My head is quite literally 'swimming' with blogging ideas today. Having spent a week skiing in the Alps, the altitude seems to have affected my equilibrium and I feel as though I've just jumped off the fastest merry-go-round ever created!
This particular post has been buzzing around my mind for a few days and today is the first moment I've had to put fingertips to keyboard, so here goes.....
Over the past week or so, I have noticed how many bloggers, tweeters and general social networking addicts, have highlighted their dislike of New Year's resolutions. Being a very focussed and goal-orientated person, I feel a genuine 'need' to set myself a new challenge. The start of a new year fills me with excitement as I consider what I can change, begin or achieve in the year ahead. Does anyone else feel like this or am I the only total nutter on the planet?!
In the past I have resolved to eat healthier, quit snacking, abstain from alcohol during the week, phone people more regularly, drink more water, join a gym (hasn't everyone done that at least a few times?!), take up running.....and the list goes on. By nature I am a determined person and so usually do manage to see these goals through but this year, I struggled to find the motivation to come up with anything new.
On the plane home from Grenoble, I was fortunate enough to be sitting without any children (how did I manage that?!) and so thought I would take the opportunity to listen to a podcast that had been sitting on my iphone for a few weeks now. The title was 'Soul Detox' and the speaker was Craig Groeschel (he has also written a book with the same title, which I plan to read in 2013). I won't go into too much detail on the content but whilst listening, I quickly realised that for me, 2013 would be about 'Detoxing the Soul' - clearing out the rubbish, the negative thoughts, the critical accusations, the things that hold me back (whatever that is for me, this might be very different for you).
2012 was essentially a good year for me but I can look back at certain moments and know that I disappointed myself: if I had my time again, I would do them very differently. Of course this will inevitably happen again in 2013, but I hope that these occasions will be fewer and further between. So this year, instead of choosing to focus on the typical new year's resolutions of getting fitter, slimmer or
healthier (although I'm not disputing that these all have a place), I
have decided to set an example to my children as well as myself, and
concentrate on detoxing my soul. In short, my goal for 2013 is to end it being a little closer to the
person God intended me to be and a little less focussed on the outward
'me'.
About 3 months ago, I set up another blog entitled 'Nuggets of Gold'. My intention was to use this corner of the internet to document my journey with God. If any of you have ever clicked on it, you will see that I have yet to write a single post! This year I plan to start writing it and if you're interested in following, the URL is http://searchingforthegold.blogspot.co.uk (can't promise when the first post will go 'live' though!). This blog will not replace 3 Children and It, I fully intend to continue documenting the amusing anecdotes of our chaotic world and the two blogs will remain separate.
Do you have a goal for 2013? Or are you rolling your eyes in bewilderment over my need to focus?!
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Definitely keeping an eye on that other blog! I am terrible at quiet times and try to follow Christian blogs instead in order to get some sustenance! really hope your blog goes live soon :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
I am similar with 'quiet times' Lauren so I think that by writing down what I feel God is saying, this will help me to focus and remember. Thanks for commenting and looking forward to reading more from you this year too :)
DeleteI much prefer the idea of setting myself goals as opposed to resolutions and mine is similar to yours, I just need to work out a way to go about it. I must say 2012 was quite possibly the worst year for me since my mum died nearly 9 years ago but it has taught me a lot and I hope to carry that (and my renewed positive thinking) forward.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear that 2012 wasn't good for you. Don't take that into the new year but continue into 2013 with positivity. Well done you :)
DeleteThere's nothing like a fresh start - like that first blank page in a new exercise book at school. Of course by the end of term it is just as messy as the old book, but so is life, don't you think. I might be biased but I think you are great the way you are. Keep doing what you're doing already is what I say. However - I shall be looking out for the other blog too and know I still have a lot to learn in my 70th year!
ReplyDeleteI feel JUST like Supergran about new years. I usually take the new year/fresh start type even as a good excuse to try to set myself goals. You could call them resolutions I suppose. Sometimes you need a clear starting point (1st January being pretty clear) in order to make the move to making some changes. Great post. x
DeleteOoh you replied to one another! Being my mother, Supergran, I am pleased you like me as I am but there's always room for improvement ;) Mum in a Hurry - fresh starts can be anytime of year, I guess that 1st January seems neater for some reason! Thanks for commenting :)
DeleteI do goals instead of resolutions and I don't get myself all stressed out about it. For me, Jan is like a time to reflect - so I think I would really enjoy reading that book.
ReplyDeleteA new year for me is a time to re-charge and get back on track.
Absolutely agree. I love a fresh start - mulling over the past and moving into the future. Thanks for commenting :)
DeleteI LOVE resolutions and start forming mine mid-Novemeber. My post today was on blogging introspection and I have done a lot of the personal type too...maybe there's something I the air? Funnily enough one of my personal resolutions is to go to church more (currently one of those dreadful Easter and Christmas people!) I think in the hope of support, community and guidance. I am 40 this year and its hitting me hard!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up again. Look forward to the other blog taking off!
Mid-November? That's very 'on the ball'! Try to stick to that resolution of going to church - worth seeking out a good one though, there are so many that might do you more harm than good! Maybe start with reading some good Christian books, they are always good for guidance. Thanks for commenting and for hosting 'The Monday Club'
DeleteThis sounds a brilliant goal and I'd love to know how you are going to do it as I need to be less negative.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with 2 blogs and thank you for sharing.
It's an experiment but one that is about choices and mindset, I think. Not sure how I will juggle two blogs - got to set the other one up first!
DeleteI usually make resolutions, but haven't this year. A new baby and a house renovation project mean I'm just going to roll with it. I don't want to then feel bad about myself if I haven't lived up to my personal pledge to myself to do x/y/z because I was short of time/ needed to give myself a break. Instead I've noted down some good intentions and aspirations to refer to - as and when I want/ need to. I don't need to slavishly follow them and they're not written in stone but, I guess, just things to be mindful of.
ReplyDeleteI think the idea of a soul detox is fascinating. Would love to read more about that as you progress with it. Happy New Year x
I think you certainly have more than enough on your plate lol! Sounds like you are being very sensible. Thanks for commenting and Happy New Year to you too!
Deletei can't wait to see your new blog!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah, mentioning it in the hope that I will actually get off my backside and start it!
DeleteThat's a lovely new years resolution - good luck with it - and keep us posted, pardon the pun. I haven't really thought about my resolutions this year yet, apart from sitting down to write a novel - I think that's a big enough aspiration though, not quite sure where I will find the time - some early mornings?
ReplyDeleteThank you OM. I'm not sure how I will go about posting my success or even measuring it as such, but I just want to be mindful of my behaviour, actions and more importantly, thoughts. I think the rest will follow. Not sure how you'll find the time to write that novel either but early mornings sound like a kind of plan?!
DeleteFab goal for the new year, you really spo to me the other day when you said that you can't take yoru body with you!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the new blog, tweet me when it is live and I'll add it to my blog roll so I can keep up with you.
Mich x
How did you get to sit by yourself on the plane??? Hope you enjoyed skiing x
ReplyDeleteIt was a small miracle Louise...the kids all wanted to sit together and who was I to stand in their way?!
DeleteNew Year's Resolutions? I want to sort all my photos out. Not put the little man's first year in an album yet and he is two and a half now. If I can get that done I would be very happy. A bit of a small resolution!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the posting. x
Any resolution is a good one in my book...I'm also well behind on photo collating, everyone has different priorities! Thanks for commenting :)
DeleteMy New Year's goal was to be more patient with my children. And I managed it - for 20 minutes!
ReplyDeleteWell I know immediately that I would be onto a loser with that one....I've tried, many times!
DeleteDon't go changing too much, I rather like you just the way you are.
ReplyDeleteOur resolution is to write down on a piece of paper all the good things that happen in our lives, that we are fortunate to be a part of. These are then put in a jar, and at the end of the year we will look back at all the wonderful opportunities that we have had. It can be too easy to forget how blessed our lives can be sometimes.
Happy new year my friend.
xx
Argh, is this Bel?! I assume that it is, as I know that we are both doing the 'thankful jar', also part of my detox process but this time I'm dragging my family along! I'm sure I won't change that much ;) x x
DeleteWe started last year with prophetic words for each other as part of our first 'sort of' homegroup of the year(it is not a proper church homegroup but just 4 families who are friends that meet up each month for a meal and then pray for eac other) - having read your post has made me want to dig out that piece of paper and see what has / hasn't happened and then focus on this year from that point and see what God has in store for us this year. That probably doesn't make much sense without the specifics but i'm going to see if i can find that bit of paper now and then hopefully i'll be able to make more sense of what i'm trying to say!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to do something similiar - a Tweeter sent me a link to a document to help you focus and plan for the new year, as well as long back on the old one. Would be interested to hear more about yours....Thanks for commenting :)
DeleteIt sounds like a much harder resolution to me but rewarding. if you do it.
ReplyDeleteI'm determined to give it a blummin' good go!
DeleteWhat a fabulous theme for the year! I am aiming to find myself again after spending last year in a pnd fog. A more positive outlook is definately something to aim for and it will hopefully rub off on the rest of the family! Happy New Year xx
ReplyDeleteI hope the year has gone as intended so far.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great resolution - good luck - how are you doing with it?
ReplyDeletexxx
Wow! Focus is good and I am intrigued too with how you are doing with it?
ReplyDeleteI prefer to look at my year retrospectively, looking at my achievements as with small children, sometimes set objectives don't always go to plan.
I am quite skeptical of the bloggers who say they don't make resolutions... then they go and make resolutions but call them something else! They are still resolutions! lol. I made resolutions, I think the start of the new year is a great time to summarise the things about yourself you want to improve. Through making resolutions, I feel I have become a better person. xx
ReplyDelete