Happy 2016 everyone! I know I can’t be the only one who feels like 2015 just flew by. So many things happen in one year and then all of sudden you are on to the next. This part of the year is filled with resolutions and in my opinion comparison. We look at others sometimes and make goals for how we want to change in the new year so we are happier with ourselves. Fundamentally I don’t think there is anything wrong with goal planning, but I do think it is extremely important to look inward vs. outward. Instead of setting goals based off of what other people are doing, reflect on your past year and write down your highlights as well as your low points and reflect on them.
In mid December I went through a free goal setting worksheet. To begin it asks you to write down adjectives for how you feel now, how you want to feel, and what action you need to take to change how you feel to how you want to feel. This was such an eye opening exercise as I wrote words like “uninspired”, “bored” and “unfulfilled”, across my paper, I began to realize that I was lacking fulfillment in my everyday life. This is not to say I am unhappy or ungrateful for the many things God has blessed me with (like a perfect little apartment, sweet husband, and thriving work environment), but that I had been looking for fulfillment within these things instead of through Him.
Sometimes it can be so easy to get distracted by all of the gifts and blessings God has given us to enjoy, that we forget those things will only bring true fulfillment if they are experienced through Him. In 2015, I was so immensely blessed with incredible things like (finally) graduating from college, marrying my sweet husband, traveling to Mexico for a 2 week long honeymoon, and the list goes on! Yet, I found myself writing words like “unfulfilled” on my goal reflection sheet.
My word for 2016 is fulfillment! This year I desire to be more filled with His Spirit. To find fulfillment in His presence rather than passing things of this world. To spend more time focused on growing spiritually so I can bless my husband and be blessed myself through my relationship with Him. Fulfillment to me is such an encompassing word and also speaks of the my need for creativity! As a designer who works with software during my 9-5, I needed a creative outlet to share the passions my Savior designed within me. I trust that 2016 will be an amazing year as I surrender myself to Him and follow the path He has for me, and I hope you will do the same. Maybe there will even be color and some traveling adventures along the way!
If you haven’t already, you should pause and reflect on your year! Create purpose in your 2016 and share your thoughts in the comments below. If you have a word for the year, I would love to know!
