A few years ago, I began taking inventory of the previous 12 months and posting my intentions for the new year on January 1.
This started because I have never been a fan of the term “resolutions.” Because, well, I’m not resolute about much. However, I would be mistaken to say I don’t ever think about things I intend to do the following year. So instead I annually post my “intentions.” This gives me freedom with them, so if they get done – great! But if not, no biggie.
(Click for 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 inventory & intentions.)
However, I feel like it’s important to look back and know where you came from in order to know where you’re going. To know what was important the following year and what is important now.
So before starting this post, I looked back at last year’s to copy and paste reflect. To be honest, I had forgotten what my intentions were for 2016, but I’m happy to report most of them happened. I decluttered a good amount (still have some to go though … I blame all the kid toys.), we were able to move into a new home and I (Praise, Jesus!) got the attention of a literary agent on my “crazy” book project and signed a contract with her in August.
So 2016 was a good year, overall.
My 2016 Inventory:
- In 2016, I gained not only a new job, but more importantly, a new level of gratitude.
- I lost it on my kids more often than is probably normal.
- I started recognizing not only God’s big and obvious winks, but the little ones He directed my way.
- I stopped comparing myself to others in similar situations & scenarios as me. This brought a new level of freedom I didn’t know was possible.
- I was hugely satisfied by reconnecting with old college and high school friends.
- And frustrated by the anxiety level that kept me awake for hours and hours at night.
- I am so embarrassed how little I bathed my dogs. (Oops.)
- Once again, I wish I hadn’t hoped so much for a certain visit.
- Once again, I wish I could care less they never came.
- The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is I am not breastfeeding and battling all the post-baby crap that comes along with 9 months of pregnancy.
- The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is I have relaxed more in the way I parent and the things I worry about. (#ThirdChildSyndrome)
- I loved seeing family more!
- Why did I spend even two minutes thinking I am the one in control.
- I should have kept up with my bi-monthly habit of memorizing scripture.
- I regret putting my kids before my husband so often.
- I will never regret putting myself out there.
- I spent way too much time arguing with a 3 year old. I’m the adult. She’s the kid. Not worth the energy and time it
took takes. - The most relaxing place I went was Starbucks … or maybe the restroom. People don’t usually ask me to hold them, feed them snacks, or to play dolls in those places. Not even vacations were free of this for me.
- I did not exercise as much as I had intended.
- The best thing I did for myself was not give up when I got tired of it.
- The best thing someone did for me was offer to help with the kids so I could run errands, go work or just take a shower.
- The one thing I’d like to do again, but do it better is take notice and then action to be extra kind when I see others’ needs and/or hurts.
(Fill-in-the-blank template from Mary Schmich at The Chicago Tribune).
2017 Intentions:
- Get a contract with a publisher on the “crazy” book.
- Memorize 2 verses of scripture each month.
- Be more “present” with my kids and husband — able to separate work and home life if, when and where it needs to be separated better.
- Be a better notice-er of people and their needs. (See the last inventory bullet point.)
Happy New Year, OFs! Wishing 2017 to be your best year yet!
What are your 2017 intentions? I’d love to hear them in the comments below!