Routines for the New Year

I'm not big on resolutions, ready to put in place on Jan 1st of each year.  However, that day is one that starts my brain considering what I could do to be better.  There is a huge list of possibilities but I know I have to be selective and not get too carried away.  One of my mission presidents told us that it was a good thing we couldn't see all our sins at once because if we did we would just throw up our hands and call it quits in this life.  This philosophy has always been a keeper for me, take things just a few at a time.

As Christmas gifts last month I received two Daily books.  I like these and have accumulated several along different themes.  Some are religious, some self improvement,  positive thinking, some spiritual.  I list religious and spiritual as separate thoughts because I feel that they are not one and the same. Hopefully they go together, hand in hand.  One of my daily books even deals with chocolate, definitely a keeper. I love that these small publications  are always good, uplifting.  Who doesn't need that sort of thing in their lives?

We are told that we humans are a four-sided creation:  physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. One of the secrets of our happiness is finding a balance in each of those areas.  I don't argue with this outlook.  Too many times in my long life have I seen the imbalance  throw a person off kilter. One thing I have found with these daily tidbits is when I get to the 365th day, starting over is like having a new book. My perspective or my needs may have altered during the past year so that the contents can help me in a whole new way the next time around.  Sometimes the thoughts are worth sharing with friends and family.  Some days the content is meant just for me.

I want to include some of these dailys in my 2015 routine.  They will help me mentally to be up and that will keep my focused on the physical things I need to include in my routine.  Having had serious back surgery a few months ago I have to be dedicated to walking daily, walking quite a bit.  During my recovery time I participated in some physical therapy with qualified instructors.  If I don't keep that up as part of the daily activities I will lose the progress, the strength that I received.  I am at that age where my balance is getting a little wobbly.  There are exercises for improving that, but it won't help if I don't do them.  Falling could be a disaster.

I have to remind myself to "not bite off more than I can chew," one of my not-so-good habits.  Pick and choose. Sample  on a daily basis and do some pondering, a little studying---well, things can look good for my four sided, balanced, self for the year. The application, of course, as in all things, is the key.