I Resolve...

Ok…. it’s been YEARS since I’ve made real resolutions. Mainly because I have always found that I was making the same ones every year and never really finding resolution. My own fault of course. But even with the lack of actual written resolutions I have still used this time of year to reflect and decide loosely what I would like to do better in the new year. It’s time I made it official again… possibly with more success? We shall see! Eternally optimistic! 
A new year does offer us an official date on which to begin our ‘fresh’ start, right? It also brings to mind not just things I would like to do differently, but all the blessings that are in my life. I do not lack in many wonderful blessings. I am so happy, and so LOVE the people in my life that make me want to be a better me. I’ve thought and thought about what my resolutions would be and this year I’m going to try my hardest to hold myself to them. Not just for me, but for them. I’ve even enlisted them to help me make sure I reach my goals, even if it means getting a stern look now and then, or get a cute Sophie girl asking me "how many points are in that?" as I am popping something so not on my plan into my mouth! 
Without any further ado…. here are my resolutions for 2011…

1. I’m resolving to do some form of exercise, and to eat well enough that the exercise counts! Generally speaking, I excercise regularly…but I need to really commit to do it in conjunction with eating better- even if some days I can only go for a quick walk or do some sit ups and push-ups by my bed before I crash into it. Something every day. Even if it’s small. It’s good for the body AND the soul.
2. I resolve to stop using the word "awesome" as a catch all for everything that is just slightly better than okay. When I use that word, it is really going to be something AWESOME...like when I refer to my kids.
3. Every day I resolve to do something, no matter how small, that will strengthen my Spirit. It is not just my body that needs a little work. I want to attend the temple more. I want to study the scriptures more. I want to work on my personal progress with Soph and help the boys with their duly to God. I want to speak softer, and be sweeter to my kids. I want my home to be a safe place for my kids to escape from the world. I want my home to be the soft place for them to land. I would like to think that that is what I have already provided, but as they keep getting older, I realize that I need for them to know this and if I can help strengthen my foundation, they will be strengthened as well.
4. I want to be guilty of performing random acts of kindness in 2011. Just for fun.
5. I want to pick up a hobby. Something else just for fun. Just for the sake of learning something new. Something that will make me be a better me, because I want to be.
6. Food storage. I have a burning desire to get organized in that department. To know what we have and how I can rotate it and use it. Xandi and I have set a goal to spend $20 in addition to our regular grocery budget every week on just one item in particular, and then rotate that item as needed. Week one is Jello, and beings I have been dubbed the Jello Ninja, you shall be happy to know I have my stash set aside.

Ok- so none of my resolutions are earth-shattering. They aren’t so big and noble that they will change the world. But I feel they are doable and in doing the doable- maybe I’ll someday gain the ability to don the cape and really make a difference. Yeah, right!

Happy New Year!!