It’s a fresh new year!
And perhaps our first resolution should be to blog more since we haven’t posted here since September!
Just kidding.
A week ago, I was with my friend at the gym where her sister is doing Zumba (an aerobic fitness program featuring movements inspired by various styles of Latin American dance and performed primarily to Latin American dance music).
The gym was full-packed with guys and gals sweating out to be healthy and beating the pounds they gained after the season. But my friend’s sister said the gym is usually congested at the start of the year. People slowly disappear when summer and fall come in. I am also guilty of this!
We love it when we talk about our ‘new’ plans for the year. Of course, we have the classics: to eat healthier, to succeed with diet, time to exercise and a lot more. We try to set these goals but oftentimes fail to meet them.
Many of our goals are physical and just all about ourselves (which is good and have to continue that). But we rarely make a resolution involving ourselves with others. Have we ever asked questions like, are there things we want to make outside our comfortable zone? How about doing some voluntary work? Or giving more time to my family and community? How about practicing to become closer to God? Recommit to pray more, read the Bible more, and just be MORE?
These resolutions are simply a way to be mindful of the important things in our lives, and an opportunity to re-dedicate ourselves into fulfilling God’s purpose for us.
Here are some simple ways you might be interested adding to your plans this year:
- Travel with Jesus.
We believe that recognizing the presence of Jesus is the most important thing to start the year. Christ became man and walked among us. Invite him to walk with you on your daily journey. Share your concerns and joys, put them all in his hands. Learn to see Christ in all your encounters and be open to his presence in your life.
- Be There for Others.
When a person is struggling with a personal crisis or injury, lend your presence, share yourself. We deliver a powerful message of love and support when we “drop everything” to attend to another. Even words do not have the simple strength and support of “being there.” Get out of the house and look for someone who might need your help. We have a friend who is sensitive to the needs of our members in the community. She will initiate visiting somebody who is sick. She will be the first one to volunteer when somebody needs a ride. She will offer her house when a friend needs a place to stay. She is awesome and a good example of giving oneself to others.
- Cultivate Gratitude.
It is good to practice seeing the blessings in your life, the many gifts we often take for granted. At day’s end ask yourself what you were grateful for that day. It can be as simple as a child’s hug (a priceless gift), a family outing, or perhaps, an opportunity to spend quality time with a loved one. On Christmas day, I saw this little boy kneeling in front of the Nativity. I was watching him from the moment he did the sign of the cross, put his hands together and close his eyes. I don’t know what he prayed for, maybe he said a birthday prayer to Jesus or a simple prayer he only knew. That was an amazing moment for me. I was reminded by a little tot to always be grateful and pray with a child-like heart.
- Live Simply.
Do not let possessions “own” you. Possessions cannot nourish or fulfill us. Even the slightest of changes in buying habits can make a difference. When two items are equally capable of “doing the job”, consider buying the less expensive item and donating the savings. Steve is very good at this. He never buys any signature item for himself. He spends time comparing stuff with the same quality but the lesser price. He sticks with his budget. And when there’s a need, in the family or a friend, he will not hesitate to extend his hand.
- Balance your Life.
Success in our culture almost always means success at work, gaining money and position. To sacrifice a balanced life to these goals is to worship false idols. Work has its place, but surely our commitment to following Christ, nurturing our loved ones, and sharing ourselves with others has a greater claim.
- Sustain Friendships.
Our friends are usually the first people we learn to love outside our families. They are the gifts from God and a manifestation of his love for us. Replenish yourself, connect with friends. I parted ways with good friends when I migrated. They are the amazing people I shared wonderful years and memories. The ones I grew up with. The ones I shared time in school. The ones I shared my early walks in faith. The ones I shared my simple joys and pain. They are my second family. It’s been years since we last saw each other. But thanks to technology, we can take a peek of what is happening in each other’s lives. I know our friendship is alive and well-kept in our hearts.
- Participate in your Church or Community and Give More.
Our churches and communities are always in need of volunteers and we all have something to contribute. There is no better way to connect with your faith family than through the shared camaraderie of volunteering. Also, cultivating gratitude and living more simply often reveals opportunities to share more of our own riches. Loosening our attachment to frivolous possessions can result in a little extra money to share where there is a need. Your own home church is a great place to start. Together with your whole family, go to your church or community and ask how you can help. Make it a family activity.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle.
Our bodies are a gift from God. We owe it to ourselves to enjoy the energy and well-being that healthy practices bring. I look at the web the common tips given by doctors and experts in maintaining a healthy lifestyle (WebMD, health.com, wholeliving.com). Here’s some of what I found:
- Reduce stress in your life
- Make time in your life for things that are fun
- Make a list of activities you like and enjoy
- Get enough sleep
- Quit smoking (if you are smoking)
- Get regular checkups
- Get regular cancer screenings
- Watch your weight
- Get regular exercise
- Avoid excessive drinking
- Become safety-minded
And the list will keep going. A good diet and plenty of exercise are part of living simply. Our healthy energy revitalizes us for the journey ahead.
- Don’t Give Up.
There’s nothing wrong with starting with small goals and then building on them as you get success. People often abandon their resolutions because they slip and fail too often. Forgive yourself and move on. Reach out to others, keep going, you will find fresh resolve. Treating yourself when you reach mini goals is also a great way to incentivize yourself to keep moving forward because you have something to look forward to when you crush your next goal. The same way you celebrate friends and colleagues for their achievements, celebrate your own achievements as a result of your hard work. Appreciate yourself for making your best life happen. “Working toward perfection,” is an endeavor that will take a lifetime.
- Trust in God.
Be mindful that the Lord is always with you. Make your prayers a continuing conversation with the Lord. Ask him for the strength and guidance to sustain your resolve, to share his love with everyone.
This year, how can you follow your resolutions and stick with it?
–Confe
There is definately a lot to learn about this topic. I love all of the points you have made. Hannie Godwin Greenberg
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this article and the rest of the website is very good. Kendre Elwood Moth
I have read so many articles regarding the blogger lovers except this post is genuinely a good post, keep it up. Alejandra Alanson Rodrick
Its not my first time to pay a visit this website, i am browsing this web page dailly and get fastidious data from here every day. Donni Langsdon Roderigo
Very nice post, I surely love this site, keep it up. Irma Traver Marquardt
There is obviously a bunch to identify about this. I believe you made some good points in features also. Auria Barnebas Greabe
Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative. Joete Maxie Mazel
I love it when folks come together and share opinions. Great website, stick with it! Meridel Cirilo Krilov
Awesome article. Really looking forward to read more. Awesome. Suzi Dame Tarra
Greetings! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I genuinely enjoy reading through your posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same topics? Many thanks! Raquela Alejandro Kolk
Thanks so much, sister <3 ! Love you and thank you for the sweet birthday celebration and my awesome gift. Joyann Claire Sjoberg
Hi there. I found your web site by the use of Google even as looking for a comparable topic, your site came up. It seems good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks to visit then. Lotty Everard Lipman
Everything is very open with a clear description of the issues. It was definitely informative. Your site is useful. Thank you for sharing! Dannye Roi Stefanie
You have brought up a very wonderful points, regards for the post. Astra Hilarius Elana
I like this website very much, Its a very nice office to read and incur information. Romonda Stavro Jerold Molly Kleon Echo
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers