Goal: the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.
Resolution: a firm decision to do or not to do something.
Out with 2015, in with 2016. With the New Year, I’ve heard a lot of talk about fresh starts. Many people seem to be taking inventory of 2015 and making resolutions for 2016. I don’t believe in resolutions. I stopped making them years ago as I experienced, like most of us, that I never really stuck to them all year long. I like the word goal better. For me, resolutions will always be tied with New Years, whereas a goal is something that can be made whether it is January 1 or July 1. Resolutions seem more static, the word in the definition is firm, but a goal is more dynamic in my opinion. Goals can grow, shape, and mold depending on circumstance. I like the word aim and desired in the definition.
It seems hard not to engage in some kind of reflection with the passing of one year and the beginning of another. This rings especially true for me this year as I have left one decade and entered another. In December, I turned 30. THIRTY. I am no longer in my twenties. With the coming of a milestone birthday the number one question you get asked is, “How do you feel about it?” Honestly, I can say I feel pretty good about it. I noticed that as each year of my twenties passed I grew more content with who I was and where I was in life. I think I was happier at 25 than 21 and at 29 than 25. Not to say any of those years were unhappy, they definitely were not, but I think there is a contentedness that grows as who you are grows. I have faith that my thirties will be no different; that I have much to be excited for and many lessons to learn over the course of the next decade.
This brings me back to goals. I’ve thought a lot about goals for my 30th year of life. What do I want to accomplish? How can I contribute? What needs to change and what will remain? I’ve tossed around the idea with several people of what I have deemed as 30 in 30. Thirty experiences in my thirtieth year (original, right?). When I’ve talked about the subject I get a lot of suggestions-skydiving, new foods, rock climbing, etc. All decent suggestions. And I’ve already had a couple of new experiences. I spent my birthday in Boise, ID. A city and state I had never been in. And a couple weeks ago, I cooked a meal that included beets. Beets! A food I have always thought was gross and have avoided. But the meal turned out delicious and I enjoyed the beets in it. Who knew?
But this 30 in 30 idea, again, seems to be more dynamic. I don’t think it will just be new things that I do, things I try that I’ve never tried; although that will be a piece of it. To me, it’s more about being aware of experiences that will mark this year, this start of a new phase in life, and to be consciously present when experiences are meaningful. Some may be planned, some may be spontaneous, some may be moments that impact me, and some I hope are moments where I have an impact on others! Whatever they may be I’m excited for what my thirties will hold and what God has in store for me.
To 2016 and being 30!
As We Head West 