Resolutions

'Tis the season to make resolutions.

I started my list about a week ago. Some items have been on my annual list since high school. Others are brand new. And I'm sure I'll add a few more things in the next couple days.

In 2009, I resolve to:
Whiten teeth.
End 2-week, gluttony-filled Weight Watchers hiatus. (aka- lose weight and fit into pre-pre-pregnancy clothes)
Take better care of skin.
Get new haircut & color.
Start hitting gym again, at least 4x/week.
Only buy clothes that "fit my personality", not that simply "fit".
Drink lots of water.
Stop mumbling. (any suggestions from my speech-pathologist pals?)
Continue my education with a photography, sewing or cooking class -or all three.

Looking at my list, I see tangible goals. Things that can be measured by a number on the scale or by simply looking in the mirror. But I realize there are so many big-picture things I should strive for.

So this year, I'm adding some other items to my list.

In 2009, I also resolve to:
Slow down. Live in the moment.
Date my husband.
Be a better friend.
Be a better stranger.
Smile more.
Listen. Really listen.
Treasure each moment with my family, as if I'm the 85-yr-old version of myself whose been granted the wish to come back and have just one more day with my family at this time in my life.
Make mental impressions of how bear hugs feel.
Belly laugh.
Belly dance.
Take time to remember my crazier side - without the crazy Kelli college hangover.
Reflect on important, life-changing moments and people from my past.
Plan for the future.
Be constantly reminded that life is short but the legacy we leave lasts for generations and can be quite powerful.
Treat my body as a temple. Not a dumpster.
Take my eyes off myself and focus on what and who are around me.
Cut others a break. Who knows what it's like in their shoes or what valuable lessons they have to learn.
Cut myself a break.
Be a kid with my kids.
Be a kid with my husband.
Invest in some nice "girly" things for myself from time to time.
Try things that scare me...whether it be a kickboxing class or seafood.

Maybe by writing these things down, I'll be more aware of my actions. I realize that this is one of those blog entries that only I benefit from and others will just skim by. But there is something very powerful about writing something down...or in this case, typing it on screen.

I remember hearing someone say many years ago (on Oprah, of course) that the best way to become the person you want to be is to write down 10 things you would be doing if you were that person. Then start doing those 10 things. That way, you can't help but become that person...or at least a better version of you.

That's probably the smartest way to go about resolutions. Don't write down the big picture goal. Write down the steps that it takes to get there.

Still, there are some big things that you just do, possibly by choosing to change you attitude. This past year, more than ever, I've been reminded of the power of a positive mental outlook. Here are some of my favorite writings on this.

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, gifted ability, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace from that day. We cannot change our past, we cannot change the fact that people will act in certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing that we can do is play on the one string that we have and this string is, Attitude. I am convinced that life is ten percent what happens to me and ninety percent how I react to it. And so it is with you....We are in charge of our Attitudes.

- Chuck Swindoll


Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

- Phillipians 4:8-9

And of course, The Sunscreen Song.

I hope everyone has a wonderful & safe New Year! Cheers!!!