Living Intentionally in 2013

I am ter-ri-ble with resolutions. Probably because I NEVER follow through with them. So instead of listing a bunch of fluffy resolutions, I've compiled a list of 10 intentional goals for 2013.

1. {Less me. More God. More others.}

I'm challenging myself to serve God & others through weekly random acts of kindness. Writing more letters & thank you cards. Paying for strangers' coffee at Starbucks. Giving up a close parking spot to the car behind me. Taping a dollar to a vending machine, etc, etc.

2. {Daily spiritual food}

Wanna know more about my 2013 Project 52 challenge?
Read about it here & here.
And join me!

3. {Reject passive-aggression}

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I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I'm kind of passive-aggressive. Yet, I DESPISE passive-aggression. For some reason, God saw fit to put a LOT of passive-aggressive people in my path. And through those relationships, I realized that I struggle with it, too. Some people are SUPER passive-aggressive. I, on the other hand, am more of an undercover passive-aggressor. ;) Either way, it's a sucky way to be. So this year, I am rejecting passive-aggression. No sassy emails or text messages. Or cutting, below-the-belt comments. If I have an issue with something or someone, I will: 1) pray first; 2) pick up the phone or schedule a coffee date to have the tough discussion.

4. {Stick to my monthly clothing budget & make smart purchases}

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When I shop, I don't necessarily have a plan. I just buy things that are cute...and on sale. But no more of that in 2013. I've been inspired by a couple of bloggers (Franziska of Franish & Kimmie of Blue Paper Lanterns) to set and stick to a monthly clothing budget, keep track of my purchases, AND keep a running list of items I need want to round out my closet.

5. {Share my faith more}

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This one's pretty self-explanatory. Each opportunity I pass up to share my faith with someone is like me saying Jesus, I appreciate you dying on the cross for my sins and all, but not enough to share the same hope of eternal life with someone else. Shame on me. And yes, I have a fear of rejection, but if it's really about God, who cares? Need to work a little harder at removing myself from the situation and just be obedient.

6. {Work through my inventory & make amends}

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In 2011, I went through a year long 12-step Christ-centered recovery program to identify the areas of my life that were holding me back from loving God & others...and making amends with those I've hurt and who have hurt me. I learned that I struggle with trusting God in all things, which manifests itself in control, fear, shame, and people-pleasing...among other things. One of the steps in the process was putting together an inventory of people who have hurt me & vice versa. And from there, releasing those hurts to God and making amends with those people. Sadly, I skipped right over the amends part. And today, there are still a few people I have not fully forgiven. So I plan to dust that old inventory off and work on making amends. I know this will be so incredibly hard for me, so I covet your prayers. 

7. {Be myself. Enjoy blogging. Ignore the stats.}

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I don't plan to ever make blogging a business or make any real money off of it. So why should I care so much about stats? Don't get me wrong...one of the best parts about blogging is the feedback and sweet comments I get from other bloggers. But I can't be completely driven by the number of followers I have or comments I receive. Nor do I need to allow myself to fall into the trap of comparing my blog to other blogs. Selfless Ambition is MY creative outlet. So I'm working on just being me, enjoying this blogging journey, and not focusing on the stats.

8. {Be a better step mom}

I'm not a good stepmom. How's that for honesty?
I shared here about how I've been pretty selfish over the past 3 years with respect to "sharing" my husband. Being a blended family is much harder than I expected. But Kendall deserves more from me. So I am committed to creating more opportunities to connect with her. And working on loving her right where she is. I'm sure that sounds crazy considering that I'm talking about a 6-year-old...but this is very real for me...for us.

9. {Intimacy with my husband}

And by intimacy, I mean s-e-x. TMI? Probably. But that's OK. It's one of my goals, so I figured I'd share. The bottom line is that I need to break my husband off on a regular basis. Pow.

You don't become this old & still in love with your spouse without regular nooky! heeeeeeyy! 

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P.S. Mom, I really hope you're not reading this! Awkwaaaaaard.

10. {Eat more fruits & veggies and limit fast food to 1x per week}

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I don't cook nearly as much as I should. But that doesn't mean that I get to be lazy and eat fast food all week long. I'm not the young whipper snapper I used to be. And those waffle fries and nuggets tend to stick to my thighs these days. So I'm making an effort to eat more fruits & veggies...and less waffle fries.

There it is, folks!
My intentional goals for 2013.

And for extra accountability, I'm thinking about updating you here each month on my progress against these goals.

Do you have any resolutions/goals for 2013? Do share!

xo,

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