2016 is here, and I must say, I do love new beginnings. It feels fresh and a bit foreign to not know what 2016 will hold. Where will we go? What will happen, good and bad? Some years I feel like I have a better hold on what will take place, and while I do have a few (mostly) certainties in mind, there seems to be a bit more blank space than in the past.
I like the blank space and the breathing room it provides. There is a sense of optimism that sets in, knowing that God will shape us and grow us more this year. And though that often involves pain and hardship, it is good. I know there will be laughter and tears and joys and trials. That is life.
I also feel that the beginning of the year is a good time to re-examine certain things in my life and take stock. John and I are planning to sit down and revisit some of our family priorities together, and I'm looking forward to that. And, as far as myself personally, it's a nice time to decide where to make changes or stay the course.
I don't like making "resolutions." The reasons for this are many-fold and probably a bit silly. I have a natural bent against doing whatever everybody else is doing. My drive to be original and do things my own way is overly developed and can sometimes railroad my better self.
That said, I am resolving a few things this year. Towards the end of last year, I began changing some of my eating habits for the better. Nothing drastic, but basically - less sugar, more vegetables. I wasn't a horrible eater to start with, but I could be considered a lazy one. I'm also trying to trickle this down to the kiddos to set us all up for success. This will always and forever be an on-going battle, because there are so many of us and so many meals in a week. It's a bit overwhelming when I think of it like that. BUT, one day at a time, we will be eating moderately better. That's about the best I can hope for right now, and I'm good with that.
Another thing that I would really, really, really like to have happen this year is a re-organization/de-cluttering in our home. Again - we are not hoarders in any sense of the word, but there are things that could stand a tune-up and spots in our home that would function better with some time and attention. I often read the Modern Mrs. Darcy blog for book recommendations, and on her advice, I downloaded the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I'm not naturally the best organizer, so I'm hopeful that getting a better game-plan will help my cause. I'll also recruit John, because he is fantastic at cleaning and organizing.
On a personal/spiritual note, I think that one of my mantras this year will be "Live Lower." Last year was a big year to realize how much injustice there is in the world, and how often I am receiving the good things. Life is unfair, and I am a beneficiary of that system in many ways. While I do understand that many of the perks that I enjoy are blessings from the Lord, I want to do a better job at examining my heart and motives in decisions I make. I'm not at all sure what this will look like or how I will know that I have made any progress whatsoever. However, I'm trusting that God will guide my heart, and I am hoping that it looks more like his at the end of this year.
I hope that 2016 is dawning well in your part of the world!
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