Resolutions

Every year I make them. I think it's great to have goals to focus on. I don't feel disappointed when I don't keep them. It just makes me want to try harder. The biggest problem with resolutions is that I make too many. This year I decided simplify and follow a talk given by Elder Joe J. Christensen in 1994. It's over 15 years old but I feel like the wisdom is still good today. You can find the talk here.
First resolution: I resolve to expand my intellectual horizons, to increase in wisdom.

I intend on doing this by reading more books. I love to read but I don't take the time to do it. I am also going to step out of my comfort zone and read books I might not otherwise read. I am also going to take a few more classes. I have lots of opportunities to take classes and improve my daycare business and I am going to seize those opportunities.

Second resolution: I will be resolute in preserving and strengthening my physical health.

It's not secret that I've really let myself go. Not only have I gained 40 lbs in the last year but my nutrition is severely lacking. I am going to focus on eating more fruits and vegetables and I am going to try more things. I am going to do a triathlon and possibly another marathon. I am going to lose this weight and be healthy.

Third resolution:I resolve to be a truer friend and to become more socially acceptable to people of higher standards.

This is really a hard one for me. I've really struggled over the years in the friend department. I've been hurt, deserted,and betrayed by people I considered friends. I have been left out, excluded and ignored by those I considered friends. I am now just coming to terms with the emotions I have felt about "friends" the last few years. One day it hit me though. Why do I try SO hard to be friends with people who could care less to be my friend? Why do I put so much energy and emotion something that only means something to me? I am going to focus more on becoming a better friend to those who are loyal to me and uplift me. I am going to be a the kind of friend they deserve; one who is caring, loving, cheerful and strong. I am going to continue to nurture and strengthen those who nurture and strengthen me. I am going to make new friends. I am going to smile more and be more positive so that people will want to be around me. I am going to listen more and talk less.

Fourth resolution: I will grow spiritually-I will increase favor with God.

I commit to reading the Book of Mormon this year. I commit to fasting each month. I commit to praying morning and night. I commit to attending the temple. I commit to be less prideful. All of these things with strengthen and improve my life. I truly want to be closer to the Lord and have his light shine through me.

Fifth resolutions: I will not be so hard on myself.

This was not one of Elder Christensen's resolution but one I really feel I need to work on. I have struggle my whole life with feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. I have never seen myself as anyone of importance. I have always had self-esteem and self-confidence issues. I am going to try my hardest to learn to love myself and see me as the daughter of God that I am. No easy task but a challenge that will be worth it.

There you have it... My new year's resolutions! It's time to make some changes!