I never make New Year’s resolutions. I’m too hard on myself when I break them--which I always do. Then I end up feeling guilty, and that’s a waste of time. So I set goals instead, and post them on my bedroom wall, where I review them every couple of months to remind myself of what I’m shooting for. But I've noticed something about them over the years. They change.
It used to be important to me to look younger than I am, and be known as a classy lady. Now I just try to hide the wrinkles and gray hairs, and treat people with respect. I figure they may not notice the lack of ruts on my upper lip or the label on my purse, but they will remember if I make them feel special and important.
When I was younger, I based my singing and speaking success on how many compliments I received after the program. If someone snoozed while I was singing, I took it personally. I had actually bored them to sleep, how much closer to horrible can you get?
Then my focus changed from needing affirmation to needing to be genuine and help people know my loving Father. It’s fun to entertain. It’s more fun to know you have made someone’s day by lifting them up. If a person went to sleep while I was singing today, I’d silently chuckle and pray they’d have good nap!
I started noticing fewer and fewer people around me who are genuinely happy and fulfilled. Those who have a spring in their step and a light in their eyes, like themselves. They maintain a sweet, abiding relationship with Jesus. They are not as affected by their circumstances or the negativity all around them as they are their faith in the living God.
I don’t notice how that kind of people look; I just feel good when I’m around them. And I want to make other people feel that same goodness when they share the same spot in the universe with me. Therefore, I decided to focus on my attitudes instead of my achievements. It’s one of the lifetime goals…
Not that I won’t be still working on getting rid of wrinkles and grey hairs when I’m a hundred and two. But hopefully I’ll be so sweet by then no one will notice.
Do you make New Year's resolutions? Do you set goals? Or both?
I don't make New Year's resolutions, and I'm not sure I really set goals. I just know my pray every morning is "Lord, take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to thee." Your goals encourage me to do the same thing.
ReplyDeleteYou are already sweet! Your honesty and ability to laugh at yourself is refreshing. Just stay that way. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteJeanette: You are always sweet. In the future, if you have have those gray hairs show, consider naming them.Seriously, I had a couple of friends who were whiteheaded.Their hair was beautiful. Check out 16:31.
ReplyDeleteIt is so true that our goals change! I have a word every year and this year it is Content. For me this means not striving for acceptance, but living fully in contentment (with confidence). I am working on a Life Plan currently to focus, and then my goals because I do have so many interests and tend to get very distracted!
ReplyDeleteLove the new title and look to your blog!
ReplyDeleteI gave up making New Year's Resolutions years ago. It always tickles me to see how crowded the gym becomes in January. I've been working out for over 20 years, and by March most of them will be gone. It takes more than a wish to make a lasting change. It takes a quality decision.
Your goals made me smile. My main goal this year is to draw closer to the Lord.
I have missed you and so happy that I came by here today to catch up with you. Like you I quit the resolution making years ago and instead write little notes to myself about what not to do in the coming year.
ReplyDeleteI do hope that I can get back into writing on my blog and visiting my blogging friends this year because I failed at that last year.
Your post was very enjoyable and I too would love to live again with a light in my eye and a spring in my step because it is delightful to be around those that live like that.
Happy New Year to you and hugs
Maggie