In 2012 I Resolve....

If I've noticed anything about 2012 so far, it's that it seems to be the year of the anti-resolution.  I don't think I've ever seen so many people resolve to not make resolutions as I have the last few weeks.  Personally, I think resolutions are getting a bad rap.  I welcome the chance to make a fresh start and re-prioritize what I need to work on in my life. 

I tend to do this twice a year.  Like many who work in education, September is my first "New Year" and gives me a chance to make some resolutions around my job and my role as an elementary student's parent (and about my lunch-packing or lack thereof for LJ).

Then the calendar New Year roles around and I get to examine and either toss aside or reaffirm my September resolutions - plus add a few personal ones on for good measure.  Most years they look pretty much like everyone else's: be more organized, eat less/move more, etc.

This year, my resolution is a simple one, yet a hard one to practice.  In 2012, I resolve to keep perspective.  Five little words, but a big challenge.  In 2011, I found myself getting stressed and frustrated about things that really didn't matter in the big picture: LJ throwing his coat onto the floor instead of putting it on his hook, someone flipping me off in traffic when they cut me off, spilling coffee all over myself as I walk out the door already late for a meeting...you know, those kinds of things.

And then every once in a while, we get a wake up call that puts things into perspective for us:  the story of someone else losing - or almost losing - their precious child, 

watching someone battle a horrible disease but do it with such grace and strength, 

watching a friend take drastic measures to try and avoid that fight.

These are all moments that shake us and force us to look at the things that were ruining our day and thank God we are still here to experience them.  I want to keep my perspective in 2012 without having to be reminded by someone else's tragedy.  I resolve to remind myself that little things really do not matter in the big picture and that each day is indeed a gift.  I resolve to treasure that present. 

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