New Years' "Resolutions."
It is now 2018.
New Year. New You.
Although I've heard that some people want to steer away from the phrase "new you' because we don't want the perception that YOU isn't already great how you are.
Granted, yes... you rock. YOU are marvelous. Just as you are.
And I love who I am as well. And also, I hope that I always have the ability to grow and become new. I sure HOPE that I never stay the same me. I always want to leave room for growth in who I am as a human, woman, mother, wife, friend, business owner, influencer, entrepreneur, risk-taker..... insert every title I am proud to hold. I don't want to stay the same. I want to continually be transformed into the likeness of God and walk in His calling for my life. So, I'm okay with a new me. I don't want to stay the "old me" or even the "same me."
And then there are the people who don't like to use the word "resolutions." Mostly because "resolutions can fade and so we prefer the term goals or dreams." Whatever word you use:
resolution
goal
dream
vision
intention
mission
ambition
The point is... YOU get to decide if you will follow through with it. Not the word. The word doesn't determine how the definition is lived out and reached. YOU DO.
Just because we call it a "New Years Resolution" does not automatically label it is something that we will purpose toward for the first 7-14 days of January and then abandon. That's not what a resolution is. That's what people have made it to be.
So, if you've created that own definition in your mind, let me clear it up.
RESOLUTION:
1. The act of resolving or determining upon an action, course of action, method, procedure, etc.
2. resolve; a decision or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something.
3. the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose:
YOU get to decide if you will walk purposefully and intentionally in the "resolutions" you set forth for your year. Or at any point in your life. It doesn't really matter if you call it a "goal" or a "dream"- we are in the same playing field here.
Resolutions have been sworn off of as this temporary fantasy that lasts only about a few weeks and has no place in our lives (because we are better than that, right?) But finding RESOLVE in your life is a beautiful thing. It shows determination and grit and courage. Changing old habits and creating a new structure of health and thriving in your life is a worthy act to live.
I've got a whole list of things I want to accomplish this year. And I keep this list handy all year long. I reassess it, making sure it is challenging yet tangible. I check in on my progress as the months go by. Halfway through the year, I see where I'm at. I create an action plan on how to achieve these goals and truly live out my resolve to grow and accomplish these resolutions I've set forth for my life. I purpose to keep it accessible and achievable all year long.
I would love to know... what are your resolutions for the New Year. And if this post didn't clear your mind for what the true definition of "resolutions" is, feel free to use whatever word tickles your fancy.
Photos by Brittney Lee Photography
Photos by Brittney Lee Photography