It’s hard to believe it’s 2012. We didn’t do much for the holiday. We’re not big celebrators. We didn’t even stay up to watch the ball drop in Times Square, although Connor really, really wanted to!
We just spent the evening with my parents and my sister and her family. Fun was had by all!
It’s the time of year when folks typically make numerous promises to themselves or set good intended goals for the new year, but very rarely ever keep them. Getting in shape, losing weight, spending less money, being a better person, etc, etc, etc. Some are noble and some can easily be achieved (and should be achieved). It got me thinking about the history of New Year’s Resolutions. Time for Wikipedia!
According to Wikipedia… “a New Year’s resolution is a commitment that a person makes to one or more lasting personal goals, projects, or the reforming of a habit… [It] is generally a goal someone sets out to accomplish in the coming year.”
According to Ezine Articles online… “The tradition of the New Year’s Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar. With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions…”
According to the article, the month of January is named for Janus. For more on Janus and the history of New Year’s Resolutions, click HERE.
So… what are your resolutions for 2012? Forbes.com offers some advice for help in making the list.
1. Ask: “What would make me happier?”
“It might having more of something good —more fun with friends, more time for a hobby.
It might be less of something bad —less yelling at your kids, less nagging of your spouse.
It might be fixing something that doesn’t feel right—more time spent volunteering, more time doing something to make someone else happier.”
2. Ask: “What is a concrete action that would bring change?”
“One common problem is that people make abstract resolutions, which are hard to keep. “Be more optimistic,” “Find more joy in life,” “Enjoy now,” are resolutions that are hard to measure and therefore difficult to keep. Instead, look for a specific, measurable action.”
3. Ask: “Am I a ‘yes’ resolver or a ‘no’ resolver?”
“Some people resent negative resolutions.
They dislike hearing “don’t” or “stop” (even from themselves) or adding to their list of chores.
If this describes you, try to find positive resolutions:
“Take that dance class,” “Have lunch with a friend once a week.””
For more suggestions and a complete list of tips, click HERE.
My New Year’s Resolutions for 2012 are as follows:
1. Grow into a better Christian. I need to strive to be more like Jesus all the time, not just every now and then. We, as a family, need to become more involved in our new church.
2. Build up the savings account… you never know when that proverbial “Rainy Day” will hit.
3. Become a better wife… I need to appreciate my husband more. I don’t know what I’d do without him!
4. Be a better mother… Connor will hit pre-teen status in June. I really need to learn how to deal with that!
5. Cook more… I set this one every year and never achieve it. I will (try) this year!
6. Clean more… I’m sooo not “Suzy Homemaker”. I really need to be diligent in keeping our home spic and span like my mom does.
7. Lose weight and get into shape (get gym membership once AR house sells)
8. Stop drinking so much Starbucks (and now Mocha Frappes from McDonald’s)… it’s become a very bad habit that totally messes up resolution #’s 2 and 7. I already messed this one up… I’m drinking a Mocha Frappe as I type this!
9. Blog more!
Worthy goals, don’t you think! I’ll keep you posted on how I’m doing as the year goes along.
May the Lord bless you and your family in ways beyond your imagination in 2012!
Until next time…
Happy Blogging!
