Note to self: Have a grateful heart and Make changes.

During sermon 2 weeks back, PD mentioned that “Gratitude is an attitude and thanksgiving is the action in response to that gratitude”.

It spoke to me and I recalled feeling an immense sense of gratitude for my ever-faithful God and Father. He has seen me through the storms. He was there with me during my darkest hours. When no one was there, He was with me and we made it through together. 

To bade 2021 farewell, I would like to thank God for

1.     Navigating me through the storms. He was not just there with me. But I’m thankful for His guidance, He who shined light on my path.

2.      His provision. While others had to worry about their bread and butter, I thank God that I have enough and more, so that I could share and care for people around me.

3.     Being my teacher. I had hard lessons to learn so I could ‘progress to the next level’. I can’t say that I have graduated or I will not make the same mistakes again, but I pray that I’ll be able to learn from my mistakes and make these changes. 

I have learned so much from 2021, and every single trial and tribulation that I’ve been through has helped me to grow as a person, and in faith. I’m also proud to say that I have managed to complete most of my resolutions made in 2021 (WHUHU!)

-          Attend BSF faithfully – I have never missed ANY BSF HAHAHA

-          Learn a new skill (pottery) – done and dusted

-          Achieve a better work life balance – IN PROGRESS

-          Be more thoughtful – trying… and trying hard.

For 2022, my resolutions are to: 

1.     Be grateful for the little joys in life. I used to be so tickled about the things my kiddos say, but as time goes by, we get desensitised and used to these little joys. Human hearts always seek more and it is truly an effort to remain contented.

For example, my kiddo was so proud the other day when he could answer his mummy’s question.

Mum: Do you know what’s a cable car? It’s the one at Sentosa…. Remember the one in the sky then we can see Sentosa and Vivo city?

Child: Oh…. Ya I remember!

Me: Okay mummy, check his understanding now.

Mum: So this is a….? 

Child: *hesitates*….

Me: Give him some help!

Mum: 什么car?

Child: Subaru car!

2.     Be better at balancing/ managing my relationships. A friend has recently commented that I’ve been constant in the ways I manage all my relationships, that I’m cold and distant when my emotions are destabilised.

From young, I think I have been easily affected by others’ emotions and hence, it used to be so hard to watch heart-wrenching videos. Over time, I think I have learnt to detach myself from these emotions and protect my heart. And because my conviction has yet to change – love is only love when given freely, sometimes it’s hard to detach myself.

I hope that I’ll learn to regulate my emotions and to be independent in them so my emotions do not fluctuate and hurt others unnecessarily.

3.     Be better at initiating and navigating through compromises.

Teaching my kiddos the art of compromise has made me realised the intricacy of compromising. One often fails to appreciate the beauty of a compromise – where both parties feel happy with the new suggestion, instead of both parties insisting on their own views. Compromise can be C – it doesn’t have to be A’s thoughts or B’s thoughts. That’s persuasion.

4.     Be more transparent in my thoughts

Learning that people have difficulty understanding and taking perspectives has also helped me to appreciate the importance of sharing thoughts. I hope that in situations where my feelings overtake my logicality, I will try to share my thoughts before jumping to conclusions. 

PD also asked in last week’s sermon: What are you expecting to see in 2022? How do you make your 2022 count?

·         Give God control of your life and work with Him.

·         Seek His Kingdom first. 

·         Change the word you think with His word.

In this year, what change will you make?

Tangible resolutions: 

1.       Self-care: 

a.       Take up aerial silks – fear has been keeping me away LOL I’m afraid of falling and breaking my old bones.

b.       Take 0.5 days of AL every month LOL

c.       Exercise at least once a week 

d.       Aim to end work by 715PM on 4 out of 5 days a week (WUHU!)

2.       Learning and Development: 

a.       Complete at least 3 ASHA courses with my ASHA Learning Pass (erm… from 2021)

b.       Embark on CENMED certificate and be a sponge

c.       Stretch goal: Get my Lidcombe Program certification

I’m so glad I have groups of friends to keep me accountable in these tangible resolutions. I hope my 2022 counts.