Did you create a New Year’s resolution?  A plan for improvement or modification of a behavior or habit?  If so, how’s it going?  Are you settling into new habits or have you already abandoned the changes?  Looking at the word ‘resolution’, it means to find a solution…again. We have many opportunities to begin again and have a fresh start to our routines – new day, new week, new month, new year.

Although I am not a resolution person, I do look at the first of the year as a springboard to clean house.  Not only my literal house but also areas in my life that have become cluttered with unnecessary baggage.  It is a natural time to reassess what I am spending my time doing.  A quick evaluation reviews my satisfaction level with quality of time spent in growth areas as well as recreation, creative endeavors and investment in relationships.

I am fortunate to no longer need to plan around a normal workday.  As we reach this stage in life, it’s assumed that there will be an abundance of time.  In retrospect, I quickly realized, time is still a limited resource.  Focus of where I spend time changes and allows for the creative and active pursuits – but the chores still need to get done – laundry, cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, errands – all are still vying for more hours in the day.

Resolutions come back to balance.  Where do you want to exist – in a heavily obligation driven day or a balance of family, work/chores, activities, creative and rest?  We strive for balance.  It is the goal to find the sweet spot.  In my years as a single mom, balance was rare – I was on autopilot to accomplish everything and continue to provide.  Out of desperation, I discovered ways to create quality time for myself and my son.  There were things I wouldn’t compromise – family dinner, church attendance, play time.  A clean house was not high on the priority list.  The basics were maintained, however, clutter and dirty dishes in the sink didn’t stop me from quality time spent with my son.  I also learned to ask for help.  I couldn’t have powered through those years without the generous, caring involvement of community.  Friends and church family were critical players in my aspiration of balance.

Today, as a retired wife and Gamma, there is lots of freedom to find balance. Joy is in the midst of choosing my daily focus.  Having a good partner to share household tasks helps tremendously.  We love spending time with family and both realize the benefits of daily exercise and creative pursuits.  The days that we find ourselves scheduled to the max with appointments, errands, and time-sensitive obligations are not our best days.  We readjust and bring ourselves back to finding the equilibrium and our sense of calm.

What stage of life are you in?  Above everything, be kind to yourself and set realistic goals.  Bravely pursue out-of-the-box solutions to the quest of balance.  Consider purging the unnecessary time sucks – excessive time on social media, TV, and unaccounted work hours.  Do these ultimately bring fullness into your life?  Instead of one BIG change, consider listing four, six or twelve smaller areas you want to adjust.  Choose one for each month, every other month or quarterly.  Put the list on the refrigerator or as a calendar reminder on your phone.  Choose a friend to be accountable to so they can check-in and support you prayerfully in your goals.  As a family, support each other with changes.  Kids will be eager to be involved especially if it means more time spent with you. Need added encouragement? Comment below or send me an email. I’ll be cheering you on and supporting you in prayer!