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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

New Year, New Outlook

For the past few weeks, I have been contemplating what kind of goals I wanted to set for myself for the year 2012.  Lose weight?  Get in shape?  Save more money, take up a new hobby?  They all sound good, I suppose, but they don't touch my heart in a way that makes me want to REALLY do them, and stick to it.

I want to do something that makes a difference, not just in my life, but the lives of my husband, children, and others around me.  And possibly people who are on the other side of this great big world.  This past Christmas I realized just how much STUFF my kids and our household accumulate.  It's not pretty. 

This year, I want to GIVE more than I RECEIVE.  Not just during the holidays, but for the entire year.  And it doesn't have to be just material things either.  I can give my time to someone who needs a visit or help doing something.  I can give words of encouragement to someone who is feeling down and having a rough time.  I can give my husband a back rub when he's had a hard day, or spend an extra few minutes with my kids at bedtime if I feel that they need it.

Sure, I have done these things before, but not intentionally.  I didn't seek them out and do them whole-heartedly and cherish it.  These things may mean the world to the person you take the time to share with, but do You....do I, see what it means to them, and mirror that appreciation and joy? 

That is my resolution, my goal for this new year.  To live more in the moment, and relish it, enjoy it, and to give more freely and intentionally.  And appreciate the things I do have and hold dear.   Hopefully this will serve as a good example to my family and they will feel the want to jump in occasionally.  :)