Resolutions

Many people make New Year’s resolutions every year. Some even have the SAME New Year’s resolutions EVERY year. Last year I broke my track record and decided to actually work toward something that I could achieve. It changed my attitude and mood, for the most part, every day. I want to share my intentions for the past year and how they changed the way I see my world.

A little background first… I was not always the most positive person and that is putting it lightly. It doesn’t mean I wasn’t friendly. I have always tried to be friendly. However, I tended to see negative first and just sit in it. You know when you can’t see the forest for the trees in the way? Well, that was me. Being surrounded by people who were the same, made it worse. We weren’t bad people by any means, but knowing that a negative aspect would directly impact our workload made it a more compelling focus. One day I observed how rampant the negative comments, actions, and sarcasm were and how quickly my brain came up with comebacks. I didn’t like the way it made me feel.

Change is hard. Especially when what you want to change is engrained in you! I have never had trouble being positive in my personal life. I am blessed in that area. A loving husband, two wonderful sons, awesome pets- So why was my outlook different outside of that? I found my answer in sentimental resolutions that I really didn’t have faith in when I made them.

I vowed to laugh more. I would look for positivity every day. I wanted to find the good in people even when it was hard. I wanted to make happiness and joy a priority in my life. You know what? I did all of those things! I learned that I didn’t have to hold back laughs in appropriate situations, especially when those laughs are directed toward me. I recognized that people are mostly good and it was easy to see when I was looking for it. Being positive is a choice. It didn’t take long before I committed to the resolutions because I was feeling better. I woke up in a better mood and went to sleep knowing that I had accomplished something that day. I prayed more and was still.

I’m not going to try to pretend that I am no longer sarcastic or that I don’t have bad moments, or even days. Obviously , you don’t have to be religious to be positive, but I know that God helped me. I know that my resolutions were actually prayers. I know that I found joy and happiness though His will. I made a choice many years ago to trust and have faith in God. I am positive because I chose to believe. Just imagine what you could do if you believed and had a little faith!