My Goal in 2013

The year 2012 gave me many discoveries. I learned how people are; how I am; how Per is; how my kids are; how my extended family is; how my friends are; how people in my church are; and how society is.

In 2012 I had a goal to be nicer (blog post). My honesty and bluntness hurt some people in 2011 when I felt compelled to be honest; not sweep things under the rug; and say how I felt. In 2012 I wanted to hold my tongue (just realize things but not necessarily say them.)

In 2013 I want to continue to practice holding my tongue and to work on developing my character. My goal is to be patient, loving, and kind.

Choosing to Focus On the Good

My goal in 2012 is to be nicer. Since I've been sick I say whatever I think (I call it having no filter.) I realize now that I could have held my tongue and spared some feelings but it was really important to me to speak the truth.

For as long as I can remember it was important to me to be liked. So much so that even though I recognized bad behavior I would never say it because I didn't want people not to like me.

Now I still want people to like me (if they want) but it won't crush me if they don't.

It's strange to think that my illness has given me better self-esteem, but it's true. I care enough not to turn my head when someone does wrong. However, I don't need to point out their err. I'll just make a mental note and move on. No one is perfect - we all err.

This year my goal is to give people the benefit of the doubt; to look on the bright side; and to acknowledge good qualities. I may know about bad qualities but I choose to focus on the good.