Midweek Motivational Wednesday December 29, 2010

“The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul” ~ G.K. Chesterton

It is hard to believe, but we have stumbled yet again upon the end of another year. Thanksgiving feasts have come and gone. Christmas, Hanukah, and other spiritual and religious celebrations are now a recent memory. And, like most years, the minds and hearts of many are contemplating their new goals for the upcoming New Year. This is the time of year where introspection reaches new heights and out comes the “list” (mental and/or physical) of resolutions that we intend to really keep this time! And… that is just where the problem starts.

Throughout the year, we labor and toil to do what is required of us: Taking care of kids, getting through school, paying bills, finding a new job, fighting for a job promotion, dealing with relationship issues, resisting peer pressure, trying to stay in shape, etc. We get so caught up in these issues (or similar ones) that we lose sight of our real goals and ambitions. We oftentimes neglect ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually and say that we will “get to it” later. Later rarely comes. However, at the end of each year, we somehow think that the next year will be automatically different. We “resolve” (resolutions) that we will do things differently this time around. However, soon after January 1st, we go back to work and school and the whole “self neglect” and “I will get to it later” cycle starts again. Sound familiar?

So what is the point of year end resolutions? Why make them when they are so easily “broken” before springtime settles in? That is my point exactly, my friend! Trying to accomplish a list of goals without FIRST accomplishing a shift in mindset and lifestyle rarely works OR it works for a very short time; it does not last. I propose we all (myself included) just “dissolve” (dissolution) the task of making resolutions. Instead we should focus on starting each year taking inventory of our thoughts, actions, and “stewardship” over our bodies (our physical health). Where we are lacking (our thoughts and actions are not lining up with what we are truly wanting to accomplish), let’s work on changing those thoughts and actions. Where we are failing to take care of ourselves physically, let’s pray for strength and wisdom to adopt a new lifestyle (not resolution or short term goal) to take better care of our bodies. I said pray for strength and wisdom and not make a list of to do items. Only through the “team” of a spiritual connection coupled with our thoughts and actions can we change our lives. Then, guess what? There would be no need for resolutions….right?

I will end with these two proverbs that tie it all together nicely: Proverbs 19:21 — “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” and Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

Have a safe, blessed, and fun New Year’s celebration.

Blessings!

Traci
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First and foremost Happy 2010 to you all! Wow … it is hard to believe that not only is this a brand new year, but a brand new decade has been ushered in. Most endured a rough 2009 full of trials and tribulations. It is now time to let go of the past in order to regroup, refocus, and reinvent ourselves!

In 2009, our focus was primarily on launching “Heroes At Home Radio”. We also launched this blog, started work on a brand new website (to be announced very soon), and did LOTS of research and study on issues related to not only to single parents but teens and pre-teens from single parent homes as well. And last, but definitely not least, in early 2009 I started work on my first book. Whew…what a busy year!

In 2010, the focus will slightly shift. While “Heroes At Home Radio” will continue to bring you great and informative guests around single parent issues and topics, the main focus will be on the mental and emotional health of pre-teens and teens. Products will be introduced to help in battling some of the alarming statistics recently released:

1)      Teen pregnancy is on the rise from 2006 by 3-5% (depending on the geographical area)

2)      Gang violence and adolescent deaths have increased steadily since 2007

3)      Anxiety and depression are plaguing youths today more than in previous decades

Stay tuned as we roll out new information that will, hopefully, continue to support and bless our single parents, but will also strengthen our youth as well. With the things going on in the world today, I am sure we ALL can agree that we have a lot of work to do to keep the next generation on the road to success! Let’s commit to working together to make sure that happens!