My word for for 2010 is consistency.
I make new years resolutions every year. And this year was no exception. But I wanted this one little word as my "mantra", something simple to remind me what I really want to accomplish. Something in the back of my mind to remind me what's most important, and to help me focus on the big picture of what I want to become.
I tend to get distracted with the little things in life - redecorating the house, getting the girls ready for the day, keeping the house clean, work projects, etc. Sure those things are important too. But they sometimes get priority over the things that matter the most.
Sometimes it seems like I'm running in circles - on my way to do one thing, getting distacted by another, then thinking of something else that I have to do, and the first thing I set out to do never gets done.
I love this quote by Elder Uchdorf:
"We know what matters most in life-the Light of Christ teaches this to everyone. We as faithful Latter-day Saints have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion to teach us things of eternal value...our weakness is in failing to align our actions with our conscience.
"Pause for a moment and check where your own heart and thoughts are. Are you focused on the things that matter most? How you spend your quiet time may provide a valuable clue. Where do your thoughts go when the pressure of deadlines is gone? Are your thoughts and heart focused on those short-lived fleeting things that matter only in the moment, or on the things that matter most?"
I do know what matters most. But sometimes my actions aren't aligned with what I know.
So I will be CONSISTANT this year on the things that matter most -
1: Prayers - individual, family, and companion.
2: Scripture study - individual, family, and companion.
3: Family Home Evening - every week without fail.
4: Work out - 5 days a week.
I realize these are very basic things. Things I'm okay at, but not great. I want to be great at them before I tackle the bigger things. And really, I think, everything eventually boils down to the basics.
Do I think that because I have written this down it will just magically come to pass? No. I know I need to have a serious plan. And stick to it. Be CONSISTANT. But half the battle is done: I know what I need to do.
I'm thankful for a new year and a fresh begining.
