2012 Resolutions

In the past, my New Years' resolutions were created with a short time frame of commitment, and thus, they were quickly forgotten. This year, I thought of New Years' resolutions with personal growth in mind - these are things that I can commit to past 2012 to help make me a better "me."

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#1. Be content with delayed gratification

The year 2011 was a crazy year for me, with a lot of change. I had my first child, moved to a new city, blogged regularly, moved back home with my parents, got a new job, and became single again. PHEW! I don't regret any decision that I made, because I acknowledge that I had a choice for (most) of these changes. That being said, I struggled with a lot of the change because I had (have) a mindset of entitlement. I thought that by 25 I would be married/engaged, own a house, and be in a career that I love - all things I desire. I struggled with being happy about my situation because I felt entitled to have all of my desires fulfilled NOW.

However, it's just fine if that's not where I am NOW. Thus, this year, I am committing myself to being content with delayed gratification. While some of my dreams and desires are not yet reality, in 2012, I will work to be content with where I am in the present, with reassurance and faith to know that my desires will be fulfilled someday.

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#2. Love (specifically when I don't want to)

Building on number one, I was not (initially) happy with some of the changes that came in 2011. I complained a lot. However, complaining did not make me feel better, and it annoyed the heck out of those around me! Therefore, I am committing myself to love when I don't want to. Specifically to love difficult situations and people. It's hard to see the good in every situation. However, I know right now I have been blessed in so many ways due to those 2011 changes, and I am committed to seeing where God takes me!

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#3. FOCUS

Last year, I committed myself to this blog in a new way, and I can't believe how much it has really blessed me. In blogging, I have connected with new people, and found a number of other creative outlets that I truly enjoy. Recently I've found myself struggling to balance all of them, as a result of the limited time I have to devote to these creative outlets. Thus, this year, I'm going to focus on one creative outlet, and I'm choosing: PHOTOGRAPHY! I still don't know how to use my camera. Me taking a good picture is really about luck of the 'click.' I love how photography can capture a moment in time, so I can't wait to sharpen this skill!

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Those are my resolutions. The source of my growth has been a result of growing closer to God. There is no way I could have gotten through 2011 without Him, and the support of my church in Philly, and now in Leesburg. Here's to a 2012 full of growth, happiness and love!

I picked up all of these pictures from this blog - some inspiration for Resolution #3!