Happy New Year!

This is the same post I make almost every year. Sometimes I adjust it depending on my needs or life situation. So far it has worked for me.

A New Year is right around the corner! A brand new clean calendar! It is up to each one of us what we do with it. Each year I make the same basic goals with a possible extra or two tossed in for good measure. I prefer to use "goals" instead "resolutions" because I feel 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 hop 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 part of it.

4. To enjoy my family and friends. I am lucky to have each and every one of them in my life.

5. Organize and Simplify! Two keys words I always yearn to make a part of my everyday routine but often lose focus on. Organize does not mean that I have to go on a cleaning rampage each day. It just means I need to get my life and things that are part of my life in some sort 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 take on more than I can handle or feel will leave me stressed out!

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

7.  To keep my faith alive and strong.

8. A Random Act of Kindness. Like so many others, I was raised to do them. Only back then they were called "manners" or just plain "consideration for others". So many people still do these and without even realizing it. For the New Year coming up, I challenge myself along with each and every one of you to make RAK's a regular part of your life and to become more aware of them. Whether it means opening a door for a person, buying a stranger a cup of coffee, taking the grocery cart back inside the store or something else. Let us all strive to bring back those values and in doing so we will give back and make someone's day a little brighter!

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 the 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 patience more often. I will try to live by the good old standard "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all".

And of course the New Year would not be complete without a few just plain fun goals!

1. Start taking 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!

3. Take more pictures.

4. Continue to write in my gratitude journal daily.

5. To update my blog more often.

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