Resolutions Return

For the third year in a row, I started my New Year's Resolutions in September and with the intent to tackle one resolution each month, rather than following the more traditional route of kicking off on January 1st and attempting one or two resolutions over the course of the year. I choose resolutions as they come to me and according to what I feel I need to work on as each new month rolls around, and in the name of accountability, I touch base here at the beginning of every month to report back on how the previous month went and share what I plan to work on that month. Here we go!

I've made this my November resolution for quite a few years, and because I love intentionally documenting one thing for which I am thankful every day between November 1st and Thanksgiving Day, I plan to keep this tradition alive.

This year, when compared to at least the past few years, has weighed heavily on my heart. Injuries, illnesses, and health concerns - not life-threatening, but signifiant enough to cause worry and anxiety - have plagued those in my immediate family as well as those in our extended families and our friends. It seems like almost every day I hear about a new diagnosis received by or trauma dealt to someone we know, and every time I turn on the news I feel overwhelmed by the pain, suffering, cruelty, injustice, and ignorance found across the world, throughout our country, and even in my own community.

So this November in particular feels like the perfect time to focus on the good. The little good, like getting to sleep in on Saturday morning or finding a pair of cute AND comfortable shoes. The big good, like peace between nations or complete healing after injury or illness. And all the good in between. Want to join me?

💛

And for those of you who would like to updates on past months' resolutions, here you go!

October Resolution:

How did it go?
I know a couple of Debbie Downers, and whenever I spend time with them, I'm reminded that my energy impacts those around me - especially my children - and that I need to regularly commit to decreasing my negative and increasing my positive energy. These encounters and conversations fueled implementation (and now maintenance) of this resolution, and I worked really hard to keep my complaints about the weather and the bugs to myself last month. I can't say I won't stop complaining about the weather all together - I am a Wisconsinite living in Texas, after all - but I hope to carry my slightly improved energy with me throughout the remainder of this year and into next.

September Resolution:

How did it go? 
This resolution remains a challenge, but I am making slow and steady progress when it comes to separating myself from my phone and my social media accounts. On one day in October I had to be on - or at least near - my phone and/or computer from 6:30am until 11pm. During Brazos Valley Gives, we were posting photos, videos, commentary, stories, donation requests, and updates on our nonprofit's social media pages; posting personal photos and testimonies on our personal social media pages; following along with the event's overall progress; and checking in on our nonprofit's progress...ALL.DAY.LONG. When 11pm finally rolled around, I couldn't wait to put my phone away - my eyes were tired and my brain was fried. And since that day, I have done much better at leaving my phone alone for longer stretches of time and checking in on social media fewer times a day. I still struggle with having my phone out while watching Liv and Maddie with Hallie though...that show, while quite pleasant, just doesn't require 100% of my attention. 😂


Did you resolve to change anything about yourself or your life this year? Last month? This coming month? How are those resolutions going?