Although I rarely set New Year’s Resolutions, the start of a new year always prompts me to reflect on what I’m currently doing well, what needs tweaking, and where my life is headed.
For me, this always turns into a personal assessment and subsequent plan for improvement…in every area: personal growth, homeschool, meal planning, daily tasks, service, etc.
This year in particular it hit me that, for me, a personal assessment ends up being more about who I want to be than what I hope to accomplish.
The weekend before New Year’s Day, I spent two large chunks of time writing down ideas, to-do’s, schedules, wishes, hopes, Scriptures, and personal thoughts. This was extremely valuable time for me. It’s always, ALWAYS difficult for a mom to make planning and reflection a priority, so I made a point of letting the whole family know ahead of time what I was planning to do those two days, and also what I expected from them to help. I promised they’d have a better wife and mother on the other side!
One of the things I took away from this planning time is a Personal Affirmation which I typed up and added to the opening page of my Notebook. I read it to myself in the mornings as part of my quiet time ~ a reminder of where I’m headed and how to focus my energies. I want to share my Affirmation here today for two reasons:
One, we see numerous examples of personal resolutions and/or goals, but we don’t often see goals for being. I hope this different perspective may help you see yourself (and your goals) a little differently. (I also write out personal goals that by definition can be measured, but these goals are designed as a means to achieve the qualities outlined for being in my Affirmation.)
Two, by reading my Affirmation, you will certainly catch a glimpse of some things I struggle with and am striving to improve. Transparency is not something that has always come easily for me, but by the grace of God I keep taking small steps in that direction. Sharing my Affirmation is one of those small steps.
My Bad Attitude…and How I Fixed It (Part 1)
Because He Lives