2023 slowly slips away like an Irish goodbye, silently and sneakily. Christmas lights outside and stockings inside tucked away yet the tree and nativity sets still linger reminding of the Christ child still present. Yet, I tiptoe into 2024 ready to wander into the journey towards growth and healing as I enter into my 30s.
12 resolutions (12 disciples) 4 in 3 categories (heal/ growth: physically, mentally, and spiritually)
HEAL/ GROWTH PHYSICALLY:
go to bed as early as possible (latest stay up midnight)
Eat with gratitude not greed
Lose 20 pounds of baby carrying weight by exercising regularly
Not get a haircut but let my hair grow out long, embracing my own feminine beauty
HEAL/ GROWTH MENTALLY:
Focus on being unified with my husband, through kind words, gracious thoughts and selfless actions
Not losing patience/ temper with my toddlers but practicing loving discipline with intentional connection daily (15 minutes of focused undistracted attention for each child)
Focus on schooling- making decisions for my oldest son’s kindergarten, and beginning to teach my 2 year old at mommy pre-preschool
Publish my Catholic Saints for preschoolers Activity book curriculum as I hope for my dream of becoming a published author is accomplished.
HEAL/ GROWTH SPIRITUALLY:
Holy Week once a month where I go to adoration (Saturday) for an hour and go to confession on Wednesday evenings
Complete the Catechism in a year podcast and study
Not planning on trying for pregnancy but discerning God’s will monthly for our children as a couple
Practice a “yes and” go with the struggle and stresses of daily life as a stay at home mother with messy littles and a messy heart
May you also step into 12 ways to grow and heal physically, mentally, and spiritually.
“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,”
Colossians 3:12
A twelve step program seems daunting for this shy and standoffish new year that we are entering into. So a word keeps tapping on the door of my heart, ready to cross the threshold and cozy up with me into 2024: TENDER MERCY, a phrase that whispers the unconditional love of my Father who holds His daughter who trembles to hold His children given to her to cherish. Tender Mercy- grace given with compassionate understanding.
Taking
Every
Noticed
Disturbance
Each
Redeemed
Made
Eternally
Renewed
Carried
Yokes
May your Heavenly Father whisper a word to name your identity as beloved daughter or son and encourage you in this New Year!
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”
-Isaiah 40:11
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