New Year's Resolutions 2018
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Oh my. The time has come. 2018 is here. I blinked away 2017. I'm pretty sure it was just one blink too...Are you excited to start the New Year? It is sort of refreshing of course, the feeling of starting over. We get another chance to improve ourselves and our lives this year, just like we do every day by the grace of God. I am so thankful for that.
As I look back over 2017 I am amazed at the things I did, the things I didn't do, the time I spent fruitfully, and the time I spent spinning in circles it feels like.
2017 Summarized
- I managed to take 15 trips last year. How? I don't even know any more other than strategic usage of my vacation time from work and a fun-loving, travel-loving boyfriend (now fiancé) and friends. Of course five of those trips were to visit family and for that alone I am so grateful I had that time and opportunity even if they were quick trips.
- I managed to keep up with my One Year Bible readings and finished reading the bible from front to back. Y'all...I am so thrilled about this and LOVED it. I loved the commitment and I loved the content. There were days I didn't get to it and had to catch up the next day. There were days the books covered were longer than others and I felt a bit overwhelmed. There were days I didn't understand the content (hello Old Testament) nor the importance of the information provided (insert future Bible studies to do now). There were days that my jaw dropped open in shock of what I read and what our ancestors did. There were and abundance of days that I burst into tears in awe and love filling my heart so much that it overwhelmed me because I KNOW HE LOVES US and I just don't deserve His faithful mercy, forgiveness, love, and provisions and the sacrifice Jesus made for us. But, on every single day that I read the Bible my heart felt alive and charged with an energy I cannot explain. No one has to read the Bible to know God and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. But, I will say that you won't regret reading it and growing your relationship with the Lord.
- I have been working on health issues over the past 8 months that haven't been sorted out and are quite frustrating at times, but I have learned to give myself grace and patience while accepting what has changed.
- I pursued a relationship with a wonderful man and with his patience and persistence we built a solid relationship throughout the past year and I feel blessed he asked me to marry him.
- I worked my tail off at work and on the blog, and somehow did a pretty decent job at both though I do feel stagnant and torn between my calling and my desk...
- I moved mid-year and got rid of a lot of stuff I didn't need and that I considered to be soul-ties and that definitely lifted a heavy cloud off of life.
That's just a brief summary of my 2017 year...so now on to 2018...
Resolutions
- I am willing to give up sugar
- I am willing to work out 3-4 times a week
- I am willing to restrict process foods as much as possible, except occasionally cheese and booze because #winenot
- I'd like to improve my blogging skills and interactions with readers to grow my blog, including sharing live videos and topics to discuss about marriage which was my original intent behind the blog
- I will set up a better schedule for seeing family and friends consitently
- I will be better about making phone calls. I strongly dislike being tied to a phone/talking on the phone, but it is important for any and all relationships.
- I will keep God as first and center of my life, seeking him first.
- I will prioritize my health issues so that I find a resolution to any ailments and not put them on a back burner behind work.
- I will cherish and appreciate every day and the little moments before it passes so quickly again.
- I will complete the marketing course I purchased when I started the blog in September 2016.
I initially said "I am willing" because someone told me that when you said I will you give yourself a subconscious feeling of accomplishment as if it's already been achieved, versus if you say "I am willing" you acknowledge that you can make the sacrifice to achieve the goal. Something like that anyway...
Other things I'd like to do this year? Limit my online shopping (addiction) so I spend less. I think if I had to go to a store to buy things I likely would buy a lot less. I'd also like to make gifts for everyone this year instead of buying something. This may be a DIY craft or baking something depending upon the time I have available. Oh, and get married and travel with the future hubby! That's a pretty big deal and I am so excited for the next phase of our lives together. #bringit2018
What are your resolutions this year? Are there things you want to work on or accomplish? Did you complete your 2017 goals? I can't even remember if I made 2017 goals, and if I did I have no idea what they were or where they are. I think I was in survival mode and in a daze every day for a while so some things are a blur. ;)
Wishing everyone a wonderful, blessed, and prosperous 2018. May God bless you, keep you safe, fulfill your prayers and dreams, and shower you with His love.
XOXO
