2012: The Year of the P

I have three areas of my life that I'd like to improve upon over the course of this next year. 

Positive

(who I want to be)

I don't think I'd consider myself an especially negative person in general, but I recognize that I am prone to complaining (at least to my husband) and often get down on myself. I want a positive nature to be a key element of my character and for all those who come in contact with me to be uplifted. I've made a list of things I can do to help me become a more positive person, and hope to focus on a specific one each month.

Find ways to serve

Be grateful

Never speak negatively in social settings

Find joy in the moment

Smile

Utilize prayer

Look for missionary opportunities

Listen to uplifting music

Seek out positive relationships/experiences

Eliminate negative influences

Make my surroundings beautiful

Priorities

(what I want to do)

I've gotten better over the years at prioritizing all the many things I want to do, but I am still apt to make unreasonably long lists, overwhelming myself with more than I can possibly accomplish within the time frame I set for myself. I've narrowed down every goal I have floating around in my mind and have settled on the few I think are most important. It may seem like a lot, but considering my initial list, I've whittled it down quite a lot.

Daily gospel study (not just daily scripture reading). I plan to to this by utilizing the RS manual and the Ensign, and by reading the lessons for RS/Sunday school/institute classes.

Exercise. I weigh less than I did when I got pregnant with Abraham, but I am not as fit or healthy as I'd like to be. I have a set of strengthening exercises I will do every day, with the goal of being able to do a pull up.

Meal planning. I will make a monthly menu, which will help me better spend my grocery money, utilize my freezer more, and decrease daily stress. I hope it will also lead to a food storage plan that works for our family.

Constructive time with the children. I don't think I pay too little attention to them, but I know we can all benefit more from our time together if I put just a little more thought into our daily activities. I want to focus on reading books and making their days more structured.

Cleaning schedule. I've started a new regiment that is working very well and keeping the house in excellent order. I have two tasks that happen every day (sweeping, and bringing all the laundry and trash to a central location), and then each week day I have one specific chore. Once those are done, I can feel good about having accomplished the days tasks and can either be done or pick something else to do.

Holidays and birthdays. I want to do a better job planning for and recognizing special days throughout the year. Part of this includes an emphasis on completing several sewing projects.

Patience

I don't have any lists for this one, but it is something I am praying for with greater fervor and believe will be a natural outcome of many of the aforementioned goals.