Resolutions

I can’t believe it’s taken me SO long to sit down and write out my resolutions for this year. I think when we came back from Florida earlier this week, I basically just shut down, trying to recover. I like to travel, but visiting the in-laws is NOT a relaxing time for me. Add to that the keeping up with a toddler in non-toddler-proof environments, staying up way too late, and the 10 hour trip there and back while keeping said toddler entertained (or at least keeping the screaming to a minimum), and no wonder I’ve been tired!

It’s time to get busy, now, though. I thought I’d begin by working on my resolutions for the new year.

1. Develop and practice more self-control. I am a pushover when it comes to myself. I’ll use just about any excuse to take a nap, eat chocolate, or buy a new pair of shoes…all of which are usually detrimental in the long run. I don’t need new shoes, a nap will only mess up my sleep patterns, and have you seen me lately? I definitely don’t need chocolate.

2. Develop and practice good personal Bible study habits. I am going to start the year going through Lessons I Learned in the Dark, by Jennifer Rothschild. I’m going to do my daily studies when my Girlie takes her morning nap – it’ll be my special time with God.

3. Develop and practice exercise habits. I grew up in a home where nobody exercised, if they could possibly avoid it. Not to say that we were a bunch of couch potatoes, but that daily body maintenance aerobic exercise was missing. I’ve got to exercise for several reasons: to get my weight under control, to help with my depression, to develop more stamina for keeping up with Girlie, to help prevent diabetes (especially since I had gestational diabetes), and to be a good example to my Girlie. I want her to grow up where certain good things are just a natural part of life (exercise, daily Bible study, voluntary helpfulness).

4. Develop and practice healthier eating for my family. Part of my job is seeing to it that my family is fed. Beyond that, it’s my responsibility to see that they are fed well. Not just yummy food, but balanced, healthy, high-fiber, low-fat, low-sugar food. Maybe every family is like this, but it seems like our fallbacks are carbohydrates in various forms, and meat in various forms. We like fruits & veggies, we just never seem to have them – it’s my job to fix that!

5. WORK. I have let myself jump into a pit of rationalization. Dishes piling up? My head hurts, so I’m just going to rest for a little while, then get to them before I make dinner. Laundry waiting to be folded? I’m going to wait until the next load gets out of the dryer, and then fold it all at once. Baby wanting attention? (this one breaks my heart, when I’m honest with myself) Let me just finish this one chapter, this one blog I’m reading, this one superficial thing that doesn’t matter, before I tend to the child of my heart. Yikes. I am so over myself. (That’s why 1-4 say develop and practice these things – I’m really, really going to do it!)

I’m hoping that by posting these resolutions, I’ll feel a bit more accountable. Friends, please help me stay accountable, as I try to shape myself into the woman God wants me to be.

And have a good day! :-)