I'm not one who thinks much about the coming of a new year. January 1 typically feels much like December 31 to me. But this year is different. Not only am I ready to leave 2009 behind, I am ready for 2010 because this year the new year feels like a fresh start – a rebirth.
The last 14 months have been difficult for me. I've been in a dark place since we moved to Virginia. But in the last month or so, I've turned a corner. And in turning that corner, the lessons from this year are starting to come into focus more clearly. There's some good, some bad, and some ugly. Here are a few things I've learned.
I am (still) a survivor. I've always believed that I could survive anything. I was raised by my mother's strong example about how we are survivors and how we will do whatever it takes to make it in life. Period. But this year, I've struggled to rebound from the sadness I've felt leaving family and friends behind when we moved. It has certainly taken much longer than I expected to get on my feet again. But I have come to a place where I am starting to see a breakthrough.
Surviving might have been a little easier if I had pursued my faith. I've lacked the desire and the discipline to seek a meaningful relationship with Christ in the last year. I've found it very difficult to get motivated to attend church regularly, to read my bible regularly, and to give praise to God regularly. I know from experience that life is richer when passionately pursuing that relationship with heart, mind, body, and soul. And I know that God wants us to rise up from the ashes. Where I've been trying to survive, He wants me to thrive. Well I want to thrive, too. More on that later.
Love languages can change. For as long as I can remember, my love language has been words of affirmation and Jerry has been "bi-lingual" with acts of service and physical touch. Funny how a move across the country, a new job, a major home remodel, and a baby can shake things up a bit. We've been reassessing our love languages and how we can better meet each other's needs. I'm excited to see where this is headed.
I need to take better care of myself. Through diet. Through exercise. Through doing more of the things that bring me happiness. I've neglected all of this. That's got to change.
A baby changes everything. You know my thoughts on this. I love being a mom. Alex is a delight. I can't imagine life without him.
Blogsville rocks. Blogging has become one of life's simple pleasures for me. I get to keep up with my mom and my best friends. I get to see all kinds of fabulous home decorating inspiration. And I've gotten to meet some wonderful new friends, which just so happened to lead to Alex's first date. Meet Nanny, Solar, and Lila. Such a fun outing.
So these are a few of my reflections from 2009. In one of my reflections, I mentioned something about thriving. Well that's my ultimate goal for 2010. And if I'm going to thrive, I've got to set some resolutions to do things differently. Here's what it looks like for January.Mission: THRIVE
Goals for January 2010
Deepen my faith by
Attending church every weekend we are in town
Starting a bible study
Deepen my marriage by
Reading His Needs Her Needs
Having a date night at least once a month
Demonstrate self-care by
Committing to some type of physical activity/movement 4 days a week
Eating at least two fruits or veggies per day (sadly, this is an improvement!)
Happy New Year, everyone!
10 comments:
Yeah!!! We begin the Mission! I see so many things on your list that are mirrored on mine... I think as we move forward our "family mobile" will right itself to the thrive mode. And, while you think eating two fruits or vegetables was, sadly, an improvement... what struck me as, sadly, an improvement for me... was to sit with God five times a week. There was a time I would not have thought about starting a day without a good amount of time sitting on the porch with God... I have drifted. I want back. I love you dearly! Onward, my daughter! Onward!
PS love your sunflowers... that will be on my list of five things that made me feel happy for today... =)
Happy New Year! Great post. I just love how everyone seems so excited and positive about 2010. I feel like I might actually keep my resolutions this year only because you blog friends will keep me accountable.
Can you believe we were both making pizzas? Kindred spirits. Someday hopefully our familys can make pizzas together for New Years.
P.S. Love the new look!
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for stopping by my little old blog and chatting. I love your Mom. She gets me. Isn't that wierd that a person I have never met seems to get me more than some family members?
I am glad to meet you also. I am sure we will help each other to THRIVE this year.
I totally understand how hard it is to move and be away from family and friends. My whole life has involved moving just when you are settled and happy. I grew up military and have married it also. It is a hard thing to move but we do get through it and somehow we become better family members and friends because we realize that they are not to be taken for granted and we cherish them more.
Oh and you baby is adorable.
tammy
I know this year had to be really hard on you, leaving your family at this time in your life. It is very hard to have so many miles between you and "home". We moved many times in my childhood and it was never easy but I was with my family. I did find that everytime we stayed in one place for very long that it became "home". You probably won't be in VA. long enough to have this feeling but you already seem to be over at least one of the hurdles. Realizing you are a survivor and practicing the goals you have set will make 2010 a wonderful year.
I feel so blessed to have started this blogging journey, and that it lead to you and your sweet Mom.
I love your sunny new look!!!!
Happy New Year!
Sounds like you have some great goals for the year. I can't wait to find out what your love laguages are now. Laine and I should read that again. I KNOW mine have changed. I used to be physical touch but I really think mine has changed as our marriage has matured. We read His Needs, Her Needs for our pre-marriage class at church and then again in our Wednesday night group. I think you guys will really enjoy it. Praying for you, Jerry, and Alex in the new year. I miss you tons!
Sounds like your 2010 is off to a good start by setting your goals and striving to thrive! I'm so happy to hear you say you are finding yourself in a better place lately. You definitely deserve all the happiness in the world, whether you are here or there! Here's to a happy, healthy and blessed 2010! Love you guys!
I really enjoyed reading your reflections and resolutions! The beginning of a new year is always a great time to start anew and rekindle the fire! I know the last year has been so tough.
I hate to think of you feeling alone and isolated up there. You've had some incredible changes and milestones and I'm sorry we couldn't be together in person to experience them. What would we do without our blogs??
I miss you tons and will be praying that 2010 makes up for all the bad in 2009!
the 1st year with a baby is the hardest...and you had a move to another state on top of that...sounds like you are headed in the right direction...I really love your Mom's blog..and am glad I found yours...looking forward to seeing your growth...last year was my year to grow...made a lot of changes with my kids grown...and learning to live a new life after raising kids.
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