Inspirational resolutions for 2015

I want to thank Bridget at Money after Graduation, for giving me some food for thought as I looked ahead to 2015.

I chose a few to help guide me for the coming year, and give me focus on the things that really matter in life.

Please wander over to Bridget's blog to see her full list.

In 2015…

What are you going to do to give back to the community you live in?

People are often quick to criticize our community. There is a lot of poverty, crime, and we see far too many buildings closing up. People say there is nothing to do here.  When my students voice criticism, I often find myself saying “What have you done to try to make things better? What events have they gone to be a part of?”

Time to put a few of my own words into action. I often have the intention, but lack the follow through on the action. Our ‘Be the Change’ group at school has adopted three local groups to fundraise for. I want to be more than a leader for this, but see first hand what these organizations offer, and how regular people like us, can affect change.

  How are you going to show love to your siblings, parents, and family?

 In the busyness of the school work week, I will admit that I don’t make a lot of time for family outside of my own little house. I text my mom daily, but that is about it. I need to make more of an effort to touch base with my larger extended family, even if I can’t get to see them.  Life moves too quickly and things happen which are beyond our control. I do not want to look back and wish I had made more of an effort.

 What can you do to show appreciation to your friends?

My friends are mostly the people I work with. There is a chance I will be moved to a different building this fall, meaning I will leave behind my friends. I will confess to you all that I worry that our friendships are ‘situational friendships’ and once we are no longer in each other’s spheres daily, that friendship will disappear. I want them to know how much I do appreciate their presence in my life. More listening to them, and being there for them, and less ‘all about me’, is my plan. 

 What aspect of your personality can you work on to become stronger and more resilient?

I react…way too often and too easily. I need to dial that back a whole lot. I need to take a moment, and breathe and think more before I feel, or react.  I don’t like the person I become when I get intense like that.

 Where are you going to travel? For what reason?

While I would love to travel and travel, the budget will limit that. I plan for two trips down to see DS play hockey; one in February and another in October. I will enjoy the October one more I am guessing. This past October visit was lovely weather so we got to explore the community. February will be tougher to do that. What can I say? I like fall temps better than winter temps J  It’s a beautiful city and I hope to hit up a couple of the locations where Diners Drive ins and Dives filmed.

  How will you celebrate your life?

There were three instances since Christmas where it has reminded me that life is far too unpredictable, and we need to LIVE it more. That’s why I chose those two motivational post its for my NY day post.

The first incident is a parent of three of my former students. He passed away unexpectedly on NY Day. He was 49.

The second is a colleague who suffered a stroke NY eve. She has yet to regain consciousness. She is 51.

The third is my sister’s father in law.. Opa as we all call hime. He wasn’t feeling well on the 30^th. His wife wanted him to go to hospital but he refused until later that day. He told her, “Go plug in the truck (cold here) and let’s get it warmed up so I can drive us to the hospital.” She doesn’t drive. They ended up getting a ride there from a community service. He had had a heart attack earlier that day. They have since learned that he has congestive heart problems and his kidneys have shut down. He is rallying so far, but there is only so much they can do. He is 95.

 I want to be like Opa. Going strong and ready to drive myself to the hospital at 95. I want to LIVE. I am tired of letting my weight or my shyness or the reclusiveness of DH keep me from living life. I am the only one who can change this. Do I care enough about me to do so?