2011 was a tough year. It seemed that despite the ducking and weaving it knocked us down over and over again, but we got back up, we kept fighting and we are making it into 2012. In 2011 we learned lessons, lessons about finances, lessons about relationships, lessons about life… we were being prepared for something else, something more, something we may not yet know… and something we may not learn of in 2012.
In 2011 I took what I learned about boundaries and applied them to friendships. It was hard, but it was healthy. It hurt, but in the end it will be worth it. It meant that people left me, but it made room for new people to enter.
In 2011 I made it a priority to tithe and to save. I made it a priority to do both despite other circumstances. My answer in tougher months needed to be to budget better, not dip into savings or lessen my offering. I am fortunate and blessed, and though unexpected things came up, I was not asked to truly struggle financially. God’s provision for me was more than abundant.
In 2012 I want to write more. I want to carve out time in my days to write, to create.
In 2012 I want to spend more time outside. I love the outdoors and yet I have come to almost avoid it. I spend little time outside and believe it could be effecting my mood. I love the sights, sounds, and smells. I love the feel of a light breeze on my face or grass on my bare feet.
In 2012 I want to read more. I am always so happy when I am reading regularly and yet I go through phases where I read nothing for months. I want to be diligent about feeding my mind and imagination.
In 2012 I want to cook more. I enjoy cooking, I can save money, and I will eat healthier. I want to cook more often in 2012.
In 2012 I want to exercise more. Take small steps in the right direction. Start fresh each day knowing every little bit makes a difference. I want to stretch more and build strength. I want to run enough to enjoy it again…. Maybe I’ll even train for a half-marathon.
In 2012 I want to spend more time in my city. More time exploring what it has to offer. More time in museums, theatres, restaurants. More time viewing art, learning about history, watching independent films, and eating delicious food.
In 2012 I want to watch less TV. If I want to spend more time doing these other times then I will need to make up for it somewhere else. There will always be times where I want to do something mindless and decompress, where it is noise in the background, but in general, I want to watch less of it, and keep it from controlling my life.
In 2012 I also want to spend less time online. I want to spend less time thinking about the life I want to spend more time living it. Less time talking to people through a computer and more time listening to their voice. Less time stalking their pictures and more time with them face to face.
