New Years Resolutions

Happy New Year?

 

New Year’s Day traditionally is a time to celebrate a brand new year, including the hope and promise of a better tomorrow. This year, however, will be one of the most challenging in our lifetimes. It’s no secret that 2009 will continue to see poor economic news, companies going out of business, a huge loss of jobs, neighbors who don’t have enough food and clothing, and many others who are losing their homes.

 

But that doesn’t mean we have to dread the coming year. We can look at it as a chance to make positive changes in our own lives, as well as others.

 

Ever since I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I have worked hard to focus on the positive and live life to its fullest. That, of course, is easier said than done. But as my husband Greg can attest, I can be pretty stubborn, so I plan to continue to challenge myself to do the best I can to stay healthy, active, optimistic and helpful to others.

 

With that said, here are my 2009 New Year’s Resolutions:

 

·        Thank the Lord every day for my wonderful family – Greg, Sarah and Cortland; my sisters Sharon and Mary and their children; Greg’s brothers; and other family members whom we love deeply.

·        Make sure our friends and neighbors know how much support and joy they bring us.

·        Be thankful for the resources we do have, as the recession takes its toll on so many needy people in our community and around the world.

·        Use those resources to help others, by volunteering or donating to charities such as Loaves & Fishes, Crisis Assistance Ministry, the Salvation Army, Goodwill and other organizations. (In fact, as part of our Christmas presents to each other, we are making donations to two local charities.)

·        Spend more time at the beach, where nature and relaxation remind us of the beauty of life and the earth.

·        Celebrate my 50^th birthday this summer with my sisters.

·        Continue to admire and celebrate Sarah’s determination and enthusiasm in her new job teaching high school English.

·        Support Cortland’s commitment to the study of political science as he continues to make a difference at UNC-Asheville through his role in student government.

·        Look forward to the blooming of daffodils and lilies this spring, courtesy of my good friend Judith.

·        Travel somewhere we’ve never been before.

·        For the first time in several years, attend the “Chickfest” reunion — an annual gathering of friends who worked at the Wilmington, NC, newspaper in the early 1980s.

·        Continue to exercise and eat healthy meals.

·        Pray for:

o       Peace

o       Health

o       All those we love

o       All those we don’t know by name, but know they’re in sorrow, poverty, pain or need

o       Better economic times, and

o       The new Presidential administration in Washington

 

I’d love to hear your New Year’s Resolutions! If you’d like to share, please feel free to click on “comments.”