In school, I thought I hated writing. I learned later that it wasn’t that I hated writing, it was that I hated writing essays on books I disliked, or on policies that I didn’t fully agree with or understand. Full discloser? Somewhere in the last 2 years, I realized I quite ENJOY writing. This shouldn’t have come as a surprise though; I was always keeping a journal, or making lists, or enjoying how I could often get my point across so much clearer on paper.

I’ve since learned that blogging is as much of a hobby as hiking or traveling, and that I get infinitely more out of my daily devotionals when I have the time and energy to write them down; when I can put more sincerity and thought into my words, and when I can see the bigger picture of the areas in my life where I am asking the Lord for guidance.

But lists, always there are lists. In my pockets, in my purse, my gym bag, on my desk, tucked in my car.. One for everything. Yet for someone who is a big believer in lists, I’ve never actually written new years resolutions. Maybe it’s because the accepted belief is that they’ll only hold a few weeks anyway? We’ve all done the “I’m going to do [everything] better this year”, but “everything” is dangerous. And so it’s widely accepted we’re doomed for failure before sunrise on January 2nd.

This year is one for new beginnings. I say this because the past year already has been. I’ve realized what’s important, and the things that will never be worth my time. I’ve learned that it’s okay to be weird but used to myself, and that it’s okay to find no value in the things my friends might. I’ve discovered more sadness and loneliness than I care to know, then turned around to find that there can be indescribable happiness in singing a song by yourself in your car while you have 300+ miles ahead of you; really that there can be unmatched joy in the smallest and oddest of circumstances if you take a moment to count your blessings.

I’ve learned how important it is to take a second look, to be open and to be honest for the sake of friendship. I’ve spoken of loss, but this year I’ve also gained eight women in my life who have challenged my beliefs, strengthened me in my faith, and encouraged me to continue to walk and continue to hope. I’ve been rejuvenated in the realization that I can give these same gifts back to others and stand in awe of the way He can work through each of us by simply lending an ear to listen. And through countless conversations, late nights and early mornings, I’ve also realized the two hardest lessons that I am still trying to take to heart:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So although this year has been nowhere near perfection, I look forward to living it over again through even more new beginnings. As for the actual list? Making time for God, making time for myself, and making time for the people in my life who really count are at the top. I’ll also be continually working through those final two toughest lessons of the last year. I’ll tell myself they are not still there because I am too weak, but because they require something, or someone, larger than myself. 

The reality is that we can decide on new beginnings at any point in the day or year. January 1st is simply a convenience. Don’t know where to start? The things that will grow you and the things that will make you happy. When you’re that far, sit down with a pen and paper, make a short list, and frame it. It’d be a shame for this one to wind up in the pocket, purse, gym bag, desk, or car with the rest of them.

From the end of the earth will I cry unto you, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. ~Psalm 61:2

~A~

What now?

• Spend the weekend organizing your life so you’re better able to start the new year on the right foot. Find some organization tips via Pinterest. 
• Check out this awesome tumblr blogger, Back on Pointe. She has monthly fitness calendars  with corresponding daily workouts that you can mix and match. 
• In honor of new beginnings: