Journaling

This is another thing that we have all tried & failed, made it our New Year's resolution, tried it again... It is hard. Its not easy. But it is worth it. I have found a method that works. Yup. It was my News Years resolution last year and I can say I did it. It took work and effort but I know that I will be blessed because of it. I didn't want to journal everyday because I knew I would fail so I decided to do it once a week. And I can say that I have done it this whole year!

Spencer W. Kimball said, "Those who keep a book of remembrance are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives. Journals are a way to count our blessings and leave an inventory of these blessings for our prosperity." 

Here are my tips:

Set a day(or time) to journal: I always journal on Sundays. Sundays are the least busiest so it is easier to do. Pick a day or time and commit yourself to do it every day or once a week. That time is journal time. Even setting reminders on your phone can help with forgetfulness.

Be committed: Want to do it. Want to succeeded.

Get something you want to write IN & WITH: Think how much more fun and exciting it would be to write in a cute journal with cute, BUT good pens. Remember this is something you want to last, so choose wisely.

Make it fun: I wanted to do this post just for this. I found 52 journal topics/questions on Pinterest and printed them off and every week I would do one of those. (You can also get them day-by-day.) They were easy and they were fun + whoever reads it will be able to get to know you better! I've came up with 52 questions(one per week) that YOU can print off and do. I will be doing these this year!!

• What are your goals/resolutions for this year?
• What is your favorite quote & why?
• Do you play a musical instrument? If so, what is it?
• If you had three wishes what would they be?
• What is your most treasured thing?
• If you could meet anyone, who would it be & why?
• Least favorite words or phrases? 
• What are 3 things you do everyday no matter what?
• What are your top 3 pet peeves?
• 3 things you can't live without?
• What is your dream vacation?
• What is something you want right now?
• What is your favorite scripture?
• Who is your best friend? Tell why.
• Who do you look up to? Why?
• I pray...
• What are five things you could eat all day, every day?
• I love it when I see other people_____.
• What is one thing you want to change about yourself?
• What is your favorite hymn?
• I can't imagine....
• What are your hobbies?
• What is one thing you have always wanted to do but haven't? Why?
• What are 3 qualities you want your future spouse to have? (Or do have that you love)
• What is one thing you love about yourself?
• Tell about physical YOU. Your height, hair color, whether or not you tan easily, eye color..etc.
• Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?
• What is your favorite kind of weather?
• Would you change your name if you could?
• I want to buy ________ so bad.
• Is there anyone that you would give everything you had to them? Why?
• Name three people that your glad you meet. Why?
• How are you going to leave the world a better place?
• I hope...
• Tell about your favorite holiday traditions.
• How do you express your love?
• What is on your mind right now?
• Name a letter. Now name 5 things you love that start with that letter.
• How did you get your name?
• What did you do today that made you proud of yourself? (standing up for someone, giving a compliment)
• What is your favorite book, TV show, and song right now?
• What does "believing" mean to you?
• Tell about your family?
• What is your style like?
• What is something your going to work on this week? (anger, giving more compliments..etc)
• List 5 things your grateful for today.
• What makes you smile?
• Do you like to read?
• What is your favorite meal?
• If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
• On my current bucket list...
• Did you fulfill your New Years Resolutions? What kept you from doing so? How will you do better next year?

I hope you journal this year with me! Feel free to copy and paste the 52 topics and print them off for personal use. (If you do use them for non-personal use please contact me before hand. Thanks)

-EM

NEW YEAR. NEW YOU.

2015 is HERE! I hope you all had a wonderful 2014 and I wish all of you a better 2015!

{I wanted to post this before the new year so you have time think about your goals & resolutions.}

Each new year just like a new beginning should be started with some goals and dreams. We all want each year to be better than last. We all think about things we want to change & make different so lets write them down & get started on the NEW YOU because after all it IS a new year. New year. New you.

The definition of goal according to http://www.merriam-webster.com/ is
goal: something that you are trying to do or achieve

The definition of resolution also from Merriam-Webster Dictionary
res-o-lu-tion: the act of finding an answer or solution to a conflict, problem, etc. :the act of resolving something :the act of determining 

Make a couple of goals/resolutions. I know sometimes it can be hard to come up with some so here are some you can think & pray about:

• being more Christlike- choose an attribute to develop better this year.
• finishing Personal Progress (Post about this coming soon!)
• read your scriptures daily
• say more detailed prayers
• journal more (Post about this too! soon!)
• read more
• try harder in school
• save more money
• exercise & eat healthier
• keep room cleaner
• serve more
• give more compliments
• smile more
• prepare to serve a mission
• use time more wisely
• live in the moment

Try hard to achieve them. Set reminders so you won't forget through out the year. Place a list somewhere where you will see it often. Tell your friends and family so they can help you. Do not forget to pray for help. Remember He is always there to help you, and He WANTS to help you.

Remember not to set your self up to fail.  Don't make SO many that you forget or it's overwhelming. Or something super hard that you may not be able to finish. Now I'm not telling you to not set high goals and achieve them. I'm telling you to consider your goals and resolutions before- make sure that you can achieve them and that you want too. Set as many as you feel is possible.

In the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet under Work and Self-Reliance it says:

"Set high goals for yourself, and be willing to work hard to achieve them. Develop self-discipline, and be dependable. Do your best in your Church callings, schoolwork, employment, and other worthwhile pursuits. Young men [and young women] should be willing to do what is needed to be prepared to serve a full-time mission. Heavenly Father has given you gifts and talents and knows what you are capable of achieving. Seek His help and guidance as you work to achieve your goals."

Have a Happy 2015! Can you believe it's almost 2015 because I can't !? Share your resolutions & goals in the comments- I love to hear from you!

-EM