Is resoluting even a word?
Well, it should be 
.
Here’s a quote that struck a chord with me when I read it last week:
As we reflect on the value of resolving to do better, let us determine to discipline ourselves to carefully select the resolutions we make, to consider the purpose for making them, and finally to make commitments for keeping them and not letting any obstacle stop us. Let us remind ourselves at the beginning of each day that we can keep a resolution just for that day. ~ President N. Eldon Tanner
I like the recipe President Tanner offers. Discipline. Purpose. Commitment. I also like how he breaks things down into baby steps – following through on our goals for just one day at a time. Though sometimes it can be a great feat to even keep those commitments for an hour, let alone a day.
The advice President Monson offered in his “Living the Abundant Life” article has also given me motivation to keep plugging along with my 2012 word of the year. He gives us his own ABC’s to help us learn how to live an abundant life – have a positive Attitude, Believe in yourself and have Courage.
Ever since I read it, the following message he shared has been tumbling through my mind day in and day out. It’s a remarkable gem and it makes you want to never give up, but to keep on trying no matter how many times you might not succeed:
Courage is required to make an initial thrust toward one’s coveted goal, but even greater courage is called for when one stumbles and must make a second effort to achieve.
Have the determination to make the effort, the single-mindedness to work toward a worthy goal, and the courage not only to face the challenges that inevitably come but also to make a second effort, should such be required. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, “I’ll try again tomorrow.” ~ President Thomas S. Monson
We are now one third of the way done with the first month of the new year and so far I am still keeping my 2012 word at the forefront of my brain. GENTLE.
I have been working on being gentle with my stomach – fueling it with proper food. (Sugar is highly addictive and my willpower sometimes is rather fragile.)
I have been working on being gentle with the budget – not stretching it past its limit.
I have been working on being gentle with my voice – using a nice tone with my kids and taking notice of why, in the first place, it even takes on a bitter tone.
Speaking of kids and parenting, here’s what I posted on Facebook the other day:
I *had* to share this brilliant post. As a parent, who can’t relate to being “tired and cranky and ready for the day to be over quite often?”
Every mother really should read that post. Yes, the article is that good.
How are your resolutions/goals/whatever you want to call what you are striving-to-be-or-change coming along?
Happy resoluting !
Thanks for the brilliant reminder, Laura!
I love that quote about trying harder tomorrow! Isn’t that how it is!
But to also put your feet on the ground each morning with purpose in mind.
So many just drift about and are victims of circumstances, but I love the “live your life on purpose!”!
Things are going okay over in these here parts…I am editing and revising my goals, however to be more specific! Maybe I”ll be done by the end of the year….
Let’s get together asap for someone special’s birthday!!
xoxoxo
As you continue to resolve to be “GENTLE” the Lord will lead and guide you to things, like those quotations and that blog post, to help you!
i totally agree about courage being required in order to achieve any goal because it was through courage that I applied to my study abroad programs and stuck with them
. plus, i need plenty of courage in order to fulfill my desire of becoming a teacher some day 
! thanks for writing your blog on inspirational quotes 
! and good luck in following in your goal of being gentle!
Whether it’s a word or not, I think I will repeat it in my mind often – hopefully with good results!!!
Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Just ran across this quote and thought it was good for keeping on track and sharing.
I LOVE the idea of reminding ourselves we can keep a resolution just for one day at least. One day at a time. Wow. Thank you
I loved that article by Pres. Monson!
Being gentle to my stomach. Never thought about it that way, but that is definitely what it needs, now and always.
Great resoluting, Laura!