Seven Months Later...

I've been known to take a blogging hiatus from time to time, but I don't believe they've ever lasted for seven months!  I've missed it.  And since it's a brand spankin' new year and time to make changes, I've decided blogging is a part of my life I want to bring back.

I love fresh starts and clean slates.  I know there's nothing in particular that's special about January first, and many of you believe it's ridiculous to wait until today to re-establish life goals and expectations.  But, I respectfully disagree.  For me, there's just something about a whole new year that brings a new realm of motivation and dedication.  Come 12:01 am, I'm ready to make some changes.  And while I'm at it, I figure there's no better place than my blog to make public my goals for the coming year.  Heaven knows I need accountability, so here goes.

2015 Resolutions (in no particular order):

1.  Spend more time with my grandmothers and invest more of myself and my time in their lives, at least by calling and checking on them more often, sending them cards, etc. Life is too short, and I can't continue to believe that I'll have forever with them on earth.

2.  Become (at least more of) a positive person.  I admit I struggle here.  I need to control my tongue and not contribute to conversations that aren't healthy or beneficial.  I need to be more positive about myself and my worth...remembering to incorporate positive self-talk into my life and not consciously speak negatively about myself or my life in general.

3.  Control my emotions.  I HAVE to get a grip on my worry once and for all.  Whether that is by seeing a therapist, reading self-help books, seeking advice from a spiritual mentor...whatever it takes.  I'm beyond tired of being enslaved by irrational thoughts and fears.  I want to believe that the course of my life thus far doesn't dictate the course of my life in the future.  Good can come to me, and all things will not be bad.  Satan whispers that to me constantly....that I should fear the future.  I'm ready to fight him on it.  I solicit your prayer on this one, especially.

4.  Live intentionally.  I need to know why I do what I do and why I don't do what I don't do.  I feel like too often, I wander aimlessly through life.  I let life control me and I just deal with whatever comes my way.  I want to take more control of my life (not before God, of course) and stop just surviving and start living.  Even as I type this I'm thinking, "Is this even realistic to me?  Can I truly accomplish this hefty goal?"  But I think it's HUGE!  It's so important to me.  I honestly don't even know where to begin, but I know for sure it's something I want to work on through the new year.

5.  Continue to implement a life change in my diet and healthy eating.  I'm not a spring chicken anymore.  It's not just about my appearance.  It's way past time to take my health seriously and be proactive in being my best self.  I plan to do this by doing away with most processed food and sugar.  I'm sticking with whole grains, natural sugars, and organic food.  And maybe a splurge meal once a week.  ;)

6.  Deny myself and follow God.  I have to give Him more of me and more of my undivided attention via quiet time and searching the scripture.

I could go on and on.  But as much as I want to,  I realize I can't be as perfect as Jesus.  So, I'll stop here.  I just want to do what I can to make 2015 the best year of my life.  I want to believe that GOOD things are in store.  I want to smile more and laugh until I can't breathe. (...like I did last night playing Balderdash.  If you need a laugh, that'll do it.)  So here's to another chance.  Praise God for giving it to me!  Happy New Year, everyone!