My Promise To Myself For The New Year
Posted: Monday, December 31, 2007
by Susan Thom
Instead of making resolutions for the coming year, I decided to look up the word, "resolution" and try to achieve the meaning of the word for my new year. First, we have perseverance. I have a lot to persevere, (carry on, hold on, hang on, and endure.) I promise myself I will do so when and where needed, and in a fashion that will not cause me frustration or pain. I will carry on with my life. I will fight to hold on to what is mine and my families, and I will endure what I need to in order to make those things happen. I've always had perseverance, so this won't be anything new. I will just be focusing on it more.
Determined is yet another adjective. When I have to do something, I am very determined, and will keep trying until I either get something done, or know there's nothing more I can do. I was determined to raise my kids when they were born, and I put a lot of work into it, and as a result, I have three adult kids, all with good character traits, and a few negative ones. Determination keeps me strong.
I decided a few years ago to stencil the top part of my kitchen walls. I went to a great craft store, picked out a pretty rose stencil and paints and brushes, and came home to start a project I had never done before. It took me two weeks! I never knew how hard it would be, at first anyway, then half way through I got the hang of it. I didn't know how much wall space there was until I had to keep going, a few hours a day, concentrating more on how much I had left, instead of how much I had done. But my determination and tenacity kept pushing me, and I got it all finished. It was beautiful for a couple of years until the kitchen was painted again!
I decided a few years ago to stencil the top part of my kitchen walls. I went to a great craft store, picked out a pretty rose stencil and paints and brushes, and came home to start a project I had never done before. It took me two weeks! I never knew how hard it would be, at first anyway, then half way through I got the hang of it. I didn't know how much wall space there was until I had to keep going, a few hours a day, concentrating more on how much I had left, instead of how much I had done. But my determination and tenacity kept pushing me, and I got it all finished. It was beautiful for a couple of years until the kitchen was painted again!
Firmness is another noun for resolution. I am firmer than I used to be. I was a people pleaser, who, as a result, got walked on quite a bit. Not anymore, and not for the new year. I was firm with my kids as I'm sure they'll attest. No meant no, and I stayed firm in my directions and what I said. My firmness and determination in my parenting has produced three great people who will make a lot of other people happy, too.
I will also stay firm in the discovery journey I am on within my own self, and continue to live a freer, happier existence. One that is not spent arguing or being upset. The cradle will rock, as there is no this without that, the pendulum swings, there is darkness as well as light, but I am better equipped in dealing with whatever comes along.
Stamina is so important while fighting the dragons of the world. I want to make sure I am as strong physically as I am emotionally. I need to eat right, and take care of myself. I will continue my reflexology sessions, and I will have a buoyancy to my step. I have always been a strong person, and I am stronger now. Situations and circumstances have forced me to be so. No one is going to take from me because I do not deserve to be taken from. I have worked hard in these past twenty two years raising three kids, and taking care of a home and finances, and now, I will have some time to enjoy my home, and my writing, and whatever else I want to do.
Moral strength, now that's a good one. How many people have moral strength? How many people even know what moral means? You do not lie, cheat, or steal, that gives you a head start on being moral. You create boundaries that you don't cross. You don't be disrespectful to your elders, and you work hard and make a good living. You don't fabricate or minimize, twist, or manipulate the truth. There is only one truth. If you are guilty of doing such things, it will catch up to you some day, and it won't be in your favor.
Fearlessness is the last word. If I believe in something, and I know it to be the truth, I will fight fearlessly for it. I will stick to my convictions and I will honestly take care of any situation. I may not want to deal with something, but I will do what I have to do by putting one foot in front of the other, and doing my best. I want everything to be taken care of and done the way it's supposed to be done. And to that end, I will be fearless. If I can concentrate on being all of these characteristics, I will have stuck to my resolution!
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Good luck to you in the new year Susan. may you reach all yout goalsPlease log in to respond to this comment.thank you david. i will be trying my best, happy new year, suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Right on, Sue. Tenacity, perseverance, stamina--each of us need all of these (and then some!) to get through some days, but those characteristics you mentioned are critical. A very happy and healthy 2008 to you and your family! Cheers, SamanthaPlease log in to respond to this comment.hi samantha, character is very important to one's own self, no? yes. i hope to develop more character in 2008. a happy healthy new year to you and yours as well, thanks for reading and commenting, best regards, suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Hi Sue, very well said! This reminds me of one of my favorite Scriptures 2 Peter 1:5-10, it is my desire for this new year. God Bless you, TeresaPlease log in to respond to this comment.hi teresa, i wish you the best for 2008. thank you for reading and commenting. may you be happy and healthy, best regards, suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Good Luck with this...we all have to work hard and earn what we receivePlease log in to respond to this comment.thank you i have worked very hard for what i will receive in this life. i have certainly earned it.Please log in to respond to this comment.
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