I know that the end of the year is a time for most people to make New Year’s resolutions. I try to be careful of those because I tend to overestimate my abilities and then I get frustrated and feel like a failure. Instead, I like to look back over the year ending and see what I’ve learned, what worked, what I need to do better, and what I need to add. Let’s face it, the old me has handled some pretty tough stuff over the years, so I have to celebrate the person God made me a little bit. And we all know there are areas to improve, so I’ll look at those, too.
Maybe everything I want to remember and do can be summed up in this list (yes, Mama, I even make a list about these things).
1. Self-care is never selfish. Taking care of myself makes me more able to take care of others.
2. It’s never a bad idea to evaluate and re-evaluate how I’m doing a job. Making changes is hard, but often so rewarding.
3. Drama is draining...for everyone. If you want less drama in your life, be sure not to be the instigator if it. If you’re not the instigator, walk away. No drama.
4. What we say is not nearly as important as how we say it. Ever.
5. No amount of money is ever so small that it is not worth saving. Trust me on this one.
6. A good night’s sleep (whatever that means for you) works wonders. You can never “catch up” on sleep lost.
7. As you listen to a person talking about someone else, one thought should be at the front of your mind: This person talks about me, too, when I’m not here.
8. There aren’t enough encouragers in the world. Try being one. You’ll enrich so many lives that way.
9. Some things are worth the money and just cannot be considered a waste. Crock pot liners would be an example.
10. Never underestimate the value of extra toilet paper in the bathroom. Just because you know where you keep the extra doesn’t mean others do.
11. Value those who will be with you the most. Don’t talk more kindly to or treat strangers better than you do your own family members.
12. Discipline is important. Discipline yourself. Discipline your children. Be receptive of discipline yourself. It’s the best way to see and experience growth.
13. Set a few goals and work to achieve them. The feeling of accomplishment is amazing.
14. Organization brings peace. This one is hard for me, but I’m working on it constantly.
15. Declutter. I think this goes along with organization. Decluttering calms and brings peace to a messy world...my messy world.
16. Meal planning is worth it’s weight in GOLD. It helps with grocery shopping and with having good meals done at normal meals times.
17. Every day, multiple times a day, pay attention to the ways God is working in your life and in those around you.
18. I want my prayers to be more prayers of thanksgiving and less of “I want/need.”
19. Gossip is a terrible and powerful weapon. Don’t use it. Its effects can never be undone.
20. Remember that it’s never too late to make something better. We don’t have to wait for a certain day, month, or year to start over. Mistakes happen only when we don’t learn from them and grow from them.
