2011

banner pattern by Tracey from Notes From a Cottage Industry

Naturally, this time of year, there’s a lot of talk about goals and the love/hate relationship we have with New Year’s resolutions. Instead of resolutions, I like to start my new year with a clean slate of what I’d like my coming year to look like. I do try to write down some goals and some aspirations. The past few years, I’ve given the coming year a word or name that summarizes my goals, my mission statement, my vision for the year.

A vision is how you see your life to be in the future (what you will be).

Goals are how you will accomplish your vision.

A mission statement is a short, concise statement of purpose.

Last year, my word was “Yes.” I think I’ve used “graciousness” a few times. (It’s a big motivation behind my personal vision.) This year, I’ve been vacillating between several words.

I’ve written about vision before. About having a vision. About having a written-down vision. That not having a vision in writing is the same as not having one.

Having written goals is as important as having a written vision--if you are planning to accomplish them. Goals without a vision can get you going in too many directions. Goals with a vision keep you focused and give you a great impetus to success.

So, to keep my focus, I’m once again going to name my year. Words I have contemplated for 2011: Here, Balance, Organize.

But, I think I’m going with FREEDOM.

Freedom from stress,

freedom from clutter,

freedom from debt,

freedom from the past,

but most importantly, freedom to be who God wants me to be.