With the prospect of a new baby looming over me, and an awareness of the wave of change that will follow, I’ve found myself uneasy about planning my life. I was so grateful that with Scotland I was able to put my life on hold for a few months, or rather focus my life on savoring those sweet moments rocking, nursing, and caring for him. Things will be different this time. I don’t have just one baby to wrap my life around, I have two. With this in mind I was wary to set too ambitious of New Year’s resolutions. No need to put undue pressure on myself over the next few months, when, by necessity, most of my time will be spend in the care of our newborn. That being said I wanted to give myself some sort of direction for the new year. And so came my resolution: Smile more.
I think it works as an overall goal for many areas of my life. I’m a happy person by nature, my girlfriends from Cleveland nicknamed me “happy,” for goodness sake, but too often I let seriousness cloud my face and furrowed brows wrinkle my forehead. I want to be like the twinkly-eyed grandma in my ward, Barbara Bradford, who is constantly smiling. I figure if I don’t start the habit now, it certainly won’t be my habit when I’m 85!
I can’t say I’ve been particularly successful these past few weeks. The discomforts of pregnancy have caused many a grumpy day, but whenever I think about it, I’ll perk up the sides of my mouth and marvel at how that simple act brightens my vision.
I’m looking forward to building a more smile-inducing home complete with pictures that remind me of happy memories, brightly colored pillows, light-hearted art and beautiful flowerbeds.
I want to sing more, dance more, play more music.
I want to increase my social interactions. I want to serve more.
I’m SOOO excited to start exercising again. I want to take up biking this year.
I want be more consistent and deep with my study of the scriptures. Nothing brings me more peace and contentment then the presence of the spirit in my life.
I want to be more present with my family. I want to go on more outings, that free me from the monotonous responsibilities of the home and allow us time to laugh, contemplate, and enjoy nature together.
I want to take more pictures and blog/journal more- as doing so always brings into the focus the simple pleasures of life that make it magical.
I want smiling to be my natural expression. Text me, from time to time, will you, and just ask: “Smiling?”