Have you ever had a conversation with someone and started to feel the uncanny hints of similarity to your own life within the story they are unfolding?  Have you kept on listening only to feel the niggling inside affirming that "this could have been you" had you made a different choice back then?  This happens to me occasionally...sometimes affirming where life has led and sometimes leaving me wondering why in the world I didn't choose door #2.

I find that the marking of time either by a new year or by my birthday also makes me pensive and reflective over where life has led.  I'll admit, it used to be depressing :)  BUT I'm glad to say that in the last several years, I've rather enjoyed it.  No, I don't enjoy every moment of every day of every year, but I do, more often than not, find many good things or "growth things" that happened along the way to affirm my path.

Why is it that it seems we are always drawn to look back over time and notice the things that we DON'T have or that didn't finally happen this year?  Again, I'll admit, it happens to me :)  Aside from the obvious, I wonder why I haven't finally gone a year without car troubles, or why I haven't finally managed to become a well-disciplined person with impeccable time-management skills.  Why don't I read more and what do I have to show for all the "extra" time in my year? 

So this year I was inspired to think of a New Year's Resolution that will actually be something I'd like to do, something that will maybe even help with my time-management or fill my "extra" time with more purpose.  I thought and thought, and though none are earth-shattering or even that inspiring, they are my goals for 2012 :)  Disclaimer: These are not my LIFE goals...just simple New Year's Resolutions.

First of all, I am going to work to update my blog AT LEAST once a month.  I love to write, and this is my only outlet at the moment, so instead of wondering why in the world anyone would want to read what I've written, I'm just going to write it.

Secondly, I received a Kindle for Christmas, so this year I am going to work my way through some of the classics (because they are free and I'm finding that I really missed some BIG ones while growing up).  I'll maybe find some time for reading if I "shave" several hours a week off of following the latest television series.

Thirdly, I'm going to work to keep more up to date on world events.  I usually just let these things go on around me and I hear people talking about them, but have no clue.  This year, I want to be clued-in.  I even plan to learn the countries of the world and their capitols...since I am one of the FEW who apparently doesn't know them over here in Europe.  Oh how I wish I had had better geography!!

As for life goals...I think I'll keep working on one that I was challenged with a few years ago.  Someone once reminded me that I don't know everything.  Just because I want something in my life, doesn't mean that is what is best for me or that I actually KNOW what my life would be like if I had what I desire.  I may not desire it if I really knew what it would mean or change or the struggle it would create.  So, again, I work on just trusting that the One who does know all will continue to give me what is best for me and help me to be content...and yes, even filled with joy...with exactly where I am and what I have.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!