New Years Resolutions

I used to be one that hated New Years resolutions.  They always got broken, nothing really changed, so why bother.  I have so many friends that HATE them, others that say it is silly to wait for New Years, if we want to change just make a change, along with a myriad of other comments.  I used to agree.   However, in the last few years, my opinions have changed, and my attitude has adjusted.

Now I love the new year and the opportunity for a new start.  I have, however, replaced the word resolution with the word goal.  Resolutions are thoughts or determinations, goals require a plan of action.  I expect pitfalls, I accept failure, because I'm not perfect.  No real change ever happens over night.

Last year I made several new year goals and at the end of the year I had accomplished over half of them.  Those that didn't get checked off were still worked on and improved a bit and this year I will continue to work on them.  Just a few from last year:

Read 25 books- Because I never take time to read anything other than parenting material anymore and I love my books!  I needed to make reading for pleasure a priority again and I did.  I read nearly 40 books in 2012 and I'm happy to have reinstated the habit of reading for me.  I believe that it is good for my children to see their mother read for herself in addition to the time spent reading to them.

Run a 5k, 10k, and half marathon- Check, check x4 and CHECK!!!  I completed the Couch to 5k program in December 2011 and I wanted to set some goals to make me continue to push myself.  I've developed a love for running and the power that comes with it.  Running my half was one of the hardest things that I have ever done, but it was exhilarating and I can't wait to do it again this year.  To accomplish this goal I wrote up a training plan, signed up for races, and let people know to help hold me accountable.

Date night once a month- We've never been good about this, and I'm happy to say that we just missed one month this year.  They were simple, mostly inexpensive, but good for us.  Yet another goal that helps create a healthy habit.  To accomplish this one I wrote a date night on our calendar for every month at the beginning of the year.  My husband is a very busy man, so it was pretty well up to me to plan them, but because I saw them on the calendar I was expecting them and worked our schedule around them

This year I have several new goals, some are carried over from last year and others are totally new.  For instance I want to do a triathlon.  I've picked my event and I have written up a training plan for me to get ready after this baby comes in May.  I also want to do another half marathon and I have that scheduled as well with a training plan ready to go.  I even integrated it with my triathlon training plan so that I have specifics to get me ready for these events.  Also, as soon as registration is open, I will be putting the money down and registering.  Cheapskate that I am, if I pay for it I have to do it because I can't bear to waste the money.

We have also decided that we need to be truly consistent about family scripture study, prayers, and FHE.  I've printed up a calendar, posted it on the fridge, and explained to Lily that we will add a sticker for each day after we read our scriptures.  I believe that this visual reminder will help us remember and develop a stronger family habit.

I also want to start keeping a journal again.  I used to be so good about it, but I haven't written in a journal in at least 6 years.  I went out, bought a new one, and set it next to my bed, on the nightstand.  I don't expect myself to write every day, that would be too much and I'd be sure to fail, but regularly.  My children are growing so fast, this time of life is so precious, and I need to take the time to record my memories, thoughts, and feelings about it all.

There are more, but those I am keeping to myself.  Do I expect to falter?  Absolutely.  Do I expect to fail?  Of course!  But that won't keep me from trying.  We can't get better, we can't become more, unless we are willing to fail, and when we do we just have to get back up and try again.