Friday, January 7, 2011

It's Been a Long Time

It has been awhile since I last blogged. The family and I have been struggling in all areas that challenge life. Financial, marriage, children, family issues, continuing education, volunteering...you name it. Since I have become the main bread winner now, on top of the full household duties, it's been a challenge to think of something novel to write about (let alone the time).

With the little one asleep and it being Friday night, now was my time to sit and reflect on the month. It's January, and it's the month of promises of things to be. The whole year is ahead of you, with possibilities and plans to be made.

With the idea of making a resolution, I decided not to do what I always do. Every year I made a resolution that I usually don't intend to keep.

This year I decided to resolve to not force myself to do anything I don't really want to do. 

I have been going to the gym 4-5 days a week since August, and I have lost 25lbs so far. But I won't resolve to lose weight this year, it's just going to continue to be part of my life.

I have three different projects I volunteer with, but I won't resolve to give more then I can. I will manage my time better to streamline my home life with the charitable life.

Struggling with how to meet financial needs as well as finish school has been hard. But this year, I will just keep moving forward to meet both.  The long term goal is in sight, I just have to be patient.

I was kind of down on myself this last year. I turned 25, a quarter of a century. Sitting down and looking at my life, I asked "how much I have accomplished?" Being a historian, I immediately compared my life to our great leaders and gifted writers who have done tremendous feats even before my age. Had a bit of a Odysseus moment :)

If I accomplish anything this year, it will be to become a happier person, supporting my family, continue giving my time charitably, and finding a productive use of my time. I would see that as a win in my book.

It's been a long time since I've had this quiet time, but on reflecting, everyone needs this time. A time to re-evaluate your life and set your priorities. No one should let this time slip away. I hope you will do the same. Take some time for you, to preserve your happiness and goals, not letting them slip away.