Promises, not resolutions, for 2012

There are no New Year’s resolutions on my horizon for 2012.

Seemingly positive on the surface — who doesn’t want to lose weight or eat their recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables? — resolutions are really negative.

Essentially, resolutions are an exercise in self-loathing: You’re identifying the things about yourself you dislike most. I don’t know about you, but some days that’s the only exercise I get.

Add to that the fact we already live in an extremely critical environment. Turn on any television news channel or read online commentary and you’ll quickly find out what’s wrong with everyone else.

It isn’t bad to recognize wrong-doing or to offer suggestions on how to correct a problem. Self-examination can be healthy and it’s necessary for personal growth. But it’s also okay to lighten up on yourself. That’s why I think promises, and not resolutions, are a better way to approach the new year.

So here’s the two-step process to make New Year’s promise: First, identify personal habits and qualities you like about yourself. Promise yourself you’ll keep on doing what you do well, and give yourself credit for it.
Second, promise to reward yourself. I love to read, so whether it’s for 10 minutes or an hour, that’s my daily treat. Have some fun and pick your own. 

It’s a simple approach, but it’s one that I hope will lead to a 2012 full of promise.

On the Lighter Side

Published January 4, 2012

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I didn't include this in my weekly newspaper column — the governor's column had to get in somehow — plus, I thought it was a bit self-indulgent for that medium. But that's not a problem here, so without further ado, here are my promises for 2012: 

• I promise to continue being a mother to Evangeline (and soon, Stormageddon!), and being amazed each day at what a blessing they are. 

• I promise to be a good example for E and Stormy, modeling patience and compassion in my words and actions. 

• I promise to devote time to being a wife and friend to the Captain, making him know he takes priority in my heart and life.

• I promise to keep taking care of my body and the precious life growing inside me, with moderate exercise and healthy eating habits. 

• I promise to take time for myself, knowing that a wife, mother and employee who is serene makes a better environment for everyone around her.

• I promise to make time for my extended family, whether that means regular phone calls, cards or, even better, getting to see them in person.

• I promise to ground myself in God's Word daily, that all my doings and life, being ordered by Him, would be pleasing in His sight. 

My rewards for 2012 won't be much different from what they were in 2011, though I expect they'll be even sweeter — and rarer — with two children in tow:

• Reading: I promise to read, every day possible, both for recreation and for education.

• Thrifting: I promise to be an intentional thrifter, purchasing what my family needs and a little bit of what they want.

• Writing: I promise to write something every day, even if it's as insignificant as a clever quotation.

I'd love to hear what some of your 2012 promises and rewards are!