Ten Resolutions for the New Year

While praying about my New Year's resolutions,  I utilized the ten commandments as a starting point. At a glance,  I'd often think there's no way I could break any of the commandments, and it seemed I was doing pretty well by these base standards. Yet,  continued reflection through beautifully written examinations of conscience,  I eventually learned how much deeper they go and require of us. While I may never kill someone,  how do I hurt others with words or actions? I will never covet my neighbor's wife, but do I have good relationships with my husband, family and friends? Let's fill our hearts with a focus on all we can do as much as the cannots. I pray these reflections will inspire your resolutions to reach for your potential in God's eyes.

1. Put God first in everything. Pray to Him in my decisions. Contemplate His Passion in the trials of my day. Put an end to behaviors that keep me from living out His plan for me.

2. Only speak words of truth and kindness. Only use the names of God and the holy souls with utmost respect. Make the sign of the cross every time I hear someone use the Lord's name in vain.

3. Attend Mass on Sundays and Holy days of obligation, not just because it's what we should do, but because I am realizing what a significant gift it is to be able to attend. Invite others to join me.

4. Be mindful of my parents' needs, be they physical or spiritual. Pray to the Holy Family to enrich and mend our family's relationships. Be determined to be the kind of parents our children want to respect and be around.

5. Refrain from harsh language, name calling, gossip, pridefulness, or any behavior that hurts the spirit of another. Make efforts to improve my impact on God's creation especially by reducing waste.

6. Open my eyes to the things I and my family watch, read, wear, etc that they be uplifting to our mind and soul in purity, truth, and goodness. To strive for chastity in my marriage, rooted in self giving love, and be a holy example to other couples.

7. Make time for the important things. Don't steal time that is better spent elsewhere. Give thanks often to God and others who bless my life. Don't waste money on frivolous things that could be better spent, saved or donated.

8. Stop gossip at its beginning, from your lips or deterring others from speaking ill of another. Save even "venting" for a prayer with Jesus. Refrain from justifying a desire that is frivolous or sinful for your own gain.
 
9. Be joyful in the blessings of your friends and neighbors. Love one another. Seek out and nurture holy and fruitful relationships.
 
10. Live humbly, and let go of things that cause a sense of pride or anxiety. Embrace opportunities for fasting and abstinence.