2015

Happy New Year everyone!  What is your resolution?  Do you make a list of resolutions or do you just have one?  Every year I try to make a list and this year I wrote my list in my 2015 planner.  I carry my yearly planner wherever I go and plan on using this method as my way to see what I am vs. not achieving throughout the year.  This easy to access list will be a constant reminder about my goals because (as we all know) it is difficult to turn over a new leaf.  Old habits are hard to break, right?

Instead of writing down my entire list, I can tell you that I plan on living a more simple life.  I can't say that I am obsessed with social media, but sometimes I find myself scrolling when I should be doing something significant such as reading.  

Speaking of that beautiful word, I read a book called Purpose Driven Life.  As I was reading this book, I found myself writing down so many valid life lessons that I think we should all strive for.  And what a perfect time to share it all with you since we have entered a new year!  This list struck a chord with me and perhaps will do the same for you. Enjoy!

1.  Don't allow your past to control your future.  

2.  Don't spend your life running from regret.

3.  Many people are driven by resentment or anger.  Clamming up and internalizing or blowing up is not good.  Those from the past continue to hurt you because you hold on to the pain through resentment.  Learn from it and move on!

4.  Many people are driven by fear.  Don't miss out on great opportunities to venture out.

5.  Many people are driven by materialism.  Possessions only provide temporary happiness because these "things" don't change.  We become bored and want bigger and better versions.  Self worth and net worth is not the same.  The most valuable things in life are not things.

6.  Many people are driven by the need of approval. If you follow a crowd you will get lost in it.  Don't try to please everyone. 

7.  Knowing your purpose of life gives meaning to your life.  You need hope to cope.

8.  Knowing your purpose simplifies your life.  Don't do too much.  A pretentious life is an empty life.  A plain and simple life is a full life.  

9.  Knowing your purpose focuses your life.  Do little, stay focused, concentrate only on what is truly important. 

10. Knowing your purpose will motivate you and prepare you for eternity.  

*This book is based on Christian faith.  I was baptized and raised Lutheran, but my son was baptized Catholic.  To me, I think there is power in every religion and I can't say I am just one.  I am just a believer.  The reason why I am sharing this is because I think church can be a positive fresh start for all of us.  One priority on my 2015 list is to attend church more because sometimes we just need to believe in something/feel good when there is so much negativity in the world.

XOXO