making plans for 2012

If you know me well, you know that I love lists. I make lists for everything (this goes back to my high school year book days where list-making was mandatory). So it may be surprising to know (especially to Melissa–Hi, Melissa) that I don’t make lists at the new year.

Years ago, I found that I was making the same lists each year. You know, more gospel study, more exercise, more adventures, etc. Obviously the yearly lists were not working.

So, I decided to go a different route.

Now, I choose a word or a phrase or a scripture to be my theme for the year. (A few years back there was an article about this very thing on Bloom. You can read it here.) I let the word/phrase/scripture guide my choices for the year as they come around. Usually, by the end of the year I have internalized my theme and it’s a part of me. I really have changed. I really have made progress. And that feels awesome.

This year I’m aiming for the essentials.

Here’s the back story. (The back story happens to be personal, unlike the craft tutorials I usually post about around here, but I feel like I want to share.)

A couple weeks before Christmas, I miscarried my little baby bean at 12 weeks. The whole experience included passing out in the ER in the wee hours of the morning, very kind doctors and nurses, heartache for the little one we lost, and a deeper awareness of how precious life is. I still get teary thinking of all the angels (seen and unseen) who came to our rescue when we needed back up. Words can’t express the feelings of gratitude I feel for them.

At the end of the day, I’m glad I’ve had this experience. I better understand other women who have had similar experiences (there are a lot of us!). I realize how amazing Chris is. I care more tenderly for my three healthy, darling boys. My trust in God and the Plan of Salvation has deepened.

The experience has left me with a deeper awareness that some things are essential and some things are just nice to do.

My husband and kiddos: essential.

My relationship with God: essential.

My role as a nurturer: essential.

My connections with my family, friends, and neighbors: essential.

I hope that in 2012 I can keep the essentials in the spotlight–giving them the most time, attention, and loving care.

>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<

Good reads if you are interested in the essentials, too:

Good, Better, Best by Dallin H. Oaks

Finding Balance by Julie B. Beck (listen to the audio clip)