Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year!

This is the same post I make at the end of each year with a few changes here and there to suit the time of my life. It may get old to some but it works for me.

A New Year is right around the corner! A brand new clean calendar! It's up to each one of us what we do with it. Each year I make the same goals with a possible extra or two tossed in for good measure. I prefer to use "goals" instead of "resolutions" because I feel that I am taking already important things in my life and putting my focus on strengthening them.

1. To make an effort to learn something new every day. The joy of knowledge is indeed a blessing no matter what you choose to learn.

2. To make time for myself. It's amazing what 15 minutes sitting on the deck with a hot cup of coffee and watching the birds can do for my soul. A little time each day to refresh my spirit is all it takes.

3. To take time to appreciate each day. Too often we forget to see the beauty around us and take the simple things in life for granted. My continued goal is to look with my eyes but to see with my heart. To simply enjoy life and all that is a part of it.

4. To enjoy my family and friends. I am lucky to have each and every one of them in my life. I have been blessed with so many online friends and each day I am grateful for each one of you! My online stitching and blogging friends are a very important part of my life!

5. Organize and Simplify! Two key words I always yearn to make a part of my everyday routine but often lose focus on. Organize doesn't mean I have to go on a cleaning rampage each day. It just means I need to get my life and things that are a part of my life in some of manageable order so that I feel comfortable instead of constantly overwhelmed. Not putting things off until the last minute can contribute greatly to this cause! Simplify! Just what it means - plain and simple! Stop making a mountain out of a mole hill, do what I can and leave the rest, don't volunteer for more than I feel I can handle or feel will stress me out!

6. To Remember. So many people have come and gone from my life over the recent years and I want to keep their memory alive.

7. To keep my faith alive and strong.

8. The past several years have been horrible for us and have only continued to get worse. Changing things will be hard and will not happen immediately but I am determined to get our lives on track again.

9. To Forgive. Things happen that cause hurt, anger and resentment but often the people who cause these emotions don't care. We are the ones left with bitter feelings that only mount up and make us more and more miserable. I will let the past remain in the past and let go of these feelings so that I can move on with my life.

10. To use kind words and practice patience more often. I will try to live by the good old standard saying "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

And of course the New Year just wouldn't be complete without a few just plain fun goals!

1. Take more trips. Even day trips can be fun.

2. No pressure. Keep the fun and joy in stitching. This is why I started in the first place! I actually have several special projects planned for this year but will keep them a secret until I start.

3. Work on some WIPs I have been neglectful of. Each stitch on them brings me a little closer to a finish!

4. I also have a lot of freebies, smalls and magazine patterns I have been wanting to stitch.

5. Take more pictures.

Have a safe New Year's Eve! Thanks for stopping by! Until next time, may you have simple days and an uncluttered heart.

15 comments:

Margaret said...

I like your New Years posts. 2011 was a tough year for us as well. I'm hoping 2012 is a good year for us all! Happy New Year!

Joanie said...

Happy New Year! I loved this post and your goals are very similar to mine. 2011 wasn't a gem for me and I'm hoping that I've turned that bend and 2012 is a stellar year for both of us! I enjoy your blog so much, so please keep posting!

Catherine said...

Great post, full of things that I think I need to try and follow as well! Here's to a wonderful 2012!

MoonBeam said...

Excellent!

Shelleen said...

Happy New Year and a great post.

Lori said...

Amen Sister! Happy new year!!

Anna van Schurman said...

Happy New Year!

CalamityJr said...

That's a wonderful list. Thanks for sharing.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Always good to refresh, renew and remember old tenants :)
I'm taking many pages from your book here! Happy New Year!

barbara said...

Best wishes, Sherry!!

Littlebit said...

What a lovely, lovely post, my friend..Happy New Year, and I pray 2012 will be uplifting for you and yours.

The Scarlett House said...

Happy New Year, dear Sherry!

Brigitte said...

I love your list, it's so thoughtfully assembled. I hope 2012 will be a great year for you and yours.

Siobhán said...

Wonderful goals for 2012! 2011 stunk sooooo badly for us--I just pray that 2012 is better for the world, you and yours, me and mine, etc. Here's hoping!

Carolyn NC said...

What wonderful words of wisdom! Hope this year is blessed for you.