Reflections on the New Year

Only two days of 2009 left! It's hard to believe how fast this year has gone by! Or really, I should say how fast this last part of 2009 has gone by, as a large part of this year has gone quite slowly for me as I waited for Eliza to come. And, of course, as the year is winding down, it's time to think about the next year coming up and what we anticipate and what we hope to happen, what we hope to avoid.

I've decided to take part in the age-old tradition of making resolutions. I've realized that the few times I took New Year's Resolutions seriously, I actually kept them for the majority of the year. Couple that realization with a very real desire to make some changes, and here I am, resolving myself and making some goals.

In 2010, I am making it a goal to lose this baby-weight! I don't like looking in the mirror everyday and feeling discouraged about my figure. It doesn't do any good to beat myself up about it if I'm not willing to do anything about it. Granted, it's hard for me to lose weight. And I hate exercise. And a nasty little voice likes to whisper that the only weight-loss success I've ever had was when I went on an extreme diet (South Beach, to be exact), something I can't really do as I'm breastfeeding. But I'm not going to let that stop me. Yes, I want to lose a certain amount of weight, and I have set a goal and a timeline to hopefully achieve it. But more than anything, my desire is to be more active, to find some activities I enjoy doing them and use them to my benefit, and quit hating my image in the mirror. Couple that with some healthy eating, and hopefully I achieve my goals.

Another goal I'm making is to be more consistent in my quiet time. It's incredibly spotty these days! It's been such a lifestyle change, having a baby! And it's affected me finding the time to spend one-on-one time with my God. So, a very important goal I've made is to make sure I make time for a regular time of quiet and devotion. Even if I have to hold Elizabeth through it! It's my desire to set an example for my kids of devotion, and how can I do that if I'm not devoted? It's not the only reason I want this, but it is one that I think is important. But more importantly, I just need that time! My relationship with Jesus needs that time! So, it's time to get down to business.

These are the goals first and foremost on my mind, and if I can achieve them, then my other goals will fall in line, too: be more organized, having a routine/schedule. Things like that. I intend to keep myself accountable here. And I do intend to actually keep this resolutions. I am, in fact, resolved upon it!