Tuesday, January 11, 2011

New Year, New Me

I wish it was a new me like 50 lbs lighter and a funky new hairstyle, but hey, at least I'm alive, right?!?!

I think this is honestly the first new year that I have truly reflected on the past year and focused on what I might want to change or improve upon this year. I have SERIOUSLY debated over what I want my resolution to specifically be. In the end I have quite a few smaller goals that I will be working on to better myself, but my main focus for the year is happiness. Don't get me wrong...I'm happy now, but I really want to be someone other people want to be around. I want to be one of those people who ALWAYS seem happy despite minor issues they might be having.

I know I'm always going to have rough days, but I am trying to remind myself when those tough times come that it's not the end of the world. How positive (or not) I am about the sitution will determine the outcome. How I am the ONE person who can decide how I will act or react. (Maybe I should have gone with the word "control"!)

I know if I can be a happier person it will influence how others are feeling. I know my children and husband will feel more loved and secure when I am outwardly happy in all of my efforts.

I'm still not exactely sure how I'm going to accomplish this because I feel that I tend to be a glass half empty person, but a couple of ideas I've thought of:

Working on my personal progress for YW. I absolutely love the new program and always feel at peace when I'm working on it. Along with this comes studying the scriptures as the project for virtue is to read the Book of Mormon.

Stop thinking that everything is so hard to do with my kids. I think I hide at home a lot because I get anxiety about going out with them. I know this is harder for me in the winter months, but it's something I need to work on all year long.

Waking up each day and thinking of something I am thankful for. It's hard to be a downer when you recognize everything you've got going for you. And, well, I really have a lot going for me :)

Quit worrying about what everyone thinks of me. We all do this, but I think I do it a little more than others. I'm so self concious of how I look, what I wear, are they judging my parenting?, is my house perfect enough? I'm done worrying about it. This is me and this is what you get. No more apologizing for being me. I want to like ME and I can't do that when I'm so worried about everyone else liking me.

Recognize that I am truly a daughter of God. I don't usually get all churchy (is that even a word?) on my blog, but that last statement is the core of who I am. He created me and He loves me, despite all the things I think are my shortcomings. If I can just keep this in mind, how could I feel anything but happy?

So the word of 2011 for me is Happiness. What's yours?

5 comments:

Sandy -- As Told By Mommy said...

I like your goals. I am super self concious too! I didn't use to be...it's like a new thing that has happened over the past few years...especially in this new ward...I had trouble making friends for like a long time...and still am actually. It make me wonder if it's me.

Are you going to keep us updated once in a while on how you are doing?

Rheanna said...

I've ALWAYS been super self-conscious, so I totally understand how you feel! I really like your goals. I still haven't decided on mine yet. I know, I'm almost 1/2 way through January, I should get on that!

Mistie said...

what a great goal. i think we could all (espec me) focus on the positive more and just being happy with who we are. i am embracing this idea as well...just takes time but then i think it just becomes natural. I am also learning that if people don't like me for me...forget them! (i am still trying to become comfortable with this thought however!) Great ideas though! Best of luck! And as far as some of your goals...lets do them together! (i.e. Personal Progress, getting outside more with the kids, etc).
You are the best!

Dan and Katie said...

I love how open and honest you are!! All of the things you pinpointed are things we all worry about to some degree or another- and I am glad to know that I am not the only one. My goals are actually exactly what yours are- happiness and everything to do with being it. Awesome post!!

Megan B ♥ said...

You took the goal right out of my mouth! Or.... fingers? I too have started working on my YW personal progress stuff and wow, what a difference. It should be a mandatory RS program, don't you think???? Winter is a rutty time, but it's perfect for making plans for new beginnings. Not "New Beginnings". I mean just plain old new beginnings :) For the record, I think you are great just the way you are, and I have seen you a time or two in public.... WITH your oh-so-scary children.... LOL!