Every year since I can remember, I’ve always made a New Year’s Resolution.

In recent years, I chose to give up a food item or beverage I loved: in 2012, I gave up all dessert, candy, and sweets…in 2013, I gave up soda…2014, I gave up sweet tea…2015, I gave up chips and queso…and this past year, I gave up coffee.

Before these recent years, I would make a commitment to do something for a whole year: walk for 20 minutes each day…perfectly keep up with my most dreaded chore (laundry)…etc.

One year (after my sister passed away), I was so extremely disappointed in life, I set out to purposely regain my “life,” post-grief.

Another year, my resolution was to pray fervently each and every day for two specific prayer requests.

…But my favorite Resolutions have been times when I set specific goals, enriched my spiritual life, or learned new skills.

I usually know exactly what I’m going to do – or not do – each year, but this year, I was stumped. 

A surprising thought entered my mind: “to make Resolutions or not make Resolutions…”

Then I thought, “why would I deny myself the excitement and opportunity to set a goal with God’s help to better my life?”

New Year’s Resolutions don’t have to be drudgery. They should be exciting…an opportunity to accomplish new goals..and breathe new life..into the New Year!

As I pondered what my newest resolution was going to be, I thought about many things.

Then I got to thinking…and really thinking…about resolutions I should have done many years ago — but failed to do so.

I asked myself, “What goals did I prematurely give up on in my younger years?…What dreams did I allow to get pushed to the background due to “life” happening? …And do I now have the courage and ability to accomplish those things?”

I suddenly knew exactly what my New Year’s Resolution was going to be.

It’s a huge one…a God-sized resolution that I will need God’s daily help to accomplish. A past goal I had lost sight of.

I was going to keep it a secret just between God and me, but after praying, I felt as though God told me to pick two people to hold me accountable – because I know I’ll need accountability throughout the new year to accomplish it. I knew I needed two people who wouldn’t be apprehensive to be direct with me, who would be able to give me much needed feedback (both encouraging and harsh), so I can accomplish what I know I’m called to do.

And I’m excited about this New Year’s Resolution – more so than any other resolution I’ve chosen to do.

So, do you make resolutions each year?

If not, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so. It could be something small…something huge…doing something you know you’ve needed to do…fulfilling a dream…accomplishing something great…overcoming something challenging…nurturing a need in yourself or others…or simply breaking a bad habit. 

Choose something that will breathe new life into you, those around you, and your new year…something that can greatly improve life and circumstances…

The new year could very well be the greatest adventure and most exciting journey of your life!

There are so many resolutions to choose, you could: 

• delight in God more
• overcome a specific life challenge 
• make a resolution to travel more
• save up for the vacation of your dreams- go to Disney World, go camping or on a road trip for a week, visit Ireland & the Cliffs of Moher, go on a mission trip, visit the place your ancestors lived, go on a cruise to see multiple new places, etc.
• thoroughly organize your home & life
• show love to your family & spend more time with them
• read your Bible more and do indepth studies
• overcome negativity, an addiction, or anything that is holding you back
• exercise more 
• enjoy nature or gardening
•  learn a new skill, or better a current skill, such as cooking or playing a musical instrument 
• learn how to do a fun activity you’ve always wanted to do: sewing, surfing, longboarding, tennis, tae kwon do, join an adult sports league, painting/art, etc.
• write a book or start a blog
• create a new ministry
• gain better health – spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and/or physically 
• improve a specific relationship 
• actively forgive someone or seek out forgiveness from others
• do something work related such as go back to school, improve your work situation, change jobs, or attend specific seminars to help you be better at what you do
• get out of debt/start a savings account
• volunteer at your favorite charity or church

There are so many options and great opportunities for New Year’s Resolutions!

My sister did something super cool one year; she did one resolution per month:

• She gave up soda for January 
• She read her Bible for 30 min each day in February 
• She walked 30 min each day in March
• She worked on and perfected work related stuff all of April
• She focused on family all of May
• She then did one specific resolution per month for the rest of the year

Your resolution can be serious, specific, challenging, or purpose-filled. It’s your resolution, so make it a great one that is specialized for you.

And don’t be scared to make your resolution fun, and enjoy including loved ones. One of my favorite “fun” Resolutions was to attend as many concerts as possible in one year. At the end of the year, thanks to music festivals and local shows, I had seen over 100 bands. I’ll always cherish that year of fun and great music because I went to all of the music events – and made incredible memories – with one of my most favorite, treasured people in the whole world!

You can break up resolutions into monthly goals, do one large goal for the whole year, or do a mix of different resolutions broken up however you wish. There’s no right or wrong way to make a resolution.

I love the sheer challenge and excitement of resolutions! I love it better when I can look back and see how I was creatively able to keep my commitments.

When I dedicate my resolution to God, He always makes the experiences extra special – and the resolutions always turn out to be exactly what I needed most.

I’ve only broke one resolution my entire life, so I’m looking forward to meeting a more challenging resolution head-on and looking back on the whole year on a year from now at 11:59pm. That will be the night, and the moment of truth, I look back on and see all I was able to accomplish with God’s help throughout this upcoming new year.

What resolution would you like to accomplish?

I pray whatever your resolution is, God will provide you with the strength, help, fun, encouragement, and drive you need to accomplish it.

Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”

With God’s help, you can accomplish GREAT things! Your resolution has the amazing power to change your life…what an adventure!

One year from today, I hope you see and realize how all of your hardwork, effort, and sacrifices paid off.

Happy New Year Resolutions making! 🙂

Gratitude & many blessings,
Kim

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3. Grief Bites: A New Approach To Growing Through Grief https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/862-grief-bites

4. Grief Bites: Hope For The Holidays: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/1964-grief-bites-hope-for-the-holidays

5. Experiencing Holidays With Jesus: Christmas: http://bible.com/r/3V5

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