There's a First Time for Everything

I've never, ever before in my 35 years made New Year's Resolutions. Ever. I don't know why I'm starting now, but I just feel the desire to make a list so that at the end of 2009 I have something to reflect on to see if I am where I need to be in life. Sounds silly, but I want concrete proof that I am fulfilling my purpose on this earth, that I have worth and am doing things that MATTER. I have always found that I am more likely to accomplish tasks that I write down somewhere, so this is my attempt at doing that. Here goes.

(1) I want to spend less on ME (US) and more on others. That means my (our) MONEY and my (our) TIME. I want to be relationally involved and focused on others.

(2) I want to watch less TV and read more. I want to fill my head with things that make me better, smarter, more aware of others. I watch too much television and as a result have a stack of very good books in my bedroom that have sat unread for far too long.

(3) I want to spend more time with my children, which will mean a sacrifice of time spent doing things I enjoy (not that I don't enjoy time with my kids....) I have to face reality: these children are only in my home for a short time. Eighteen years (give or take) doesn't seem like a short time, but already 10 years of Camryn's life have ticked away and I don't know where they went. It won't be long before she's licensed to drive and then she'll be mobile and less likely to want to spend time with her family. That's a mere 6 years away (actually, less than that... she turns 11 in March!) I have to stop and savor my children while I can, put my imprint on them, infuse them with my love and guidance and just spend more time being their Mom instead of their caretaker. I'm not a BAD parent by any stretch of the imagination, but I know I could be a more PRESENT parent.

(4) I have to take steps to make myself healthier. My husband has been following the advice he's read in the book Sugar Busters ever since he went to the hospital. He's lost 15-20 pounds in that short amount of time just from cutting out processed sugar, white bread, potatoes, rice and starchy veggies. He says his body doesn't even crave sugar anymore. I'm so impressed with his commitment. For me I know the change will have to happen gradually, but I'm prepared for it. I used to go to Jazzercise at least 3 times a week before Lillian was born. I want to start back to that, because it was something I truly enjoyed. Again, it will mean a sacrifice of other things I enjoy more, but it's a sacrifice that will benefit me in the long run.

And that's the list. Not very long, but I am not going to push my luck. I'm going to try changing those four things and see where I am in 366 days.

Happy New Year, y'all.