Monday, December 28, 2009

Happy New You!

I've said before that I'm not a big fan of New Years Resolutions.. It just seems like setting myself up for failure. However, a couple of years ago, I made a list of a sort of plan of directions and it's sort of become my reminder to refocus on life after the craziness of the holiday season. It's a great reminder to me that as a child of God, there is always something new to learn and for me to become. Soon after I made this list, we packed up and moved across the country and our lives were chaotic for a bit. But, all and all, I think I did incorporate quite a bit of it into our lives, though there is much to strive for still. So once again, here are my thoughts about the direction I would like my life to take as we approach this new year.

My prayer to God is that I will always be renewed. That I will never feel as if I've reached a plateau and that I will always grow enough that I look at myself the year before and think, "what was I thinking"? So far, so good.

So without further ado, coming to you from January, 2008:

Ok, I never make New Years Resolutions because I believe that New Years Resolutions are doomed to fail. However, I do make some sort of plan at the beginning of the year that is intended to get me back on track after the holiday season. I guess I believe that since I'm not calling this plan resolutions, somehow the name will help me succeed. Somewhere in my heart, I hold on to the idea that I'm different than other people. Just like all the other different people in the world. Well, as I was making the plan this year (get in shape, get the house organized, you know, the typical) something occurred to me... It's plans like these that keep me from doing the things that I actually enjoy. So, here is my revised plan for 2008.

I'm refraining from numbering because numbers often indicate importance and these are being put down simply in the order that they pop into my head.

*PLAY

* Make a new friend. You know one of those friends that comes into your life and you know that your life is better because of them. One of those friends that understands you without you having to explain yourself. And, it's not even that they love you even though they disagree with you sometimes but that disagreeing with you isn't something that they think to do. They just let you be just the way you are because that is you and they love you. I have a couple of friends like this but they are few and far between and everyone could always use another.

*Be the same kind of friend I've described above.

*Spend time with this friend above (even if it is in an unorganized house) because spending time with people like I've described undoubtedly makes a person better.

* Give more kissles. At our house, kissles are a mix between a kiss and a tickle. When they are given, the recipient squeals with delight and says, "quit kissling me, quit kissling me". Kissles are a favorite at our house for Emma and Chloe shows signs of loving them too.

* take more naps with Chloe on my chest and Emma cuddled beside me.

*have conversations with God like He's sitting in the chair across from me.

* kiss Adam often and sit close.

* laugh until I cry

* praise a lot and criticize little

* take walks... not because I'm getting in shape but because I love the sunshine.

* take time to let Emma (and soon Chloe) help me while I cook and clean. Because doing it perfectly isn't as important as doing it together.

So those are the ones that come to mind right now and I think I'll add to the list as I embrace the things that are important as I embrace an imperfect me. I must go now, I see a child that needs some kissling!

Love from above,
Dana

9 comments:

Unknown said...

My new years resolution from last year failed miserably... then George tried it and he failed miserably too. That makes me feel a little better b/c he never fails at anything...

BUT this year, I just want to enjoy the little things. Cheesy I know, but I always overlook them. With Raleigh coming and SJ growing, I don't want to miss them. Maybe If I can just focus on that, it will happen.

I love you!

Hyperactive Lu said...

Wonderful list! Love it!

Holly-- The Storm Chaser said...

Very well put. I'm feeling much the same this year. Just posted about it. Thanks for always being so truthful and sharing so much with us. You are a wonderful person to know. And, I want you to know that you're one of the people I'm talking about being a good example in my most recent post. Love you, Dana! Happy New Year to you!

Michael and Hannah said...

Thanks for sharing... I'll have to borrow from your list!

Veronica Leaptrott said...

You can come hang out at my UNORGANIZED house, if it won't stress you out too much. I think your resolutions are something for all of us to strive for.

Sara-Beth said...

I think that is a terrific list and quite possibly will be stealing it. With some name changes inserted of course! I don't think Adam wants me sitting close more often :)

Tina said...

Perfectly stated! You amaze me Dana, I'm so thankful to have you in my life, even though it is still through the computer contact only! I recently spoke of you and Adam and how you are raising your children to see the better things in life at such a tender age. I also mentioned how Emma prays nightly for Mr. Matt's daddy...keep those prayers coming Emma and Chloe, feel free to add Mr. Matt's daddy to your prayer list this year too!

As I mentioned above, my life is truly blessed because of your friendship and getting to know you.

~Tina Rom 15:13

Tracy Campbell said...

we have a lot of the same thoughts Dana. I don't make resolutions either, just set a few goals. I love the thought of talking to God like he is sitting with you. Sometimes I close my eyes and put my hand in front of my face and imagine its God, and I talk as though he was right in front of me.
Thanks for the nice welcome to the blog world.

Ashley @ pure and lovely said...

These are great. I need to work on the praise part!!!