Happy New Year!
Thank you to my readers across the globe- it really warms my soul to know that someone actually takes the time to click on my blog! And, I find it quite interesting that someone in Germany would be interested in my crazy American blog!
For 2012, I'm changing it up a bit- I'll still blog on health, wealth and happiness, but instead of three short blogs per week, I'll blog (longer) on one subject per week. My duties at work and at home have picked up pace (chasing a 1 1/2 year old is no easy task!)- so, I am having to reduce my time spent online a bit.
For my first blog in 2012, I'll be focusing on happiness (or lack thereof as we contemplate resolutions).
Why is it at the beginning of every new year we swarm ourselves with thoughts on how to become better? Us women always want to be thinner. Men, well, I'm not sure my man has EVER had a resolution. Most families resolve to spend more time together or to manage money better. With the 2012 new year, I had resolved to not have a resolution. However, our pastor at church had a pretty neat sermon on the 1st Sunday of the year.
Growth.
Growth is a broad term. There is spiritual growth, emotional growth, family growth, and we would all like growth in our wallets along with a slimmer bill pile and reduction in waist size.
Spiritual growth can be achieved in a number of ways. Praying more, meditating more, surrounding yourself with positive people. For my personal spiritual growth, my plan is to continue praying (to say I pray often is an understatement), and to allow myself more "quiet" time- this is time I spend uninterrupted, alone, to think about life and my impact in the world (doing this while getting a pedicure or soaking the the tub is even better!). I feel like I already surround myself with positive people- my friends are wonderful and we have a fabulous church family. So, how will you grow spiritually? Attend a formalized church? Start to pray or increase your time praying? Taking some alone time? Or ridding yourself of the "dogs" in life- it's true that if you sleep with dogs you'll get fleas and no one likes fleas!!!
Emotional growth is definitely more variable depending on your current state of mind. I am more high-strung, OCD, nit-picky, etc. So, for 2012 I plan to become more emotionally stable by not letting "chores" at home consume my every thought (I am truly OCD!), I plan on thinking through my plan of attack before taking action (that is for my hubby- less fights hopefully!), and I am going to "try" to be a bigger team player at work. I feel that by completing all of these things I will become a more relaxed individual. More emotionally stable. Perhaps happier? How can you grow emotionally? If you're sad- try to find things that make you happy! If you're lazy (or complacent)- try to find things to get you off the couch! If you're distant from your family- try a game night... or maybe not....that always brings out the worst competitor in us all!
Family growth is not necessarily adding bodies at the dinner table- however that is looking to be our plan for 2013 (it's sad to add a baby to the "to-do" list for 2013). I think of family growth as family time. We can ALL use a bit more family time. My husband and I take time out (baby free) one time per week and this is time for us not to be mommy and daddy but to be husband and wife. Fridays are my day off and I like to take time with Gage to do nothing but play...and we go out to eat lunch! Saturday and Sundays are always a challenge. There are parties all over the county (a baby boom was experienced here last year!), there are family gatherings, so much to do! But, it is my goal for 2012 to maximize the time we spend with Gage...and only Gage. What's your goal for your family? More time together? More family dinners? More movie nights?
In 2012- don't stay a tadpole. Become a frog. Grow those little feet and arms- hop away to happiness.
Growing,
Erica
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