Resolutions

Some people are big into making New Year's resolutions. I seem to change my mind every year whether or not they are worth my time. The obvious stigma of never keeping to them seems to hit me whenever I do decide to. However, I think there is something powerful about getting your goals in writing. It seems to make you more accountable, and therefore successful.

My general rules for making resolutions are simple. They need to be realistic. I aim for this by establishing a general goal and including at least one specific sub-bullet that acts as a plan of action for achieving it. I also like to have one goal in each of the following categories: Health, Hobbies, Relationships, and Spiritual.

So I guess 2014 will be a year for resolutions! And lucky for you dear reader, I've decided to share them with you.

My goals for 2014

Health:

To improve my health in 2014 I will:

• Challenge myself to go the month of January with no cokes in an effort to drink more water. 
• Reduce portion sizes.

I've not been very happy with the effect of the sedentary life I lead...but rather than just say "I want to lose weight," or commit to an exercise routine that I know will be broken the first time I just don't feel good, I would rather commit this year to working on my unhealthy eating habits. Who knows, if I start to feel better, maybe I'll start working to find an exercise that I can stand. 

Hobbies:

In 2014 I will make more time to:

• Finish and publish my short story by the end of 2014.
• Post at least 8 times per month to this blog.

Writing is my first love. As a kid I would write stories, and it is a life goal to write a novel someday. I've had an idea for a short story brewing in my head for a couple of years now, and I even have a draft saved on my computer. It's time I reunite with my first love, and get something published! I've also greatly enjoyed working on this blog, so I hope to only do more of it in 2014. 

Relationships:

To improve/nurture my relationships in 2014, I will:

• Mail physical letters to my nieces and nephews at least once a month.
• Email/Call my long distance friends at least once a month.

Recently I became aware of the hurt that can be caused by losing contact. We often rationalize it as "drifting apart." I don't want the distance to be a reason that I don't know what's going on in my family or friend's lives. 

Spiritual:

To work on my relationship with God in 2014, I will:

• Read 4 devotionals this year. 
• Keep a prayer journal.

Last year I started growing again, and I want to keep this going. I don't want to be stagnant and comfortable with just attending church and praying before bed and meals. This is a life commitment and since writing is my first love, what better way to express my prayers to God? Plus a prayer journal is a great way to look back and see how God has answered them. 

So let it be known that I have written, and very publicly declared my goals. It should be interesting to look back and see how I did. Wish me luck!