Thoughtful, Encouraging, and Spiritual Writing

What 2024 Resolution Are You Leaning Toward?

Rosemary B. AlthoffLeave a comment

Earlier today I wrote that I plan to rest—even while being active. How can I make that goal specific? I know (because the Bible tells me so) that rest is attainable. Is rest measurable?

S.A.M.: Specific, Attainable. Measurable.

Rest means to me that I am physically alert and active, mentally at peace, and spiritually trusting God.

I know that my perception of being rested changes by the moment, but the state of being rested is long-term. With the help of God, I can enter a state of rest.

How to measure rest? (1) One physical way is to keep track of sleep and eating. When I’m stressed, both get ragged. I overeat and under-sleep. I’ll keep records of those living essentials. (2) A way to measure mental rest is to keep track of my moods. (3) But spiritual rest? How can I measure that? Here is how I will do that: I can monitor my anxiety level. When I trust God, I get less anxious. Although occasional anxiety may hit me, I don’t plan ti live in it.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS … IN DECEMBER

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My theme for the end of 2023 going into 2024 is Rest.

Rest means choosing to take care of myself while loving others. So, I have challenged myself to moderate eating, increase exercise by inches rather than miles, and schedule days off. I love my work of writing, and I choose to reward myself for getting writing done with things that help me rest. I may be active when I’m resting—for instance, riding my bike in the park and then going out for ice cream. I may sit and read. I may hang out with friends and family.

A book I heartily recommend to help people make their New Year’s decisions is The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman.

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com

Talk to people … and listen

Rosemary B. AlthoffLeave a comment

Today I worshipped at a new-to-me church. I got there early, and thought I’d just find a corner to burrow into and wait for the service to begin.

But something inside suggested that I approach people, introduce myself, and just chat if they were open. And they were open!

One interpersonal barrier I encountered was to think of my responses to people while they were talking instead of listening and THEN responding. Today I made an effort to listen so I could really get to know the folks. I wasn’t successful at overcoming my habit with every conversation, but I made an effort and met some lovely new friends!

Point of story: I, the introvert, stepped out in faith and met people. And the new relationships were a very pleasant takeaway.

Setting a goal for setting a goal

Rosemary B. AlthoffLeave a comment

It’s the close of Thanksgiving Day, and I’m full, sleepy, and happy after a good time with family and friends. I’m in no shape to think through prewriting Book 4, From Silence to Singing.

But I have just enough energy left tonight to set a goal for setting a goal.

On Saturday, November 25, I’ll set THE goal for completing the prewriting phase of Book 4.

There, I did it!