One week down in 2013, but I had already made these resolutions in late December. Life changes quite a bit after entering parenthood, but I think for the better. My priorities have been rearranged, my heart has been softened, I have learned about selflessness.
First off, as usual, focal verse for the year:
Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.
Zechariah 7:9-10
This verse primarily coincides with my first resolution. I am not a very merciful person. Sure, I can show mercy and ironic enough when I take spiritual gift tests mine comes up as "mercy". When I see World Vision commercials I rush to mail my check, when I watch environmental commercials for saving the polar bears etc. I get all teary. But when I encounter people of lower intelligence than myself or who aren't as fashionable as they could be or who just do strange things... I make snap judgments. I do not want to be around these people. I do not want to associate with these people. I do not want to make friends with these people. I pity these people. I feel good about myself if I am nice to them. Ummm, I need to step off my high horse.
So, my resolutions for 2013:
1. Show more mercy. Think of others as better than myself. Do not judge others.
2. Read at least 1 new book a month- at least 12 new books in the year. I say "new" because I tend to re-read certain books every year (the entire Chronicles of Narnia, several if not all of the Ender's Game series, more recently The Hunger Games trilogy... which I read three times last year!). I need to read at least one new book a month before diving into my favorites. I have downloaded more than 12 books onto my Kindle that I have not yet read so that should help me stay on top of my reading list this year.
3. Regular exercise for health. I am not worrying about weight, but I know I am not very fit right now. I hope to run and stretch regularly (at least 3x a week). Hopefully getting baby on a schedule will help. If I can get him to go to bed earlier or take longer naps then I can fit in fitness during those times.
4. Learn to cook/bake. Sound familiar?
5. Let it be. Let things go. I do not have control over most of my life and I may as well embrace it. Take each day as it comes and give thanks.
6. Daily schedule for Jack- including sleeping in his own crib. I have an idea of how I want his day-to-day to go. Now that he's old enough to do some learning activities I am excited to incorporate those. I want to get him on a regular sleep and nap schedule which will certainly help. Getting him on a solid food schedule will help when it comes time to wean him too.
7. Learn to sew. I got a brand new sewing machine for Christmas! I am so excited. I need to learn to at least hem as most of my pants/skirts are too long. I want to take learning slow. Maybe perfect the hem this year. Move on to bigger and better patterns next year.
8. No more "youngest child syndrome". I have a serious issue with entitlement. I hope to "grow up" in 2013. Moving in with my parents hasn't helped this syndrome. Hopefully I can maintain my independence while living at home and climb out of my childish ways. Yes, it's really that bad!
9. Send cards on time for birthdays. I am horrible about sending things on time for birthdays. I always remember birthdays and that they are coming up... but presents are usually at least one week late. I hope to send out cards on time for birthdays this year and presents for my nephews and nieces too.
10. Embrace the present. Tying into number 5. Just embrace the now. Do not live for the future. I am constantly planning ahead (as in years ahead: in 2013 this will happen and then in 2014 this won't happen and then in 2015 this will happen... etc etc etc) and I just need to enjoy my life now. I have an amazing husband who I cannot currently live with. I have the best son and each stage is better than the last so far. I have gracious parents who are allowing Jack and I to live with them. Yeah, I need to enjoy the now because it's pretty stinking amazing.
So those are 10 things I hope to accomplish this year. I should probably check these a couple times throughout the year so I don't forget like I did last year. Wokka Wokka.
Happy Twenty Thirteen!
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