A Daisy Thru Concrete
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Goodbye / HelloThe new year is always a mixture of emotions for me and this one is no different. I feel excited for all that is going to happen and regretful for the things I'm leaving behind. I'm happy. I'm sad. It's difficult to say if I enjoy the day or not...but alas, it is here again.
I normally take a goal-oriented approach versus a resolution approach, since statistically people don't stick with resolutions. Either way, I have hopes and plans for 2008 and I hope that I am able to bring all of them to fruition.
The theme for this year is The Seven Deadly Sins.
1. Lust
I will make myself feel sexy in my mid-thirties, instead of seeking compliments from others to do so. I will battle the temptations to gain the attention of others by being flirtatious and/or using sexual inuendos. I will remind myself that I only need to cause the arrousal and gain the desire of one man - the man that has proven his love to me over and over without reservation or restrictions. I will accept that true love is not based on fairy tale ideals or romantic gestures, but on commitment, loyalty, honesty, and humility.
2. Gluttony
I will eat for the nutritional benefits, instead of just eating for the sake of eating. I will eat until I feel satisfied, instead of gorging myself unnecessarily out of boredom or any other emotion. I will eat healthier and smarter. I will cook more and eat out less. I will try new things in order to expand the very small list of foods I will eat.
3. Greed
I will focus my attentions on the blessings in my life and stop looking for a way to have "more". I will be thankful for all that I have, instead of thinking it's not enough.
I will release my hold on those people and relationships in my life that want to be let go. I will let go friendships where the other person has deemed me unnecessary or unworthy of affection and/or forgiveness, instead of trying to force them to love me or want me in their lives.
4. Sloth
I will become more physically active. I will seek ways to better my health and appearance. I will express my love for nature by including its precense in my daily activity, even if it means going out alone.
I will quit smoking. Laziness or fear will no longer hinder my desire to breathe deeper and live longer. Laziness and fear will no longer keep me smelling like an ashtray instead of the great vanilla body spray and lotion I put on. I will quit smoking this year!
I will put more efforts towards being more active in mind, as well. I will continue and be more focused towards my geneology project. I will read the newspaper and watch the news. I will educate myself about the community I live in and the goings-on in the world (foreign and domestic). I will study politics and government. I will learn about religions and find my spiritual place among them.
5. Wrath
I will make peace with myself. I will accept punishment and accountability only for my behavior, instead of taking responsibility for others.
I will give forgiveness to those that have hurt me. I will seek professional help, if necessary, to extinguish the nightmares that haunt my nights and find a way to accept my life's tragedies new and old without visions of punishing those responsible for causing me pain.
I will recognize that not everyone has the same work ethic as me. I will resist the temptation to condone or criticize those that don't adhere to the same level of professionalism as I do. I will stay calmer when faced with issues and stresses at work. I will leave work at work.
6. Envy
I will be more genuine in my happiness for others successes. I will fight off the urge to be sullen after every engagement/wedding announcement. I will push back the pangs of jealousy at the sight of every toddler and/or protruding belly. I will remember my time with my dad, instead of wishing for more. I will recognize the creative and artistic talents I was given, instead of wishing I could do what someone else does.
7. Pride
I will start loving myself, instead of loathing myself. I will recognize my positive qualities instead of comparing myself to others. I will become comfortable in my own skin and with the abilities I have.
I will ask for help instead of trying to do it on my own. I will seek medical attention for my ailments. I will admit when I don't know how to do something. I will open up myself to others, instead of hiding behind a fake wall of strength and competence in an effort to camoflauge my vulnerabilities.
I will continue to point out others' positive qualities and praise them when they do well. I will continue to put others ahead of myself, but not so far ahead that I'm lost in the dust. I will always look for the good in another person and find beauty in those around me where others might not.
I think that about covers it. Of course, finalizing my dissolution/divorce to my estranged husband is still on the list....but it appears as if that will be coming very early in the year thanks to a rather substantial forthcoming tax return. My three (almost four) year wait to become divorced may finally be coming to a close, but only time will tell.
I wish all of you a wonderful new year. Here's to new beginnings, continued success, and countless happy memories in 2008! Much love to you all!
Labels: 2008
