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New Years Resolutions By Lisa Lee May 27, 2004, 16:03 |
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There are many ways in which New Years Resolutions can be recorded. For some, a simple jotting down on paper in a numbered or bulleted format is sufficient. For others, several detailed pages are written describing precisely what needs to be achieved, along with plans on how to take action to achieve the desired outcome.
While the actual format or style that the resolutions are written in does not change the outcome or influence whether or not you are able to meet your resolutions in any given year, taking your resolutions to the scrap table can definetly help you preserve that stage in your life.
Have you ever read an old to do list, grocery list, or journal entry and laughed as you recalled details of your life you had forgotten? So many times when I visit with relatives, a story of days past is retold. At some point, there is usually a discussion of what really happened. There are several versions of the story, but no one quite recalls for sure. Was the car green or blue? Was it Roy or Jimmy? Of course, in the end, memories become a little more clear, however, so much of the story is left untold.
While looking through my old papers and writings I found several of my New Years Resolutions and goal lists. As I read through these writings from my past, I was able to watch myself walk through the different phases of my life. I remember feeling defeat during challenging times, and how I was filled with joy when I had accomplished something important. I was able to relive my past, if only for a brief moment as I read.
I found that life has a way of changing perceptions, especially in the area of what is truly important in life. As I read through my writings, I laughed as I remembered how I used to want to be a Mommy to 6 children. I wanted to become a famous concert violinist, marry a rich man, and live in a big city. I wanted to name my first daughter, Laura. I wanted to travel the world. I wanted to be a teacher. These are my dreams at age 12.
Over time, my journals became practical bullet point style lists. Many of my goals remained constant for several years: lose weight, go to college, get a job, save money, get a car, quit eating out, avoid pizza and chocolate. I remember feeling so frustrated at myself as my dreams were somehow unreachable to me. My journals are heart felt keys to my life that I will treasure for years to come. I am thankful I have the whole picture of my life to scrap from, not just the picture perfect moments, but the real life me. My memories, the details, are written from the little girl, teenager, and early adult woman I used to be. Although I am still the same person, I have changed so much. The changes that happen in just 12 short months is certainly something to scrap about!
One day, my children will read these lists of mine. I truly hope as they read through my journaling, they will realize it is alright not to achieve every hope and dream. Not every dream is meant to be. Sometimes, the best laid out plans, don't seem to fit into the bigger scheme of life. Most of all, I hope they see that I never gave up on the goals and dreams that were truly important to me overall.
No, I don't have six children, nor am I a famous concert violinist. I am married, but we aAs we ring in the new year, many of us make lists of goals we would like to see ourselves achieve. For many, this is a traditional list making time. A time of planning for the future, a time for reflection, a time for dreams to be put into motion. This is the time to capture our inner most thoughts, goals, and dreams and put them to paper.
There are many ways in which New Years Resolutions can be recorded. For some, a simple jotting down on paper in a numbered or bulleted format is sufficient. For others, several detailed pages are written describing precisely what needs to be achieved, along with plans on how to take action to achieve the desired outcome.
While the actual format or style that the resolutions are written in does not change the outcome or influence whether or not you are able to meet your resolutions in any given year, taking your resolutions to the scrap table can definetly help you preserve that stage in your life.
Have you ever read an old to do list, grocery list, or journal entry and laughed as you recalled details of your life you had forgotten? So many times when I visit with relatives, a story of days past is retold. At some point, there is usually a discussion of what really happened. There are several versions of the story, but no one quite recalls for sure. Was the car green or blue? Was it Roy or Jimmy? Of course, in the end, memories become a little more clear, however, so much of the story is left untold.
While looking through my old papers and writings I found several of my New Years Resolutions and goal lists. As I read through these writings from my past, I was able to watch myself walk through the different phases of my life. I remember feeling defeat during challenging times, and how I was filled with joy when I had accomplished something important. I was able to relive my past, if only for a brief moment as I read.
I found that life has a way of changing perceptions, especially in the area of what is truly important in life. As I read through my writings, I laughed as I remembered how I used to want to be a Mommy to 6 children. I wanted to become a famous concert violinist, marry a rich man, and live in a big city. I wanted to name my first daughter, Laura. I wanted to travel the world. I wanted to be a teacher. These are my dreams at age 12.
Over time, my journals became practical bullet point style lists. Many of my goals remained constant for several years: lose weight, go to college, get a job, save money, get a car, quit eating out, avoid pizza and chocolate. I remember feeling so frustrated at myself as my dreams were somehow unreachable to me. My journals are heart felt keys to my life that I will treasure for years to come. I am thankful I have the whole picture of my life to scrap from, not just the picture perfect moments, but the real life me. My memories, the details, are written from the little girl, teenager, and early adult woman I used to be. Although I am still the same person, I have changed so much. The changes that happen in just 12 short months is certainly something to scrap about!
One day, my children will read these lists of mine. I truly hope as they read through my journaling, they will realize it is alright not to achieve every hope and dream. Not every dream is meant to be. Sometimes, the best laid out plans, don't seem to fit into the bigger scheme of life. Most of all, I hope they see that I never gave up on the goals and dreams that were truly important to me overall.
No, I don't have six children, nor am I a famous concert violinist. I am married, but we are not rich .... and, yes, my first daughter is named Laura. While not all of those dreams and goals were met, the memories remain. Somehow, I feel a sense of achievement after walking down the memory lane with a few short to do lists from my past. I challenge you, as you write your New Years Resolutions this year and put your plans into action, take that first step and scrap it! The memories you save, are truly your own.
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