I don't make New Years Resolutions. It seems to me that resolutions fail epically in encouraging people to make positive changes in daily activities. Usually, one makes a resolution but doesn't have the plan in place to make that resolution last and so the momentum lasts only a few days or weeks at the most. I prefer 'hopes and goals'. Some years at the end of December or early January, I have chosen a word that I think will identify what 'hopes and goals' I want to focus on during the coming year. In 2011, I wrote a blog post about my word of the year which was Simplify. Evidently, in 2012, I didn't write about that year's word because I have no post in my archives. My word in 2013 was Save. I seem to have skipped 2014, too. In keeping with the trend of choosing a word every other year, I am focusing on LIVE in 2015.
This coming year I want to:
Live simply. Continue to reduce the clutter and excess possessions in my life. I don't plan to get rid of everything but 100 items and throw away things I use on a regular basis. But I will keep what is useful, beautiful and has a happy memory which makes me smile.
Live healthfully. I am making a commitment to exercise more consistently--three times a week for a half hour. That doesn't include the nearly daily three mile walks I take. We are still working on the details of this one. Should we join a gym? How about buying the equipment we would need and doing it on our own? Healthy living also involves healthy eating. We mostly have this part covered as I eat a whole foods plant based diet and The Professor adds in some cheese and meat.
Live mindfully. This one could cover so much. Here I am focusing on limiting my schedule to allow time for rest and relaxation. I want to choose activities which add value to my life, my family's lives, and which are in line with my life values.
Live devoutly. I want to focus more of my hours on prayer, Bible study and meditation.
Live thankfully. Being thankful and grateful means not complaining or comparing. Many people write a daily diary stating three things they are grateful for. I'm not sure I have the discipline to write a quotidian journal, but I want to think thankfully on a minute by minute, hour by hour basis.
These 'hopes and goals' for 2015 which are embodied in the word Live are not new to me or unusual for how I have lived my life for years and decades. They simply have a slightly different emphasis in the details for this year.
Have you made resolutions, written a list of hopes and goals, or chosen a focus word for 2015?
9 comments:
I don't make resolutions either. I prefer goals. I have not ever chosen a word to focus on during the year. I have seen many bloggers do this. Maybe I should consider it. Willow, I hope you have a wonderful New Year! Looking forward to it with you!
Dear Willow, Happy New Year. The actual Santa's sled from the movie Elf, now belongs to the Halesite Fire Department, about a mile from my house!. Someone in that town bought it for a party on Ebay a few years ago and donated it to the fire department for their fund raisers. They put it on a flat bead truck and a very tall fireman dresses up as Elf and they go to the district's houses right before Christmas each year. It is up now for people to take family pictures. Thanks for reading the Jarvis House Blog. Cheers Lori
You have certainly thought it all out and been very mindful and intentional, a good lesson to many of us others! Like you, I do not make resolutions any more (older and wiser now). Blessings to you and yours in the New Year, Willow.
Ok, this is really weird but one of the words that has been cropping up in my brain all week for my new year's word for 2015 has been LIVE! I kid you not! another word is Simplify. SOOOO funny! I still haven't decided which one I'm going to focus on.
I don't make new year's resolutions either just a list of 4-5 goals that include physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional or relational goals. I'll be writing more about that later in the week. I hope you're having a peaceful weekend.....
Very inspiring post today my friend. Hugs,
Meredith
I love all the different ways you hope to "live" in 2015. Still thinking on my word for 2015...
Resolutions are not for me either, but in the last fifteen years I have thought more about a rule of life that aims toward the goals you have listed...thanks for helping me focus on it, Linda. I'm so glad you are settling back into your home and that you are continuing to have good times with you family :-)
Hi Linda,
Do you remember me? I am leaving a comment because I am doing a knitting project and I am stuck and need your help. Also, I wanted to invite you to join our prayer shawl group. You can email be back at beamengh@aol.com. Marni Engh (substitute teacher in Camarillo if you have forgotten.)
PS And I do like your new year's thoughts. Happy 2015!
Love your WOTY. LIVE is so fitting for where you're at. Love you!
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