resolutions

This year, I decided not to make new year resolutions. The reason, I have noticed that most of my resolutions are not realistic, either some come back every year or I always feel guilty about those I cannot fulfill … So, I chose to do an inventory!

An inventory takes stock of what we have and what we don’t have. Grocery stores, factories, all kind of businesses take inventories. They can even be taken of human spirit, right? How about taking a spiritual inventory?

Let’s begin by looking at what we have. Friends? Responsibilities? Deep feelings? Hobbies? Intelligence? Children? The list can go on! Taking inventory of our possessions, talents and relationships seldom turns up anything unexpected. But, let’s pause here and beware of a danger: sometimes taking inventory of what we do have can actually lead to pride; we begin to think: “hey I’m doing all right!”

The surprise comes when we tally up what we’re missing. Security? Happiness? contentment? Patience? Trust? Peace? Now, what do I do when I discover that my “don’t have’s” outweigh my “have’s” without feeling guilty or stress?

Well, as for me, I can finally recognize my true state before God. How can I move forward if I don’t see and admit what hinders me! While we might imagine ourselves to be spiritually “wealthy,” we are, in fact, bankrupt before God. When we pretend otherwise, we are being deluded by pride. Does this make you uncomfortable? If you’re a Christian like me, talk to God about it (He’ll never judge your feelings) and put Him in control of all that you lack, that you need to improve or change.

For my non-Christian friends, talk to someone you trust, someone who will be honest with you on your “don’t have’s” and help you in the process. Sometimes, we are surprised to discover that when we share with God or ask someone else, our resolutions list is way far from what we really need to improve or change right now or in this year 2016.

I hope you’ll choose God to reveal to you what you lack. Have a great week!

Is it a tradition for you to review the past year and make resolutions for the next one?

To tell the truth: for 4 years now, with my family, we decided to focus on the review of the past year. Resolutions are so hard to keep. Not necessarily because we do not want to, but because we simply don’t control so many of the events and situations that may or may not help their accomplishments.

A friend took the resolution to lose weight the following year and against all odds, she was expecting a baby, a source of extra Pounds!

A couple resolved to pay attention to their finances and start saving at the beginning of the new year, but then emergency: a health problem does not allow them to put a penny aside throughout the year.

A faithful person decided for the new year, to stop drinking alcohol and smoking. After two months, serious personal and family problems plunges him into a deep depression and he couldn’t hold his resolutions.

These examples sound depressing, aren’t they? Precisely, resolutions are certainly good but often they become a source of guilt, complex and self-pity when you can not keep them.

So, instead, I decided to focus on the review of the past year, positive or negative. This allows me to separate what my part is, what God expects from me, what I can change or improve or avoid. Then I set up principles which only I control, not the circumstances or people around me. Obviously, all this with the help of God!

Here are my 10 principles for 2014

Stop saying or think negative things about my neighbor because I do not want anyone to do the same to me.
Budget, select cheaper stores, wait for the sales, if possible, avoid credit cards … it isn’t the end of the world if I do not “shine” this year, as long as there’s life, there is the hope!
Apologize and ask forgiveness from those I have hurt and forgive those who have hurt me. I may “get rid” of my enemies and not become their prisoner! So I avoid ulcers, depression and revenge!
Accept me as I am (fat, thin, small, large …) and stop comparing myself to Celine Dion and ask around me (especially not my husband) if I gained weight or not. It prevents frustration, anxiety and phobia of the letters L, XL or XXL!
Stop counting the number of “likes” on my pictures on Facebook or my blog or check who “likes” or doesn’t. If I like my picture enough to post it, that’s all that matters, right? Anxiety from social media is a waste of time.
Resume and strengthen my relationships with friends, and members of my immediate, expanded and spiritual family, as much as it depends on me. I think that God has left us all on earth to be a blessing to one another. Life is too short and I hate regrets!
Unconditionally love and help my neighbor in need. And as someone said: “no need posting a Facebook status about it!”
Turn off my phone at the table. Children grow very quickly and soon I may not be at the center of their conversation!
Cry when I’m happy or when I’m sad. BE AUTHENTIC, not what the world expects. No fear of being fragile. Pretending takes too much energy. Allow God to change me according to His standard!
Be courageous. If I have convictions, I will speak up, act for and I will accept the consequences. “A bit of authenticity will make a better world!”