Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes

I love beginnings. I always enjoyed September when the new school year promised a fresh start. Maybe I would get new friends. I would most certainly learn something new.

Since I’m no longer in school, January has replaced September as the month for beginnings. No matter what I did or didn’t do the previous year, I have a chance to try again with new goals and new perspectives.

However, the reality is that if nothing changes, I will only get as far as I did the year before.

Do I want to be a more prayerful person? 
Then I have to pray – intentionally and specifically. 

Do I want to read more of the wonderful books I have collected on my shelves? 

Then I have to schedule time to do it, perhaps even cutting out other things I usually do. 

Do I want to be healthy physically, spiritually, and emotionally?
Then I have to sleep well, eat well, exercise, and care for my soul.

This year I want to:

Write More – blogs, thankyous, and newsletters


… so I need to think about what stories I want to tell,  and then set aside the time to write them down

De-clutter

… so I need to schedule times to drag things out of closets, and then throw, sell, or give them away.

Read More

… so I need to make a list every month what I want to read, and then make time to do it.

You can probably tell that my best strategy for change is to PLAN TO DO IT! 

Lists, calendars, journals, and schedules are my friends
... who guide me away from wasting time,
... and lead me to new ideas, reflection, and opportunities to care for others.

Here’s to changes in 2016!