I have been thinking about New Year's Resolutions more than usual this year. To be honest, I usually don't make one resolution. I don't have much faith in my ability to get more than a week or two into my program without abandoning it. I know this doesn't say good things about my moral character, but there you have it.
But since I am preaching this weekend, on the cusp of the new year, I've been thinking about the whole "resolution" thing, and what kind of resolutions I might make, if I were the resolution-making sort of girl.
1. Walk the dog more. Also just play more. Invent more games to play with Scout. See which ones she likes best.
2. Make soup more often.
3. Pay attention to relationships. Listen to what people say, and what they don't say. Delight in their word choices.
4. Worry less. Trust people. If they let me down, forgive them. If I let me down, forgive myself. Remember that happens more often than I care to admit.
5. Fail. Keep failing until I succeed.
6. Write. Write. Write. Write. Write.
7. Find at least one person to write with, and to hold me accountable develop writing and publishing goals.
8. Meet more bloggers.
9. Laugh more often. Cultivate relationships with people who are good at laughing. Remember G.K. Chesterton's quote: "Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly."
10. Hold hands with my husband more often.
11. Sing. Write poetry. Stand on my head. See things from a new perspective.
What about you? What do you want to do in 2008?
Also, here is Kate's list
Diane, the internet is my vice, or perhaps, my addiction. I need to spend more time with real live people and less time at the keyboard and looking at the computer screen. Who knew that this would happen? Not me, that's for sure. I'll work on this one.
ReplyDeleteOh. One more. Be on time for church and other appointments. From a pastor's viewpoint, how annoying are latecomers? Tell the truth, now. Don't spare my feelings.
BTW, I like your list.
Nice list. I guess I want to
ReplyDeleteplay with my cats more
be more disciplined about walking daily; and
find a like-minded, night person, buddy to play and travel with ... really want to get to New York City for a couple of weeks in the not too distant future.
grandmere, I know how you feel. I really do like the relationships I've found here, but I need to keep paying attention to REAL LIVE PEOPLE. That's part of what my work is about.
ReplyDeleteSerena, hope you find your play buddy!
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ReplyDeleteI can't say what my resolutions are but let me tell you, I loved reading yours.
ReplyDeletegrandmere- i don't mind latecomers to church at all (speaking as a pastor). i'm just glad they're there whenever they get there.
ReplyDeletesteve has issued me a challenge for 2008 that i think will shape my resolutions. we'll see.
great list.
Grandmere, I'm with more cows. I'm relieved when people show up. Actually, more annoyed when friends are late meeting for lunch, etc.
ReplyDeleteMore cows, I'm looking forward to your list!
If anyone wants to write a list on their own site, I will link to you!
ReplyDeletejust let me know.
Good luck, remember it takes an average of 21 days (in a row) for an act to become habit.
ReplyDeleteDiane, you have sensible and ambitious goals. I like them all.
ReplyDeleteI also know I need to spend less time with blogging. I don't want to lose contact with friends I've made here though. This will take some serious pondering about limits.
Thanks for putting yours out here. They're a guide I like.
jan, I know what you mean about blogging. The writing part is a good discipline. but I have to figure out a way to go to the next step on the writing, really developing a piece. blogging may get in the way with that.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's an impressive list...I want to find a new job, and go to the college of preachers Preaching and Poetry session in February. I want to do yoga more often and meditate again. And, I just want to enjoy life...
ReplyDeleteMompriest, that preaching and poetry session, wow, that sounds awesome. wish I could go. I'd like to go to the festival of homiletics this year, too.
ReplyDeleteI REALLY need to stop chewing my fingernails.....quite a loft goal, don't ya think? Your list is better. :)
ReplyDeleteno, dust bunny, I LIKE yours. very practical...there's another resolution. be more practical.
ReplyDeleteI'm not one for resolutions, but I think I could handle #5. I'm fairly consistent in my failures.
ReplyDeleteThe only resolution I will make any more is to resolve to finish what is in front of me. And if that happens to be a whipped cream covered slice of pecan pie, well so be it!
ReplyDeleteYou have an admirable list.
I'm with presbyterian gal... pass the pie :)
ReplyDelete(Actually I'll have to ponder my list!)
Diane I think that is a splendid list! I'm not not doing resolutions but things I plan to be "intentional" about...and will post the list as it is complete.
ReplyDeleteNot a long list, but an intentional one is posted at my place.
ReplyDeleteI will spend the next 21 days installing a habit of being more spontaneous on a regular basis.
ReplyDeleteI will be more assertive...well, as long as it's ok with everybody.
You are far more righteous than I, as you are contemplating resolutions. At any moment, I could choose to become a better person. What moment shall I choose?
Douglas, what everyone appears to have missed is that I said, these are the resolutions I WOULD make, IF I were the resolution-making sort of person.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how righteous I am.
Coming in late here (and like the other clergy, I'd much rather have latecomers than no-showers)Id' not intended to do much by way of resolving anything...but there are so many good ideas abounding online, so I have jumped in too.
ReplyDeleteNumber 9 is my favorite. It would help with number 4. :)
ReplyDelete