My 2014 Resolution

Resolution: a decision or determination; firmness of purpose; intention made.

I love new beginnings.  I think it’s the thought that with this new fresh start, anything is possible…that feeling that the sky is the limit.  I must admit however, that I tend to be an “all or nothing” kind of gal.  I start out each New Year with a page full of resolutions that may or may not be achievable or even realistic in some cases.  Crazily, life has a tendency to either get in the way of my best intentions.  Or, perhaps it’s the pressure I feel to change in so many ways or areas in my life all at one time, and seemingly, overnight, that tends to stall or entirely erase the resolutions I set each year.  Talk about unrealistic! 

Don’t get me wrong, I am a fan of goal setting.  So much so, that despite these new realizations, I find myself writing pages (and yes, you read that correctly…pages) of goals for 2014.  How else am I going to stay focused as I begin to implement, change, and try new things in 2014 while still living life with all its every day hum drums, interruptions, surprises, and possible game changers?  I think the difference is that goals leave room for setbacks, a stall in progress, or revisions in the plan itself.  Goal setting is about intentionally directing our efforts towards our desired outcome or achievement, instead of the overnight change we expect of ourselves with resolutions.  That is why this year I am resolving to give myself grace as I work towards the goals and changes I hope to make this year.

I hope that you too will give yourselves grace as you live your lives in 2014, and remember…love others deeply, and don’t be afraid to take chances!