The New Year has snuck in and I’m feeling less than motivated.
My social media accounts are filled with some super goal oriented friends. Their posts are dripping with energy. I am excited for them and also torn. Do I want to join them in their energy and excitement for a fresh start in 2018? Do I want to focus on today and making the most of whatever comes my way? I’m leaning towards something in the middle.
On any other given year I partake in the making of a list of resolutions and it typically looks something like this …
- Read a book a month
- Find time to connect in my faith every day
- Get in shape AND stay in shape
- More fruits and veggies
- Choose joy
A pretty common list. Looking at it now I am struck with commitment fear. Fear of making a list and missing something that happens organically because I’m concerned with checking things off my list.
This year I bought our girls a daily devotional by Sarah Young and the verse for January 1, is: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
After reading this verse I feel like I have more guidance and the path for my year is becoming clear.
It is more than alright to have goals and a list I would like to accomplish. It is not okay is to have expectations that alter my ability to enjoy the intention.
My solution to avoid expectations is to leave room for change. This is a struggle for me. I don’t “go with the flow” by nature. I’m a doer, a planner person. Having a laid back husband and two kids in two years has guided me in accepting this mindset and appreciation for change. I’ve learned embracing change, most of the time, allows for things to end up better than I could have planned. 
Last year brought major change for our family that I never saw coming. I know that the weeks and months ahead have the potential to do the same. In realizing this my goal for this year is to be armed with intention, to let things end up better than I could have planned and to live 2018 without expectation.
