TEN NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS YOU CAN DO!
So the new year is upon us, which often marks a great time to start or stop something, build a new habit or dust off that nordic track. Here are some ideas to consider whether you make a new year's resolution or not.
Evaluate where you're at, daily habits, your general tone with people or even some bucket list items you should start getting at. If you don't have a bucket list, think about making one.
Now that you have taken a bit of self inventory, let's get some ideas going.
1. If you haven't made a bucket list, make one. Then separate out some realistic things that you can attain this year, pencil it in, who you going with, where's the money coming from, what else do you need... Make it happen!
2. Do a Bible read through. If you haven't mastered the art of speed reading, and trust me I have not, this may take you more than a year. Find a time during the day that works for you. Be extra consistent in the first 30 days as this is how you develop a good habit. I did this about 20 years ago when I was an intern. It's the most important thing you could read!
2B. Bible listen though. Now that I'm older and technology is more advanced, I am listening through the whole Bible. I actually pick out some different things than I did before and seem to retain more.
3. Get to the gym. Pretty cliche I know... but think about actual fun ways to exercise. Obviously weather will dictate some of this, but when possible, walk /run/longboard outside, it's always more fun with others if you ask me. I don't care to run unless chasing something or being chased so I play basketball with a bunch of guys from the community. It's also a good time to build relationships there. Find what you like to do, maybe grab some friends, make it fun.
4. See the country. How many times have you seen something on tv or on a post card or something and say... we should go there. Well then maybe it's time to do it. Plan it out, maybe camp to save money, there are so many awesome national parks to see, capital cities, landmarks and random tourist traps. Ever seen someone hide behind a bush in the middle of a city street and surprise people? Unforgettable.
5. Volunteer in a way that is a bit out of your comfort zone. It's sometimes very easy to chalk up not saying yes to an opportunity to busyness or a host of other excuses. So that's the first step, be available to say yes. Then keep those nanners (eyes) peeled. Maybe it's the soup kitchen or mowing someone's lawn that has a hard time doing so, or maybe come up to camp for a few days. Watch your church bulletin. There are always needs out there, just need a little time and a willing heart.
6. Learn a new skill. If you haven't seen it, you gotta check out the Google. You can learn anything on there. My wife and I recently built a house and it is amazing how many great and helpful videos are on there. Built half our house that way! Wanna become a yo-yo master, learn to change a tire or cook something a little better than mac and cheese? You got it!
7. Just a couple kind words. Be an encouragement. A few kind words go a long ways. Find yourself noticing what people do well and let them know. Maybe write a note where you will see it every day to remind you to be that light!
8. Watch and learn. This is something I have done for many years. Is there something you want to get better at or learn to do and don't know how to start? I have found that I am not necessarily a laser focused expert at one thing, but I know how to find someone who is and learn from them. There is always room to improve what you do at work, home, with other people... For example, if there is someone you always want to be around, observe and figure out why. There are probably some key elements like kindness and authentic caring that draw you to them. If you want to be the best at something, find out who is and ask yourself why, and maybe they will teach you.
9. Just do it. No this is not sponsored by Nike, but that is the thing about new year's resolutions. I do recognize that it is a good time to drive a stake and say, "I'm really gonna do it this time". Cool, but don't let yourself give up on it when it gets a little hard or inconvenient. I would encourage you to commit to it and follow through. Also you don't need Jan 1st to be a starting point. There's nothing wrong with May 9th, or any other date. Just decide to do it and do it.
10. Pray it up! Through many events and experiences in my life, prayer has never failed me. I will also ask God to kinda hit me over the head with the answer as I can sometimes be a bit dense. Give it to Him, and stop worrying about it. He's got ya! Remember to lean on Him in good times and in bad and be sure to give credit where it is due. We very much appreciate all the prayer that goes into Shamineau, it is felt and makes such a huge difference. So please continue that.
With all of this you may feel a little like, ah man, should've been doing that before and get down on yourself. DON'T DO THAT! (Yep, I used caps) . You can't fix what happened before, only change what is ahead of you. So look forward, lean on Him and have a fantastic year. I (Jeremy, camera guy) would love to hear some stories of what you do this year.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
