Photo by Krista Stufflebeam
I made a few resolutions this year. I’ve still got my second 101 Goals in 1001 Days going on, but after studying the scriptures for the Young Women’s Personal Progress Virtue #1, I decided that I’d work on a few things from Proverbs 31.
“She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.” – Proverbs 31:17
“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.” – Proverbs 31:25
I want to be stronger. I already have a few goals in progress that fit this bill, like swimming 10 miles by the end of my 101 goals. But, I want to focus on my arms. I have carpal tunnel in both of my arms. Currently it’s my left arm that is killing me, but it switches back and forth all the time. I have a bunch of stretches and exercises that my chiropractor and a physical therapist friend have given me that I want to do consistently. I would, also, like to lift weights. I have no idea how to do this properly, so I might take a class. I don’t want to get buff, but I do want to have the strength to carry my children around when I need to.
“She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.” – Proverbs 31:15
I want to get on a better sleep schedule. I used to be superb at this, but I’ve been a major slacker in adulthood. Last night, I went to bed before midnight, which I haven’t done in a long time. I woke up this morning, still wishing for more sleep, but able to take on the day. I have a salt lamp that I turn on in the evening, and I try to turn my electronics off before I climb into bed, so it’s easier to fall asleep. The hardest part will be giving up personal alone time, but I think it will make other aspects of my life more enjoyable, like parenting and housekeeping.
This isn’t me, but this would be fun with the kids.
“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” – Proverbs 31:26
“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” – Proverbs 31:28
And, finally, I want to focus more on my children. I want to play with them more and set up a good schedule for reading and homework. I want to consistently have family home evening and try to include them in my everyday life. I’d like to offer them the chance to cook with me when I’m cooking and clean with me when I’m cleaning. Not in a forceful way, but more in a let’s do something together kind of a way. There are a lot of things I want to teach my children, but it’s kind of impossible to do without having a good relationship with them.
I don’t typically make New Year’s resolutions, because I think resolutions and goals should be made constantly throughout the year, but this is as good a time as any to start these up, and I am very optimistic right now. My favorite thing about this is that they are spiritual, physical, and family all in one. The first goal I had before making these was to be more of a Proverbs 31 woman. These are just the smaller goals I set to accomplish that.