Appreciate

I have to admit, I've pretty much abandoned making New Year's Resolutions. Somehow it seems that the busyness of the holidays leaves me without enough energy to think about a master plan to improve my life over the upcoming year. So, by the time I get my head around the fact that it is a new year, it's mid-January and the momentum is gone.

This year is different. Oh sure, I went through the first week ignoring the whole resolution thing. I toyed with the idea of doing a 365 photo project. I glanced over the 'word of the year' posts on the blogs of 'famous scrapbooking women'. I watched bits and pieces of Oprah's Best Life series. But, I didn't summon up enough hutzpa to actually do anything until today. And, really, it just kind of hit me unexpectedly.

The word hit me and just stuck. That word is appreciate. As in appreciate my blessings. As in show appreciation for those I love. As in appreciate what I have rather than regretting what I don't. But, I guess it's really not enough to just have a word. I need a plan.

So, here's the plan. This last week has been sending me bits and pieces of information that I've synthesized (oh, I love that word) into my big plan. At the root of it all, I want to appreciate the gifts I've gotten from God. So, I've been reading all kinds of books waiting for something to resonate. And, I found Beth Moore's "Believing God". Just picked it up from the library tonight (and, that library is near to the top of my appreciation list!). I've only started, and the ideas are still sinking in, but this book is going to be a big part of my plan. Read a blog by Leo Babauta that said change a habit rather than making resolutions. He says it only takes 10 minutes a day to create change. That's going to be the ticket. I'm going to work Beth's spiritual challenges into a plan that takes 10 minutes a day (okay, maybe a bit more), and I'm going to get closer to understanding God's plans and gifts and wonders for me.

I know, it's a little loosey goosey right now, but I can feel it in my heart that this plan is the thing I'm meant to do. I'm going to get stronger and kinder and happier...it's going to be good. This is not an idea that I can let just fade away. So, more details for this grand master plan and my progress to follow. Eventually...