My New Years resolution....
So many take this time of the year to reflect on the year past…and then make “resolutions” for the new year…lose weight, exercise more, make better grades, be a better parent, find that “dream” job, etc.
I have one resolution year after year.
Be happy.
Sometimes that is a tough one to fulfill…”life” just seems to throw us one curve ball after another. But it really is a simple goal…pretty much encompasses every aspect of my life….and it ALL depends on the choices I make. Not a choice to BUY something, or BE something, or DO something, and especially anything I have ZERO control over which is just about everything and everybody… but on how I CHOOSE to “feel” about everything…what “emotions” I harbor…my “attitude.”
The handful of people who follow me will know there is something (or rather someones) missing in this photo. (Years past HERE)
Yep…this is the year I have dreaded.
I had kinda-sorta grown accustom to my oldest son occasionally missing Christmas morning…but this year my youngest son got married and they spent Christmas morning with her family. So both boys were MIA.
I knew the day would come when our traditional Christmas morning gathering would be “fractured” by other commitments.
I knew it in my head.
I prepared myself mentally.
But oh the heart.
This is one of many things in our lives that we know and understand in our HEAD, but our heart struggles to grasp.
This is one of those times when I have to focus on the positives!
Katie came home…just for the day, but she was here.
Sarah and her family always come for a few days..
Brandon and Taylor are always here for the morning.
Mitchell managed to sneak in for a few days the week before Christmas.
Matt and Hannah traveled safely Christmas day and were here Christmas night.
Head vs. Heart. For me it is a constant battle.
I know something is what it is, but my heart seems to have a mind of its own…or maybe it has no mind at all, just a lot of emotions that try desperately to over-ride the brain.
Fear, frustration, hurt (the 3 biggies that almost always manifest in anger), resentment. bitterness, hate, disgust, jealousy…just a few NEGATIVE emotions we may experience when life seems to throw us a curve.
Scattered babies at Christmas is a “curve!” Sadness…a negative emotion.
The perfect time to double down and focus on the positives. Grateful for the amazing kids I have. Pride in the wonderful lives they have made for themselves. Joy for the love and respect we all have for each other.
Remember…you have a CHOICE as to whether those emotions will be negative or positive. It doesn’t matter whether you are dealing with family, your career, a DIY project, school, etc.
The choice you make in ANY situation will determine whether you have a happy and fulfilling 2020, or a really crummy year.
Choose wisely.
If you question the affect choosing to focus on the positives can have on your life, please take 15 minutes of your day to hear Kelly Fohner’s story. Her son Josh and my son Matt are friends and played ball together throughout their youth. If you think your life is tough…if you think the choices YOU make to focus on the positives seems silly, listen to this mother’s story. I have watched it many times and it ALWAYS reinforces my desire to be grateful…to focus on the positives…to see and appreciate my life for what I HAVE and not what I don’t have.
Have an AMAZING 2020!
