I apologize for my absence this past month... I've simply been so busy living that my thoughts and reflections never made it to this page! Rest assured, I have been well.
Welcome to 2013!
A new year, full of anticipation for what awaits us. The Good Lord always has something good in store.
Well, I have a confession to make. I really detest New Year's resolutions. It is my understanding that few people take them seriously beyond the first couple weeks or months of the year, and few undertake steps that will help them to achieve their often-too-unrealistic goals. I prefer daily resolutions, daily conviction, daily conversion.
This is not to say that one should not make short- and long-term goals, but let them be SMART. I saw a similar post from my friends at Verily Magazine a couple weeks ago, applying this model to New Year's resolutions. So although the application is not original to me, I became familiar with the model firsthand in my studies in health science. Goal-setting is important no matter what your background is. Here's the breakdown:
S = specific. Make your goal narrow, because breaking things into chunks makes them easier to tackle. Describe exactly what it is that you want to begin, end, change, improve, increase or decrease.
M = measurable. Pick something that you can measure, and choose an indicator, or a way that you will measure it. For example, doing something vs. not doing it, for how long, how many times, what frequency, etc.
A = achievable. Start small. Choose something that is within your reach, taking into account the above qualities and your baseline. Make yourself accountable to someone else who can help you achieve your goal.
R = relevant. Does your goal/resolution fit in with who you are? Is it realistic? Try to make goals that are not too drastic of a change from where you are now, goals that will help you become truer to yourself and your dreams. Think about direction.
T = time-bound. Give yourself a set period of time in which to complete your goal. If necessary, set dates for intermediate steps as well, or intervals for doing things or checking progress, depending on what your goal is.
I bet you are all wondering what I will be doing this year, especially given the lack of posts until February! I made a significant decision at the beginning of this year that may surprise you. Before I tell you what that decision is, let me first tell you a story.
Some years ago, I met a young lady from Ohio during a visit with the Carmelite Sisters (of the Sacred Heart of Los Angeles). She was wearing the Claddagh, so I asked her how long she had been wearing it - when a woman wears the ring a certain way, it indicates that her heart is taken. The lady told me that back in Ohio, she has a tight-knit group of Irish Catholic friends, who have taken up the custom of being single for a year - that is, giving up dating and focusing on their relationship with God instead, for a whole year. This was not just some kind of penitential practice, but rather a refreshing renewal of the ultimate relationship. I nodded, smiled, and thought no more of it.Suddenly, a couple days before January 1, I remembered that encounter. In light of my recent graduation from college and thus the beginning of a new chapter in my life, I realize that I have something to offer the world. My spiritual director had also told me to concentrate on school until I graduated, and afterwards begin discerning my vocation again in earnest. So this is what I decided to do: I'm taking this year to be "Single for the Lord".
What does this mean? No dating, in my first year of being otherwise "single and available". Shocker, right? Isn't this the prime time to look for a spouse, you ask? Maybe. I feel called to go against the grain, however. I am searching for a deeper, higher call from God; I am going to look for my spouse on my knees. And if this spouse that God is calling me to love is Jesus Himself, what joy shall fill my heart!
Some of you may know that I have a sister who has taken vows as a novice with the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, and she is so happy in her new life that she wishes that I may share that same happiness. She is very encouraging, if I should have a religious vocation, and I am grateful for her prayers. I would appreciate yours, as well, dear readers.
Some other notes for the new year...
I am teaching violin as a private instructor again, something I thoroughly enjoy. There are so many different methods of teaching and various techniques for playing the instrument, and I also feel enriched by the interaction with my students.
I feel compelled, now more than ever, to take an active role in speaking up for children in the womb, and other vulnerable populations whose lives are threatened by the law of the land and the corruption of organizations that promote killing. Last month, I had the grace to attend and participate in the Walk for Life West Coast in San Francisco, CA with over 50,000 people.
2013 is going to be all about the Culture of Life. In order to build up this culture and promote Life/prevent death, it will be important to encourage chastity, moderation, prayer, and healthy lifestyles. Look forward to more posts on what it means to have dignity as a human person (anecdotes included), roundups of inspiration, reasons to live better, and celebrations of Life. God bless you all!