By Charlotte Jackson
Now that we have entered into 2019, there are an abundance of opportunities awaiting each of us. We have the opportunity to continue our education, to develop new relationships, to start a new stream of income and so many other possibilities for our lives.
For as long as I can remember, I have heard friends and associates make “New Year Resolutions” which mainly dealt with their appearance. I am sure you have heard too many people talk about this was the year they were going to exercise more, eat healthier and shed some weight. Maybe you have those in your life who start a list of all they hope to accomplish, yet within the month, they have cast it to the wayside.
The older I get, the more I realize that we have to stop and ask ourselves what is important in several areas of our lives. We need goals not just for making more money, exercising, getting healthy and saving money, but we need to think each one through as to how it impacts our lives.
Relationships matter. Money matters. Growth matters. Dreams matter. But how do you decide which one to work on first? Perhaps the important thing is to grab a pan and paper. Make that list of what matters to you. Then look at each issue and prioritize what you can do in that area.
There is a probability that your list looks similar to mine. The key words I listed are family, relationships, spiritual growth, service to others, income, retirement planning, health and community involvement.
As I looked over those words, I started to see which ones could connect. Then I realized that many areas of my life intersect, as do the people I spend time with.
I learned a long time ago that relationships matter. So every year when I get my new planner for the year, I sit down and write in all of the birthdays and anniversary dates for my loved ones. This list is more than just my parents, children, grandchildren and other biological family but those who matter the most to me. I then list the dates that are important in my spiritual life. I am a member of St John’s Downtown but actively participate with a number of other churches and ministries throughout the year. I add in the dates that are important to my job. This includes not just holidays and paydays, but the many exciting activities that happen on a community college campus. Then I add in the dates for the various non-profits that I am involved with as well as election dates and most importantly, dates for “just me”.
Each year I also try to do better at learning some new things. I participate in free events as well as those that may cost some money, but they will impact my life. Over the years, the John C. Maxwell Mastermind Groups that I have committed to have put me on a new road for the future as well as the continuing of classes and workshops offered by The Center for Healing of Racism as well as the programs offered through Houston Interfaith Ministries and NAMI Greater Houston. And each year, as I flip the pages in my planner, I know there are friendships that will be renewed as well as new ones to be formed. I have learned to never pass up an opportunity to meet someone new, learn something new or to help someone else learn. Be blessed as we travel throughout 2019.
