By CHARLENE PAUL<\/p>\n
The Progress<\/p>\n
Charlene Paul<\/p>\n
As I reflected over the past 365 days of 2021, it seems impossible that they passed so quickly. So quickly! After the chaos that was 2020, I had so many plans for 2021, and I set about writing New Years resolutions to my feet firmly planted and my mind keenly focused.<\/p>\n
I wish I could report that I accomplished each of those resolutions made on that first day of 2021 that Im in tip-top shape, that I scanned all of my photos and papers, that I published my first book, that I am in control of my emotions, that I no longer procrastinate, that I sleep eight hours every night, that my laundry is under control, and that I check everything off my to-do list every day. But the truth is, I am still a work in progress.<\/p>\n
In the past, that would have affected me in one of two ways: 1) I would have been a mess of depression, or 2) I would have made a list of resolutions that was twice as long as last years.<\/p>\n
But New Year 2022 was different. I didnt beat myself up because of my inability to get everything done. It was a year of ups and downs, challenges and cheers, joys and sorrows. I know. What an understatement.<\/p>\n
Being the mother of adult children and in-law children has taught me lessons in dealing with trials I have no control over. Watching our kids go through their challenges kept me on my knees in fervent prayer. But, unfortunately, that wasnt on my list.<\/p>\n
Spending time in conversation with a newly-widowed friend wasnt on my list. Talking to friends and neighbors about everything under the sun also didnt make my list. Taking time to watch a sunset and enjoy the all-too-infrequent rain wasnt on my list. Spending time with grandchildren wasnt on my list. Daydreaming and scheming, crocheting and crafting werent on my list.<\/p>\n
My husbands job as a middle school principal was stressful last year. Sometimes when he got home, he wanted to walk and talk. That wasnt on my list.<\/p>\n
No matter what my New Years Resolutions were, life happened. And that had to be okay. Dont get me wrong, resolutions are good, and to-do lists keep me centered. But somewhere in those resolutions and lists, I need empty spaces for wiggle room when life happens.<\/p>\n
Life is precious and unpredictable, and I dont want to miss any more of it than I already have. On my last day on earth, I hope to look back over my lists of resolutions and find I have made a difference in the lives of those I came in contact with. I want those I love to know that they are more important than anything on a to-do list.<\/p>\n
So, heres to empty spaces in 2022.<\/p>\n
Charlene Paul and her husband Ken raised their family in Moapa Valley. She loves reading, writing, baking, crochet, and talking. She is the owner of Look on the WRITE Side, a freelance writing and proofreading company.<\/p>\n
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'PAUL' IT ALL TOGETHER: Resolutions And Empty Spaces - mvprogress<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By CHARLENE PAUL The Progress Charlene Paul As I reflected over the past 365 days of 2021, it seems impossible that they passed so quickly. So quickly! After the chaos that was 2020, I had so many plans for 2021, and I set about writing New Years resolutions to my feet firmly planted and my mind keenly focused. I wish I could report that I accomplished each of those resolutions made on that first day of 2021 that Im in tip-top shape, that I scanned all of my photos and papers, that I published my first book, that I am in control of my emotions, that I no longer procrastinate, that I sleep eight hours every night, that my laundry is under control, and that I check everything off my to-do list every day. Continue reading