{It is really hard for me to picture this lady as pushing 70!}
That has nothing to do with the rest of the post, but I was thinking of her, so I wanted to mention it.
Anyway, I didn't want to do the typical New Year's resolutions this year {lose weight, exercise, read through the Bible, and stop biting my nails}, but I do like the idea of reevaluating life. A new year feels fresh and full of potential, and you don't want to let that opportunity pass, right?
So I thought about what I wanted our life to look like--what things I wanted more of and what I wanted less of--and here are a few items from the list.
-More scheduled blogging and Tweeting, less Internet "noise"
I've already cut way back on who I was following on The Twitter and used this article to seize control of my Facebook feed. I breathe easier online now {and am spending more focused time, less browsing/wasting time}. My goal is to blog here daily, Monday-Friday, and to update Freddy's twice a week.
-More couponing/meal planning, less eating out
After buying the Sunday paper, making lists, then collapsing into a fit of tears {a la my attempt to register for Catherine at Babies R Us}, this is apparently going to be a long, slow process. We're on an extremely tight food budget, I'm vegetarian/moving toward vegan, and Jason is not those things but is trying to eat healthier. So it's challenging.
-More veggies, less junk
Despite the previously-mentioned challenge, this is the simplified version of that goal.
-More being thankful for what I have, less wishful thinking
I love-love-love the whole blogging community thing, but this is my biggest struggle with it. I see someone else's house/kids/holiday/whatever, and I present that one blog post in my head as evidence that their life is awesome, and mine should be more like it. That's gotta stop.
This resolution also applies to the husband. I'm not always good at being grateful that he cleaned the kitchen because I'm busy noticing he didn't take out the garbage. That's gotta stop, too.
-More light-heartedness and fun, less intense stressful feelings
I know this sounds lame, but sometimes light-heartedness and fun is difficult for ISTJ-types. :) We are an intense, stressed-out people, which is excellent for accomplishing tasks and running the world, not always excellent for mental health.
-More time in prayer, less time not in prayer
That's just the best idea ever, right?
What are you resolving this year? I suspect that 2013 is going to be a good one!
Great goals. I rarely use Twitter and Facebook makes me crazy although I do add posts now and again. When I'm trying to be thankful for smaller things I think of Paul. If he could learn to be content when he was in prison, surely I can be content with a smaller house, less money etc. and quite honestly I laugh and enjoy life much more when I'm around my grandchildren who are about Catherine's age, they enjoy the simple things. Take a look at my Penny Saved blog (like from my other blog) for money saving tips.
ReplyDeleteAnn
So true! Keeping God's word in my heart and as a constant reminder helps me so much. I'll definitely check out your other blog!
DeleteI have elected to surprise folks with an honest compliment when it is warranted. For instance, I might pass by an elderly lady who has beautiful skin and comment to her: " Excuse me, M'am, but I just had to tell you that your complexion is beautiful." Or, I might see an elderly gentleman, holding the door for his wife, and comment ," Oh, I just love a man with courtly manners." Whatever. It is always an honest compliment; and I think the idea was a direct one from the Lord. I say that because you would not believe the 1,000 watt smiles and fervent 'thank yous' I get. The gratitude for so small a thing is simply stunning. And, Tiffany, I began to see that people today, especially the elderly, are CRAVING a kind word...CRAVING to be noticed in a world that routinely pushes them aside. I have been so blessed for doing this. people tell me how much it means to them, and I tell them that God just pointed them out to me. But it's one of the best ever resolutions I ever made, because it keeps my eyes off me, and lets others know that God is very real and that He cares about them.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this idea! Going to have to adopt this! Seniors have a special place in my heart as well. They are often overlooked and, even more often, have so much to offer the younger generations.
DeleteWhat a lovely set of resolutions, if I can use that word - just great life choices, aren't they? All of them sound great. I always make small, easy ones, because I'm too much of a coward to make the difficult emotional ones...
ReplyDeleteBy the way, you have no idea how much better you make me feel about biting my nails - you're another adult who does it too! (Unless that was just an example of the stock resolution...) I always feel so childish that I've not kicked the habit yet...
Thanks! Yes, I've gotten a bit better about biting my nails, but it's been a persistent habit since I can remember. Keeping them painted helps when I can manage to do that, but I imagine that wouldn't work as well for you. ;)
DeleteI must say that when I meal plan we do eat a lot better and eat out way less often. When I don't meal plan it's way too easy to call out for pizza.
ReplyDeleteAnd I really need to adopt your resolution of "being thankful and less wishful thinking." That's a difficult thing about the blog world. Pretty much every blogger I read I think "I want their life" and then I realize the internet is all about how we present ourselves and most of us put our best face out there. We don't write about the days of yelling at our kids, arguing with our husbands and being our worst selves. So yeah, more being thankful!
Yes! We're the same way with meal planning; it just takes skill--that's going to take some time to acquire!
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