Looking back on 2010 it started with a fantastic ending to one of the most amazing journeys in my life-- trip to Kenya for 3 weeks. Not only going to Africa, safariing in Masai Mara, spending time with my dear friend (Emily) and her family but also meeting my 4 sponsor children through World Vision!!!!!!!! Totally an awesome experience that I think now in 2011 has had a greater impact on my life than I truly realize. (Here are the blog postings from my visit-- part I & part II) I have never forgotten meeting Kailale (sponsored since my junior year of college- Oct 2004) and his family for the first time. His mother Rosa so sweet and immediately giving me a hug. Later she spoke of one day that her hope is for her children would become independent adults and would sponsor children just like me-- talk about tear jerker! Such a blessing!!!
Then it was back to reality in Texas. After only 6 days home I left for California for my next assignment near Fresno, California. Except while driving there (actually at the Watchtower in the Grand Canyon) I got a phone call from my recruiter-- my contract was canceled by the hospital. I was out of job just like that!! Thankfully I was able to find another job and another and another. Having traveled across the country, I realize that materialism is not just specific to a region or state but nation-wide!
Lately, I have been convicted about being a good steward of my finances. Also, realizing that my money is not really mine but God's that he has entrusted to me. Not that I want to be super uptight with my money but I want to be more responsible not irresponsible. Most people are shocked to hear that I have a financial advisor-- actually since my senior year of high school. He is amazing and I am so glad that he is a part of my life-- giving me guidance and direction not just in my finances but my life too. I don't understand everything with the stock market, IRAs, 401ks, or the economic collapse of 2008 but Brock (my financial advisor) does.
Working in the medical field I am faced with the reality everyday that life on Earth is not eternal and it never stays the same but it is always changing and can change in only an instant. Life has no guarantees! So I am making some major changes to my life that I hope to keep. I know that this won't be easy and I am not perfect but it is worth giving it a good shot.
New Year's Resolution in March :)
-Plan is to start today--I figure there is no point in procrastinating.
- Resolution evaluation after Easter. No specific reason for that date just that it will be easy to remember and is just over of 2 months away. I thought only 30 days might not be a real challenge.
-- Limit eating out! (This won't be too easy since eating out is a social thing)
-- Aware of TV shows & movies I do watch-- really limit language, sex & violence
-- NO mindless/trashy tv- Judge Judy, reality tv (exceptions- Amazing Race & Biggest Loser), Access Hollywood, MTV, Bravo, etc
-- More aware of what is going in the rest of the world than what is going on in Hollywood- News, CNN, newspaper, etc.
-- Adios to movies at the theater or purchasing from stores
-- Goodbye to new music either iTunes or cds, etc.
-- Listen only to music that has a positive attitude- no radio, bad language, references to sex, drugs, death, or alcohol
-- Zero paid car washes-- @ Wash Tub or the drive-thru gas stations
-- Time restrictions for Facebook
-- Take time to stop & smell the roses. Get out and do new things!!!
-- Retail therapy aka shopping-- necessities only! Think x3 before purchase-- Do I really NEED this?? Can I live without this?
-- More time reading books (Can't believe I said that- I really dislike reading)
-- Increase quality time with friends or family- email, phone, skype
-- Helping others more!! Giving back my time & resources.
-- Spring cleaning. Do I really need 8 pairs of blue jeans? I think not! Less is more :)
* May change things or add as time progresses
No comments:
Post a Comment