearing. And honestly, it shames me to admit this, but sometimes I tend to zone out during a conversation. Eventually I know this will hurt my relationships. The gift of undivided attention is a rarity these days, and it's just that: a gift. How special do you feel when a loved one tells you "Hey, I'm listening," and you know they mean it?
2. Spend every day reading the Bible: They say what you put in is what will come out. On the 27th of December I started a 1 Year Chronological reading plan and it has been fascinating re-reading Genesis, being in awe of every single detail, and taking that time to focus on God as best as I can. You maintain and improve a relationship by spending time with the other person; God, in this case. By centering my time on Him, I believe it will become a foundation for my other relationships, as well as bettering me as a person.
3. Learn to let go of my desire to fit in: I'll be 27 this year, and it's embarrassing to me to admit that I still struggle with wanting to fit in. Often times, I'll butt into conversations, and I need to work on simply being present, all the while remembering that I am valued and needed where I am.
4. Be still, and trust the process: There are a lot of possibilities on the horizon for me this year. I don't often take the time to think, pray, and reflect; instead it's just go go go and "we'll see what happens". I know that in order to trust and obey Him, I need to be still before Him, and listen to what He's saying. (See item 1).
I'm ready! It's a bit daunting and unnerving to make changes, but oh! how much better as humans we are once we accept that and take that first step!
Finally, a word, and I don't think the person who shared it with me will mind if I share it here: Positive
It's not surprising that the world is going crazy. It's not surprising that life is just hard sometimes. I'll leave you with this: Find the joy in the every day. Find one thing, just one thing, positive in your day, even if it's small. On top of that, make a conscious choice to look for the positive. I think you'll soon find that it will soon become easier, and that there are many small and beautiful moments in life that add up to mean the most.
Happy New Year everyone! Let's get out there and make it great!
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