I know that New Year’s is still a few weeks, but since I am currently on Ohio University’s eternal winter break, I started thinking about resolutions a bit earlier than is normally done. Now, I typically don’t do resolutions. I don’t ever stick to them. But I feel that in 2010, I’ll actually be able to do it. Because these resolutions aren’t your typical “I’m going to work out three times a week.” They involve me making some shifts in my lifestyle and in the way I think about things. Which I think will end up being for the better. So, here goes.
1) Become more organized. I know where everything is. But half the time, it’s on the floor or somewhere in the bottomless pit of papers that is my desk. I’m terrified that I’ll lose something. The only way to fix this problem is to become more organized in every aspect of my life. Not OCD organized. Just enough so that I won’t lose anything and my clothes don’t end up in one big pile.
2) Stop feeling jealous of other people so easily. When I’m at OU, I attend Central Avenue United Methodist Church. The message from one sermon has stuck with me more than most. Paul Risler, the pastor, said to look where you have overlooked God’s goodness for your life because you were looking at someone else’s life. Basically, when something happens to someone else, what is that to you? Even if it’s something you want, what is that to you? What bearing does that have to your life? I know that God has a plan for my life and there’s nothing I can do that can change that fact. I’m relying on God to show me the goodness that’s in store for my life, because why should I be worried about other people when I’ve got my own life to live? After all, that sermon also taught me that comparison is the thief of joy. This year, I’m going to focus on God’s plan for me, and not worry about the things other people have.
3) Fight the feelings of loneliness This past quarter, I struggled with loneliness. A lot. It took a lot of time and several conversations with trusted friends, but I worked through it. What’s funny is that I felt most alone when I was surrounded by people all the time. Now that I’m at home (with limited social interaction), I feel so much more whole. I don’t know if it’s because of the familiarity of home or what, but I feel so much more complete. My theory is that because I’ve had a lot more time to spend with God and building my relationship with Him, He fills me up and I don’t feel alone. I like the way it feels and I hope to keep it that way.
4) Read my Bible daily This is something I slack off on. If I’ve got other things to do, like homework, those other things always take precedence. That’s going to change this upcoming quarter, and for every quarter to come, and for the rest of my life. At least I’m going to try.
5) Work out at least three times a week Hey, I had to throw it in here. And it’s kind of true. I think I worked out maybe ten times last quarter, which is not nearly enough. And I probably won’t keep this resolution. There’s no way I’ll make it to Ping three times a week (unless someone wants to hold me accountable). But if I make it a resolution, at least I might try to do it.
And there you have it. My New Year’s resolutions. They might change a bit. But probably not. I’ve given these a lot of thought and all of these are things that I’d really like to change in my life. So, bring on 2010 and let’s see if I can do it!
