2008 Resolutions

Every year I write resolutions, and by mid-June, I've forgotten what they are and where I put them. Sometime around September I come across them, and see which ones I still have time to complete. I never lose the extra weight I'd like to, I always read enough books to hit my goal, I may finish 1 or 2 things that were undone when I made the list, but for the most part - I don't get much done (on the list, anyway).

This year, I'm going to work on less tangible things. Instead of focusing on tasks, I'm going to work on relationships.

This isn't my final list, but it's a start of putting ideas in writing:

1. I'm going to find someone who needs a friend and choose to make the first move to befriend her.

2. I'm going to be a better listener. I don't need to be thinking of what I'll say when it's my turn, if it's important, it'll come to me. I'm going to look in their eyes and really listen.

3. I'm going to anonymously bless someone in need in a way they'd never expect.

4. I'm going to make or create something for a friend to let them know how special they are to me.

5. I'm going to spend more time playing with my kids instead of everything being task-focused. I'm going to play football and soccer with my boys, color with my daughter, play board games that THEY pick, and I may even be willing to learn how to play one of their multi-button chaotic video games.

6. I'm going to really watch what I say to Tim. I'm always working on self-improvement, so I tend to offer tips on improvement on the right way to do things. I married Tim because he was so smart, so when did I start thinking I was smarter anyway? I don't harp, insult, make fun of, or disrespect him - but I could do better to NOT complain over stupid little stuff. I give him plenty of reasons to criticize, yet somehow, he just never does - really - never.

7. I hate the phone. Maybe it comes from years as a telemarketer? I prefer emails and text messages. They're short, to the point, and I don't have to endure a long, drawn-out story for the tenth time. One of my resolutions is to use the phone more. People have just as much to say as I do and I could learn a lot if I just give them their chance.

8. I'm going to become more involved in my community. I've been here almost 5 years now, and if I want my city to be a better place, it's time to stop waiting for someone else to fix it. I was given certain gifts, talents and abilities. How dare I not use them to help others.

Well, that's a good start. See what I mean by not being task-focused? So what are your resolutions going to do for your life?



7.