2011 wasn’t very good. Financially, emotionally, spiritually, socially…just not good. I’d like to say 2012 will be better, but who knows.

At least it's not 2011

Things I would like for 2012:

Get in better shape, physically. I’d like to start the summer at 118 lbs. with at least SOME visible muscle. I’ve been doing cardio and strength exercises 4-5 times a week and I feel pretty darn good about it. I need to reform my eating habits (because I’m a major sugar junkie) in order to see results though.

Get in better shape, emotionally. Really, I’m an emotional wreck. My emotions control my life and I’m quite unstable. I need to remember this at all times and really stop to think before taking action on anything, or saying anything, or making any kind of decision.

Get in better shape, spiritually. Any small step in this direction will be a huge improvement. I’ve always believed in God, but you wouldn’t know it by watching my life. And I’m not talking about becoming a religious nut who goes to church 3 times a week and tells you you won’t be saved unless you read your Bible everyday for 2 hours and blah blah blah. When I say get in better shape spiritually, I’m taking about being honest, reliable, loving, patient, etc. The kind of person Jesus Christ was when he walked this Earth. The kind of person His teachings tell us to be. I don’t desire to be a modern day “Christian”, I desire to be a follower of Christ.

Spend more time with my kids- which I am not doing at the moment because I’m sitting here in front of my stupid computer blogging. Hmmm…

Get rid of at least 25% of the crap we have in this house-My husband says 50%, which would be nice, but I’m gonna be realistic about it

Build up a savings- which we haven’t had in years. 2-3 months of living expenses minimum. The difficult thing about this is gonna be making more money (’cause you can’t save it if it doesn’t exist)

That’s really all I can think of at the moment. I’m sure I missed some really important stuff.

Children see the world differently. A parent is a hero and they can do no wrong. A cloud is an amazing piece of art – how did it get way up in the sky? A bird is a wonderous magical creature. Why have most adults given up these simple views for rigid, boring ones? I, for one, have decided that I am going to start looking at the  world with more “child-like” eyes. (not to be confused with child-ish…..child-like)

I sometimes find myself responding to my 5 year old’s “Look! Look Mommy! A Doggie!!!” with “cool” or “wow” or better yet “yeah”. But when I take a moment to try and see what she see’s, my response is more like “Oooooooohh! That dog is Very pretty! Isn’t he pretty?” because I am able to see and remember the wonder of this creature who stands on all fours, is covered in hair, has a tail, slobbers a lot, makes barking sounds, and so on. Stop for a moment and imagine what that really might be like to a toddler. Now think about how you see a dog usually. It’s like “wow, neat. a dog…..”

As a parent, part of my job is to teach my children to appreciate the simple wonders in life- a blooming flower, a cool summer breeze, waves breaking on the shore, a caterpillar building his cocoon. But, how can I accomplish this if I myself have forgotten that these simple wonders are out there?