a new year

resolutions for me look the same every. year.

study the scriptures more, make it to the gym, cook. in general. and be a better mother/wife.

way too general. way too vague. way too unachievable.

maybe this year I just won't resolute to do anything.

*cringe*

me? the notorious list maker? so much so, that I sometimes color coordinate my lists according to priority... (a major problem, I know). me? NOT make a list!?

I just can't not do it.

so I'll take a different approach...

my resolution:

BE HAPPIER.

there was a time when that would have been a no brainer. I was actually told once that I must be fake, because no one could really be that happy all the time.

pretty sure no one would say that now. Not that I am unhappy. I'm not! I love my life, but do my outward actions mimic what is in my heart? (don't answer. the question is rhetorical.)

a few small goals to help me be happier...

* let it be. -- this will for sure be the hardest thing. a perfectionist at heart, can not just let it be. I  should know. so, I am going to consciously do my very best to step back, and not make things perfect. who knows? Maybe I will find joy in mediocrity. (that sounded bad. I didn't mean for it to...)

* Jean Valjean my life. --seen Les Miserables? it has changed my life. I love the scene where the bishop forgives Valjean and says "I have saved your soul for God."

right now, I think I live my life for myself. I think it would help my happiness tremendously if I turned that over to the Lord.

* expect nothing in return. --dishes, cooking, cleaning, you name it. serve, and do not keep score.

* make time for me. --not enough to be selfish, but just enough to rejuvenate. allow myself to read, go to yoga, head to brunch, get a babysitter, and not feel guilty about it.

*appreciate more, want less. --in the social media, pinterest, grass is greener society we live in, I am way too involved. a step back would do me good. and a little space would allow me to be grateful for my own, and not jealous of what others have.

2013, this will be the year I discover myself and embrace happiness!