Michael and I have discussed the upcoming year many times, musing over what 'resolutions' we'll have, what changes will come in 2013 and reflecting on 2012. To be quite honest, it is a bit overwhelming. Every time New Years Eve rolls around I feel the pressure of restarting, digging deeper to find the drive and stamina to push on to fantastic resolutions of grand gestures and world changing living. My list always includes the resolution to continue becoming a better wife and mother, to love God and others more, and (of course) the obligatory weight loss! While all noble goals, I tend to falter with exactly where to start and what the measure of success is. I'm a black and white rule keeper and somehow vague resolutions don't translate well for me.
The past two weeks I've been off work for the Christmas holiday. Determined not to 'waste' my free time I made a list of simple projects that I wanted to complete during my vacation. I decided to tackle the list piece by piece. Every day I purposed to do a simple task -nothing grand, just something that took minimal effort and was easily completed in a few hours max. Amazingly I've checked most of the items on my list off. One day included hanging several pictures in my master bedroom, another provided time for me to re-caulk my bathroom tub and shower. I rehung curtains, caught up on laundry, resumed a weekly exercise program and spent one-on-one time with both of my sons. It was easy, it was fulfilling, it was fun! And so, the idea for my "New Years Resolution" was born.
This year I'm focusing on simple efforts. I'm going to love in the little actions. I'm going to divide tasks and tackle projects piece by piece. And hopefully I'll make my family's world and myself a tiny bit better each and every day, just by focusing on the simplest efforts.
"We cannot do great things, but we can do small things with great love." -Mother Teresa
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