I for one am glad to see the back of 2013. For our Family it has been the worst year I can remember. We know unemployment too well. We've experienced just how ugly human beings can be, even those from whom we least expect it. We as parents have guided our children through betrayal and bullying, and we've dealt with issues, we never expected we'd ever have to. I've sat under a heavy, dark and oppressive cloud for most of this year. It's honestly the closest I have ever come to just giving up.
Highlights have been few, but there have been some. For me THE highlight of this year, was being able to spend a month back home with my family. To take in the sights and sounds of a land so familiar, and just stop and breath, was food for my soul.
I've spent a lot of time over this Holiday period thinking. Thinking about how best, to climb out from underneath this heavy, dark and oppressive cloud, regardless of the situations we find ourselves in. The answer I've come up with ..... To intentionally look for the positive in each situation we find ourselves in, no matter how small it is. So, this is what I've resolved to do .....
- At the end of each day, I'll find something positive to focus on, and be grateful for.
- I want to grow in my faith.
- It's time to put me first sometimes (and I've realized it's OK to do that). I intend to learn how to say "no"!!!
So I pondered on how best to keep up with all of this ....... Journal !!! (Yes, y'all knew that I'd throw something crafty into this mix !!!). I have created 4 journals, that now live on my nightstand, together with a cute pen pot, filled with fun pens and stationary. They're labeled, and at the appropriate time each day, I'll write my thoughts into each one. Nothing long winded, just a short little something that reminds me to look for, focus on, and be thankful for the positive things each day.
I used 6" x 6" hardcover sketch books that I got at Hobby Lobby. I prettied them up with scrapbook paper, and some quotes I found and liked. I think they'll fit the bill :-)
I've also taken on the challenge of doing Project Life this coming year. I thought about it last year, but decided to look over other peoples work during the year, and then decide whether or not I thought it was doable. I'm excited to get started. It was my Christmas present from Hubby.
I think it'll be wonderful to look back, this time next year, and see just how much our little family accomplished. One of my little journals is for me to jot down day to day happenings, so that when I get to the end of the week and work on the weeks layout, I don't forget any of the finer details.All that's left to do now, is wish you all a Happy New Year. May 2014 be full of love, laughter and dreams come true. Thank you for taking the time to stop by my blog for a visit this year, and for all your sweet comments and kind words - I appreciate it more than you know.
Happy New Year! I am very glad to see 2013 end as well. I have used a gratitude journal for several years now and I can tell you it definitely changes how you see the world. Several years ago I was living through my own personal nightmare and I really needed something positive and the gratitude journal fit perfectly. My entire outlook has changed. I look for the good and appreciate what I have and I know I am a much happier and better person because of it!! Here's to a great 2014!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely and insightful post. I read somewhere that what you think returns to you and I was so depressed and gloomy for so long that I felt I was drowning. After reading that, I decided to try something like you are doing. Not being a journal writer, I pressured myself to avoid all negative thoughts. It was HARD to do but constantly thinking positive things made me feel better. I actually felt lighter and smiled more and felt like the world was returning "the feeling." I know God improved my situation but feeling like I did something to help was a great feeling. You and your family are in my prayers.
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