While many people make resolutions as part of New Year planning, we have a different approach. Every year on our wedding anniversary, Russell and I go out to dinner like other happy couples. However, we make it a point to share our favorite things from the last year and our plans and dreams for the year ahead.
A few years ago on our anniversary, we said "No more normal." This doesn't mean that we're shunning what we know and setting off for a deserted island to start over. And, we're not going to the extreme of selling everything to buy a bus and travel the U.S. full-time. Those are inspiring stories, but they're not ours.
Instead, we choose not to do things because others say we're "supposed to" and make decisions based on Faith, research and creativity. Yeah, that's right. Those four may seem like a really strange pairing when, in actuality, we need a little of each to guide us.
So, we try to ask ourselves three questions:
Will this make us stronger in our Faith?
Does the research show this to be a good idea (i.e. Do the numbers work out? Can we prove or disprove this theory without living it?)
Is there a better (easier/smarter/faster) way to do this?
Two years ago, we had a great life--wonderful family and friends nearby, good jobs, big house, large SUV, good schools, soccer practice, taekwondo, horseback riding and lots of weekend plans and home projects. We were busy. We were SO busy.
There wasn't anything wrong. Not really. But, my kiddos were growing up so much faster than I could have ever imagined. And we felt like we were working so that other people could spend time with them when we desperately wanted that time together. So, we started looking for ways to be intentional about our family time. And challenging each other not to just be busy but to find the ways that fulfilled our individual purpose, filled our family and tried to ignore all of the stereotypes that were making us exhausted.
God opened doors for us we weren't expecting. The data (and endless spreadsheet calculations) looked to be accurate and complete. And, we were able to be creative in the way we worked and lived.
It wasn't overnight. Here we are two years after that date night discussion and really still trying to figure it all out. But, we're working toward our goal everyday.