2011: Changing the Resolution to Revolution

Happy New Year!!

Have you made your New Year Resolution list? I bet it looks much like mine...lose weight, be  a better person, mom, wife, be more organized, etc. Another thing we may have in common is how long it takes for us to forget the things on our list. When I began thinking of the changes I wanted to make in 2011 I immediately discouraged myself with thoughts like, "how long did you use the treadmill last year?" and, "you know it won't last, so why even bother with making a resolution?" The problem is I *DO* want to change some behaviors in 2011, but I believe I need to have a reVolution in my thinking and actions before a reSolution will ever happen.

Webster defines resolution as "the act of determining". Another definition I found was "firm determination".

Revolution has many meanings, but these two apply to my idea:
"a : a sudden, radical, or complete change
 d : a fundamental change in the way of thinking about or visualizing something"

For years the "firm determination" of my resolution just hasn't been enough to get me to stick to the changes I wanted to make for a New Year. So this year I am going to be making a New Year Revolution to help me with my New Year's resolutions...

1. All of the things on my list are totally doable.

2. nothing happens overnight...change takes time, and I have a whole year, right?!

3. don't bite off more than you can chew....I know my limits and also know that discouragement comes when I get overwhelmed.

4. The Bible says in Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Being armed with the knowledge that I can go to God for guidance and help when I am discouraged will help me be successful in checking off the things on my list.

The road to success is not straight.

There is a curve called Failure.

A loop called confusion,

speed bumps called Friends,

red lights called Enemies,

caution lights called Family.

You will have flats called Jobs.

But, if you have a spare called Determination,

an engine called Perseverance,

insurance called Faith,

a driver called Jesus,

you will make it to a place called Success.

~author unknown~

5. I will not allow what I *feel* people think of me discourage me.

The first thing I am going to do is print those 5 points (New Year's Revolution) to use as a reminder when my thoughts are getting off track...maybe a couple copies...one for the fridge another for my bulletin board. Alongside that will be my New Year's Resolution

1. Lose weight (once and for all)

2. Be a better wife and mother...be more attentive, loving, understanding and nurturing.

3. *daily* Bible reading and a set prayer time

4. Do for others on a more regular basis

5. Stick to my daily schedule I created in November!! 

As I read over that, it all seems so simple, but change is hard and numero uno has proved itself to be way more difficult than it was when I was...well younger..."welcome to your 30's" my husband tells me. I must remember it *is* possible and I *will* do this!

What's on your list this year? How are you going to make it happen? Do you need a revolution as well? I will be posting updates to let you know how my Revolution and Resolutions are coming along! My prayer is for a completely revolutionized life for all of us this year! Don't forget to Live In the Sunshine in 2011!