2010 was an interesting year for me both personally and professionally. Those who know me know why (probably more than they need to) but the thing I am most proud of is actually accomplishing my New Year’s Resolution. This day last year, I decided that I would do the impossible. I would run a 5K. Now for most people, that may not seem to be much but for a lifelong asthmatic and non-runner, that was a tall order. Thanks to my good friend and coach, Jackie Allred, I ran my first 5K in May 2010 and completed my second in September 2010.
As I talked with friends and family today, everyone wanted to know what my resolution was going to be this year. I did not have a response for anyone. Now that my house has gone to bed, I sit here wondering what 2011 will bring. How do I want to define 2011? I am a HUGE fan of Gretchen Rubin’s book, The Happiness Project. Recently on her blog, she wrote a post about choosing a one word theme for the new year. I have been thinking about that for the past couple of weeks. Here are some of the thoughts I tossed around:
- COMMUNICATE: do a better job keeping in touch with friends and family, develop a better method of follow through at work, email/text on my cell less, talk on my cell more, etc.
- BREATHE: enjoy the little moments more, take time for me/my son/my husband/my family, get angry less, be more patient
- GIVE: find ways to give to others in less obvious ways, be more present, be less self-absorbed, be a better mom/wife/boss/friend/co-worker
But after debating this, I find that there is not one single path I need to be on. So in the spirit of Gretchen Rubin, I am going to develop my own personal commandments (Gretchen’s are here):
- Be present.
- Laugh often.
- Forgive yourself daily.
- Take deep breaths.
- Dream big.
- If it won’t go, let it go.
- Follow through.
- Keep focused.
- Don’t wait.
- Give all you have all the time.
- Show you care.
- Write it down.
These may not make sense to others but I am hoping they will help me have a great year. Do you have a list of rules or ideals that keep you focused? Would love to hear your ideas!
