It’s that time of year when we are all challenged to make resolutions. For me, making resolutions requires me to focus on what I don’t like about myself or my life. That seems like a crappy way to start 2019. Instead, I’ve decided to reverse that process and make a resolution of the things in my life I don’t want to change.

I Resolve NOT to Change ….

• My marriage is strong. We make time to be together every week and we have several activities we enjoy doing together.
• My exercise program is excellent.
• I’m healthy – all my limbs work, my eyes see, my ears hear, my muscles get sore. I can eat and laugh and read and write. I have some muscle definition.
• I’ve started to scrapbook again and I’m finding joy in it again (and my kids love it).
• I enjoy teaching again. I learn something with every class (about the topic and about myself).
• I’ve strengthened important relationships (especially with my daughter).
• This blog is well received and mentally helpful for me. I have a great therapist.
• Our financial lives are basically on track.
• I’ve found a new way to “meditate” that works for me.
• My desire to be a writer allows me to excuse all my time reading and purchases!
• I’ve made some new acquaintances that are rapidly becoming friends.
• I have a great writer’s group.
• I’ve discovered a way to keep my house clean that makes me actually enjoy cleaning (okay, maybe not ‘enjoy’ but at least not hate).
• I’ve found a great writing consultant and therefore ….
• I’ve finished the first draft of my second novel and I’m very excited about it. I learned from my mistakes in novel one and I have a great support network.
• My first novel was published and the reviews have been excellent.

Wow! The above list only took me five minutes to compile. Imagine if I spent more time focusing on what’s right instead of what’s wrong – that’s my goal for 2019. That’s a resolution I can make!

2019 Goals

Did you notice that my simple list has 17 items?

Of course, there are things I’d like to change or improve. There are things I’d like to start or stop or achieve. This list is less than 17. So, there are more things that WORK than don’t work! YIPPEE!

But for today, I’m going to focus only on what’s right instead of what’s wrong!

Your Challenge

Before you beat yourself up with what needs to change, take the time to WRITE DOWN what’s right. You do many things well. You have many great relationships. You have fun and rewarding activities. Your body is perfect (seriously, make a WRITTEN note about what’s right with your body).

If you must find all the things you want to change and RESOLVE to make changes, go for it. Next to that list, write the list of what does workand write it in bright, bold letters! Hang THAT on the kitchen cabinet.

Please … Please take a picture of your bright, bold YIPPEE list! Send it to me!

Happy New Year! Whether I make any changes at all, I’m perfect as I am and the list above proves it!

A Special Thanks

I wanted to share with you some of the people & things that have helped me get where I am today:

• My website developer and manager, Sandra Girouard at Pecan Media Services, www.pecanmediaservices.com
• Writing Coach: www.tammyletherer.com
• Meditation: http://zentangle.com
• Norwex Cleaning Supplies: https://sandyparkins.norwex.biz
• Personal Training: www.bodyfitz.com
• My First Novel: Decide To Hope (https://www.amazon.com/Decide-Hope-June-Converse-ebook/dp/B07B4H37FL/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544995225&sr=8-1&keywords=decide+to+hope)