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Channelling My New Years Resolve

With the new year well and truly upon us I have been thinking about the year just past; reflecting upon what I have learnt and achieved in the last year, in all of my myriad of roles – wife, mother, daughter, sister, and importantly, as (and for) myself.

From these reflections, I have identified 5 words that I hope to look to for inspiration, guidance and focus as this new year progresses.

This one comes first as I function best when I have good energy and lately it has been sadly lacking. I need to eat well and be active regularly to maintain my energy levels.

  • No more skipped breakfasts or lunches due to disorganisation, distraction or deadlines!
  • Better choices when I eat, this means less sugar and more whole foods.
  • Get up from the computer more and MOVE!

This word (okay, two words) is about being truly present in my relationship with people I care about. Being attentive, really listening, spending time to develop authentic relationships with my husband and child, my family and friends.

We have been placed in the situation where we must move home shortly. In searching for our new home, I want to be sure that the one we choose truly meets our needs as a family and then I want to make it feel like a ‘home’ – welcoming, warm, fun, a refuge, a place of happiness, a place to entertain others. I know this will take time to achieve and I am excited about the potential of rewarding, hard work to grow this dream.

This one is for me. I want to find ways to spend more time writing with purpose.

I want to ensure that this year we dedicate time as a family to creating happy memories. Time passes so quickly, especially when we are busy being bogged down with daily living. Too often the weekend ends and we have done little more than complete chores and fulfill obligatory responsibilities. I want to make ‘fun’ part of every week for us as a family. More time to play, more time for outings, more time for friends, more time to relax.

What words have you chosen to inspire you this year?

Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.

Read the comments or scroll down to add your own:

  1. Zoey @ Good Goog says

    That's a great way of doing resolutions. Health is a big one for me - more fresh food and more exercise. I find that when I do that most of the other stuff tends to fall into place because I have so much more energy.

  2. Michelle says

    That's 5 great words.
    I'm cuting out sugar to get more energy (once I finish the chocolate in the house hehehe)
    Hope you find the perfect house.
    Happy New Year
    xx

  3. BUSH BABE says

    Great choice. Especially the 'be present' one. So tricky sometimes, yet so basic and important.

    I did mine with quotes. It's here if you missed while visiting today:

    http://bushbabe.blogspot.com/2010/01/quotes-to-start-year-off-right.html

    :-)
    BB

  4. Deborah (Teach Preschool) says

    I love your five words. I can relate to each of them especially the "bepresent" and "energy". I need definitely need to work on getting my self in better habits so I don't feel tired and I need to set aside my work when family is here (mentally and physically).

  5. Karen says

    What a great way of going about your resolutions. I would like "consistency", "intentionality", "peace", "balance", and "fun" to mark my new year. :)

  6. Amanda @ High Impact Mom says

    I love the idea of 5 words. If I had to choose 5 words to define/focus on in the coming year they would be: Focus, Family, Memories, Health, and Faith.

    Thanks for getting me to thinking!

  7. Seraphim says

    Great choices of words. I think we'd have a similar list. Apart from the moving house tho! Instead I'd use the word "tenderness" I think that's something I need to express more of this year.

  8. Cyma says

    Hey I just discovered your lovely blog via nuffnang and its great.
    My words for this year are "ME" and "love" :)

  9. katepickle says

    Great way to make some goals and a focus for the year. I am sure 2010 will bring you all that and more!

  10. Cathy at nurturestore says

    I think using focus words is very powerful. They get you to really concentrate on what's most important and as they're easier to remember than a whole list of resolutions they're effective too. My key words for 2010 are 'Play' and 'Be Mindful'. My youngest is starting school this year so I want to make the most of the time I spend with her.

  11. Christie - Childhood 101 says

    I love so many of your words - play, tenderness, balance - all so important. I think a word is easier to bring to mind than a whole goal or resolution, that is why I like this way of forming reminders or prompts.

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