Thursday, December 29, 2011
Caffeinated Randomness - Resolutions
It is here again: the New Year. We all knew it was coming. The signs were there. Thanksgiving came and went. We all turned our clocks back (with the exception of my Saskatchewan friends). We put up Christmas decorations and some of us braved Boxing Day sales (Canada's version of Black Friday). So, why am I shocked that 2011 is almost gone and 2012 is on its way?
A lot of things have happened this year. We met autism and discovered its effect on our lives. We made the decision to move to a province with better funding for children with special needs. We slowly watched as Sam needed a patch to correct a lazy eye to full surgery to correct the issue. We have struggled with depression and frustration. New schools and old job. Throw in 4 boughts of stomach flus in which the 2nd one took out our old washer and you have a fraction of what our 2011 looked like.
I am hopeful that 2012 will be better. I am getting pumped at what the New Year will look like. I have been inspired to look at Resolutions as changes I want to make. Not the typical eat less, lose weight, etc.... resolutions, but actual habits. Last year I participated in the 3 in 30 Challenge for the first few months. I looked each month at a spiritual, emotional and physical habit to work on. I will be doing the same this year. I am going to choose a few habits and exercises that I want to accomplish this year. I don't want to set myself up for failure. I want to set myself up for success.
Spiritually I will be working on reading the Bible chronologically, memorizing scripture and continuing participating with my Good Morning Girls Facebook group. I also will be tackling at least one non fiction book each month. I have promised myself that I will not buy any more books until I read the ones that I have already. I have a lot so I may not be able to buy any books until 2013. I feel these are some easy goals to complete. I have been getting up at 6:30 am to do my devotion time (OK, so I make it up at least 3 times a week). I also will be watching less tv during the day. Most of what's on during the day is just ridiculous and time wasting so I can fill it with other things or if I need a break, I'll read some fluff.
Physically I am going to try to make getting active a regular routine in my life. I am pretty sedentary (well as sedentary as a mom can be). I live behind a park and a walk way and watch people walk by all the time. It's time I get out and walk. I can take advantage of the days where it is just Sammy and me, put him in a stroller and walk for a while. There's a bakery/coffee shop about a 20 minute walk from my house. I'm sure that I can talk him into going there. On days where I can't get out I have a treadmill that sits alone in my basement, rarely used. I need to start using it. Over the last few days I have struggled in watching the kids watch TV or play their video games. I remember when I was a kid and played outside all the time. But then my family was outside a lot. How can I force them to go out and play if I do not exhibit it myself? I am hoping that by my getting out and about that the kids will be encouraged to do it as well.
As I have said before 2011 was draining. In 2012 I want to focus on the positive. Not in a false Pollyanna style but in a way that encourages those around me. I want to be honest about my feelings. When I am not doing well, I want to be able to tell people that and it be OK. I don't want to wear a false smile and say "Great!" Sometimes things aren't OK. I think we need to be open with the people around us. When we are struggling, we need to let them know. People who read this blog know more about my struggles than people who I see at Church each week. That's wrong and I am going to end it. I cannot be emotionally healthy unless I am willing to be honest with not just myself, but with those around me. Life is hard. It's not easy and again, that's OK.
As you may have noticed this year I was a little up and down with the blog. I was wondering if I was even going to continue the blog or not. This past week I have been really inspired and lead by God regarding the blog. I have a tonne of ideas that I need to get on and posted. I am not going to say that I will be blogging daily, but I will be blogging more than I have in the past few months. I even am going to set some time each week to work on my blog. I have someone coming in to do respite with the boys and I may use that time to blog or clean or just sit and drink coffee peacefully.
As you can see I am excited and hopeful for 2012. I really feel like I may be seeing the light at the end of the valley of the deepest darkness. What are your resolutions this year? What are you going to be working on?
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- Michelle
- Alberta, Canada
- I'm a 39 year old (oh yeah I'm telling you my age) Stay at Home mom. A former Bad Girl now reformed sinner, I'm married to my Y2K guy and raising 3 great children from God. Proudly Canadian, however, missing the West Coast, I currently live in the prairies watching the farmers fields produce as I learn how God produces the fruits in me.
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5 comments:
Its interesting and instructive to read your blog today. We too live with autism. I want to expand my knowledge in 2012 (about autism, tips and tricks). As for Bible study I am looking for something in my mother: every day to read in order chronolgische.
And I hope next year to follow your blog and respond to your posts.
I really like that! Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!
I love this post - reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the new year. I can't wait to watch God work in and through you in 2012!
Great reflection of this year. I don't do resolutions, but admire people who do!
Okay, I'm going to get preachy here, and I know you didn't ask for it, but here goes: Make your kids go outside even if you don't. I make mine go outside while I'm doing housework, or even just taking a nap. They need to be outside, and if you lock the door enough times, they will learn to have fun...
Not that I've ever locked the door...
Except that I have....
But I'm kinda mean like that...
Okay, I'm stopping before someone calls child protective services.
You can hear the hope in your words - I am praying for a year of rest and rejuvenation for you guys!
I told my kids a few weeks ago they can't watch cartoons anymore except on the weekends, and no computer or video games except Thursdays and Saturdays. And an amazing thing happened - after the initial shock that I actually meant it faded, they started to play and get along again! Woohoo!!
I am so happy you didn't close your blog page. Being that I've just discovered you recently I wouldn't be blessed by your writing :)
I like your reading goals for
2012. I think I should join in on the "not buying a new book until the ones at home are first read." I have a ton of fictional books that I want to read so badly, but I don't. Instead I just buy a new one that I think I am going to love... and then it takes me forever to even read that one! However, just a couple weeks ago (after I purchased a new book) I took one that's been waiting for off the shelf and began to read- now I can't put it down!
... Sweet friend, it does seem that 2011 has been an eventful one, one with some roads that were harder than others that you've journeyed. How wonderful to be a people who knows the strength of the Lord that shall always be with us. I'll be praying for a wonderful, and wisdom filled 2012 for you and your family!!
Blessings & Love in Christ,
Deanna
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