Resolution Confession

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

I’ve got a bit of a confession: When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, I am a bit of a non-traditionalist.

Maybe it’s because I’ve never been able to truly keep one. Maybe it’s because I get annoyed with the mad rush at the gym, of “resolutioners” that make working out a nightmare for the first 2 weeks of January. Or maaaaybe it’s because, I’m sick and tired of hearing about the juice cleanse that Karen from accounting is suffering through!

Here’s the thing about resolutions.

Because, contrary to the tone I’ve expressed thus far, I do, actually love and appreciate them. However, my mindset towards them is a little different than say, how your personal trainer is making them the be-all-end-all.

The truth is, taking a step back, evaluating your life, and recognizing areas that need a little extra attention, and a little improvement or change – that’s important! If there’s one thing that’s true for us humans, it’s that we’re all glorious works in progress. And there is beauty in the mess, my friends. Figuring it out is part of the process. It’s part of growing. It’s part of life.

But here’s where I veer off the path a bit when it comes to New Year’s Resolutions…

Resolutions leave out the biggest change agent – the biggest catalyst – the biggest factor of all: God.

All these resolutions – they all are self-reliant. I am going to do this. I am going to change XYZ, I am going to improve this, or manifest that….when the fact is, we should be bringing God into that process with us.

That which we are resolving to do — is awesome!! And kudos to you for recognizing that area that needs improvement, or an opportunity for growth or change. But by golly, invite God into that evolution with you! Because He is the One that is truly going to bring about any long-lasting, sustained change of behavior, or manifestation.

Alone, I can do nothing. If left to my own willpower, or own decision making skills, or my own self-discipline, I wouldn’t even last a day! But by bringing God into the equation, we’re given a divine strength that would make even the most powerhouse celebrity trainer green with envy.

I know for me, there’s a lot I need to work on in 2019. I need an increase in patience for sure. Especially when it comes to my love life, and the unfolding of the rest of my life. And while we’re on that topic — how about trust, too.

I’d like to spend more time in prayer. Be more gentle in my thoughts to myself. Be more generous with my time for others.

All of these things, instead of trying to do it all on my own, I’m going to just hand them over to God, and invite Him to work on those things with me, together.

Because if there’s one thing my recovery journey has taught me, it’s that

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

So Happy New Year, friends. Thank you for blessing me with wonderful friendship and love in 2018. I pray that 2019 be full of peace and growth that come from a life surrendered to Him!


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BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

260 thoughts on “Resolution Confession”

      1. It’s going to be a good one for us both I feel ❤️ although still not keen on fireworks 😩

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  4. the same goes for me: “When it comes to New Years’ resolutions (if/when I make any), I am a bit of a non-traditionalist”.

    I am more comfortable making and following up my resolutions any other day of the year, especially when it’s not new year: when that pressure of new year is not on me.

    Alot of people I know who made new year resolutions, actually struggled, and most ended up going the extreme direct opposite against their resolutions

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  7. I’m not big on setting formal goals or resolutions. Never have been. Maybe I sort of have loose informal goals. Like, I aspire/desire certain things. And I do want to better myself of course. But I lack self-discipline… I believe the fancy word for God working change in us is sanctification. I like Phil 2:13. If there is a balance in you doing work and God working in you, I don’t think I know that balance. Thanks for sharing.
    Blessings to you in 2019!

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  8. Hi, Happy New Year, thanks for the word. Bless you, and thanks for your online friendship and blogs, I really am grateful! 😍🎇✨🕶⛄❄

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  9. I totally agree with bringing God into the equation, after all, all things are really possible through him. We may have things that we think that are good for us but sometimes we failed to see that He knows better and wants what really is the best for us. Happiest New Year!!!

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  10. I pray you will have a fantastic and bountiful New Year as you follow God and allow Him to continue His work in and through you! Looking forward to more great posts in 2019. It is a terribly cold evening here in this part of Canada but God’s beauty still abounds in so many ways even in the cold. Thanks for sharing your many wonderful thoughts with us!
    Steve.

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  12. Haha can’t believe you used the word golly. Yeah the gym tends to be, very animated the first month or so. I started doing something similar no resolution or goal like scenario but rather personal things I need to accomplish. Happy New year everyone.

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  14. Amen to this, BBB, let’s strive on 2019 with God’s love and might, to be the girl He has designed us to be 😎 my resolution is to leave behind all that burdens me in race to God’s purpose – be it sins or personal achievements that have no God’s part in it 💪

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  15. Caralyn, Happy New Year! This year I plan to listen to God’s voice and follow his instructions, not doing my own thing. Have the blessings of God with much love and hugs!

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  19. Great post! I especially like your realization that we must not leave God out of our plans and resolutions. Doing so is the ultimate in self-centered independence of the only One who can bring about any true success with any of our plans. You have some worthy goals: “I need an increase in patience for sure. Especially when it comes to my love life, and the unfolding of the rest of my life. And while we’re on that topic — how about trust, too. I’d like to spend more time in prayer. Be more gentle in my thoughts to myself. Be more generous with my time for others.” Prayers that, with God’s help, you can achieve them!

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  20. “I pray that 2019 be full of peace and growth that come from a life surrendered to Him!” Thanks, Caralyn! I pray the same for you!
    🎉 Happy New Year!!! 🎉

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  22. I usually tell people that my New Year’s resolution is to abstain from making New Year’s resolutions.
    Seriously, though, New Year’s is just one of those God-given opportunities to take inventory and ask God what changes are needed in your life.
    Thank you for the reminder to keep God at the center of it!

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  31. Wait. What happened with the guy? There was a guy, right? He couldn’t use the internet and had an IT guy. Hm. Well, his loss. There’s plenty of tall, American, whatever’s out there. They like you, they just don’t know it yet.

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      1. Yes. It is that time again, isn’t it? In Vegas, there was a big whoop-de-doo for it. I thought it was IBS.

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      3. Should put it on your trip list. Probably wouldn’t pay for much. I go to the old spots, have a cigar and a nice dinner. I’m old, everyone’s your age.

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      5. Yeah. My friend, does some. I mostly, come for the art. Like theater, except quieter. Theater for the eyes.

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      6. I sounded like a jerk. Um. The shows are great they just, aren’t Broadway. Not in the thought provoking human way. They are, glitter and lasers and flashy choreography.

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      8. No…🙈🙃 I’m old. I went to Disneyworld, I asked the street sweeper ” what’s all this crap on the ground?” 😂 He said, “Glitter, sir.” You should fly out of here and catch a show next time. Like 5 hours from Park City. If you let me know, I’d even come bother you.

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      10. I got it. Layover. Catch a show and you’d be an hour from Utah. I’m actually allergic to glitter. It’s why I wear black most of the time. Might have to sit that one out.

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      12. That made me laugh. I used to work there. I was always getting the local treatment. Keep your head down, walk fast, only talk if you have too. Don’t make eye contact with tourists they’ll ask questions.

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      14. We may not agree all the time but, I’m glad you’re around. I think, dating is hard because its all hard, marriage, kids, and life. There are few people that have every resource for life and even then, its a flavor not a recipe. Some might like spice others not so much. Some might not even know they love a flavor because they haven’t experienced it. I think, you write like you cook and we are all like the Lost Boys in Peter Pan imagining what this experience might entail. That’s special and what you give to strangers feasts of imagination. I am, the exact opposite. 😂👌😳🤷🏽‍♂️

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      16. Do you still do that? You look really happy on MGC, when you’re singing. Almost meme status, “I want someone to look at me like Caralyn looks when she’s singing.” 🙃🤗

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      18. The right guy will find you just like all the wrong guys find you. 😂🤷🏽‍♂️ I have the same problem. Not with, guys. Not that, that’s a bad thing. I just talked myself into a corner. It’s a nice corner.

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      22. Isn’t that strange? The boundaries of theater, improv, and modeling but success is only saw in one direction. Also, for such short periods.

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  32. I do not make New Year Resolutions, I do believe that we should constantly reflect on our lives to include our motivations for why we do things. Sometimes, a selfish reason is ok, but generally, it probably leads to trouble. LOL. So looking at each day with what I can do better, for not only my own sanity, but the sanity of others is a great way to live everyday. I admit I am not always successful, but I look at it like this, if I am an alcoholic and I want to quit, I cant just say I am going to stop today and hope I don’t drink, instead; I have to change everything about my lifestyle. So then not drinking becomes the norm. That with allot of prayer, and study of scripture helps me to not just call myself a Christian, but to live a lifestyle that I hope in some way brings glory to Jesus. Happy New Year!

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  33. Fr, Richard Rohr gives the best advice for New Year: “While there are unhelpful and even harmful parts of what has passed for Christianity that we need to move beyond, I believe there are many good, beautiful, and true gems well worth saving—and living. It is of no use to anybody if Christianity is just a museum or an antique shop where we prefer to collect old things for their own sake. Yet we can rediscover many good old things that are perennially valuable. We would be foolish to reject them.” Resolve to rediscover your spirituality.

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  35. Happy New Year Caralyn, and to your Mom and Dad.
    Seeking God, hearing God, listening to God, putting God first in every decision shows your wisdom and honest desire to live God’s way and serve Him.
    Thank you for being so steadfast, an example for all, and a terrific on line Mentor to many young people especially, that they can live for Jesus, and enjoy life, having fun.
    God Bless you Beautiful,
    Luv, 😀🌹❤️😘

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  36. Wow! really good reminder – especially as I consider making a resolution or two, for the first time ever officially. I will invite God along, not for the ride, but to take the wheel
    Happy New Year to you and yours!

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  37. My dear friend,

    Thank you very much for your thoughts and words and good wishes for 2019 🙂

    In fact, we all are our own teacher and student as well – life goes hand in hand with it.
    Another year has gone by and we just may have a look back and analyse ourselves where to make improvements, where we really stand. This is not an easy task, but our love to our Father, God, Ocean of all creation would surely like to see His children to make progress on the inner path of spirituality, i.e. to share love with everyone (as everyone is part of Him), to be a lovely rose in His garden and spread the smell of Him.

    In this sense, my dear friend, I wish you and your family His blessings, stable health and much much love for 2019.

    Hugs and love
    Didi

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  38. It sounds so simple, but it’s so true… invite God to help with everything! Couldn’t agree more. Many blessings to you, Caralyn. You’ve been (and are) a tremendous inspiration for me and so many others.

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    1. Amen to that! oh wow, thank you Hannah for such a kind note of affirmation. big big hugs to you, friend. xox

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  40. As usual… well said! Wise counsel… and the proper focus! You are such a blessing to us all! All the best to you in the new year — and I continue to pray God’s rich favor in all you do! M. A.

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  42. Happy new year 2019!! Thank you BBB for your insight into resolutions. Last night I spent about two hours to find mine. The reason it takes me so long is exactly because I don’t wanna do those things everybody says. But there are topics in my life on which I wanna work on. For me of course this means taking God into my thinking because without Him … well, you said so perfectly, I can do nothing but with Him everything is possible. That’s why a big part of those hours included prayer so God would show me those topics I need to work on.
    I don’t know how people manage without Him but in a way they have to. So I guess they still try to change their lives for the better and if someone for whatever reason cannot believe I think that’s still a good thing to do.

    Last and most importantly (that’s why I started to comment today in the first place) I wanna thank you for sharing your personal points for change. I know how hard it can be to share something personal online. You do it time and time again and by doing so you strengthen so many people (including me). You do have a wonderful impact on so many people and that’s what I wanna thank you for! Please continue your wonderful service and a blessed new year 2019! I am sure God will make your resolutions including your dreams and desires for your life come true (in His time)!!
    Take care!
    Andy

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    1. Happy new year, Andy! oh wow, thank you for such kind words. I am truly touched. I can’t begin to express how much I appreciate your friendship and for taking the time out of your day to read my blog. 🙂 Blessings to you in 2019! xox

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  43. Love it! Your very spot on with what you wrote. I’ve been using a word for the last couple years connected to a bible verse. Can’t leave God out of your goals…

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  46. Great post. Prayer is a great bringer of peace and calm and energies to the soul. Trust is a gift given when it has been achieved. May you have a great new year

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    1. Happy happy new year, Teri! thank you for your prayers and friendship 🙂 you are a blessing to me! big hugs xox

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      2. Thanks! no worries — it’s Caralyn! 🙂 nice to officially “meet” you!! 🙂 glad you stopped by! xox

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  49. Robert Schuller once said, “Make your dreams big enough for God to fit. Make your dreams so big so that you know you’d fail if you didn’t have God to help you.”
    To be honest, I’m not in favor of resolutions because I find them too limiting in terms of living a quality life and enjoying it. I find making resolutions mostly leaves us with a sense of guilt; looking at all those broken promises. Why open yourself to such?
    On the other hand though, without a proper well defined goal, you’re not going to make any form of improvement.

    So instead of saying, “This year” I feel its far more sensible to set short term goals. Like getting in shape before an upcoming holiday in the Spring / Summer months.
    My department at work have set fitness goals for ourselves over the next 3 months; with each one setting realistic goals. Then the whole department supports each other in accomplishing them. This I believe works.
    If we were to say “This Year”, there is always the hidden danger of complacency which says, “Oh, I have the whole year to do it”; forgetting that times moves very quickly these days…

    For now, I’m wishing everyone and Blessed and properous New Year. May all your wishes and dreams come true.

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    1. oh wow this is such a great reflection! thank you so much for sharing that! love the idea of short term! And have a happy and blessed new year! xox

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  50. “I know for me, there’s a lot I need to work on in 2019. I need an increase in patience for sure… I’d like to spend more time in prayer. Be more gentle in my thoughts to myself. Be more generous with my time for others.”

    You could be talking about me(!) I pray – I really do – that God will bless you this year. Keep on keeping on, and thank you for your posts.

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    1. Thank you David, for sharing that. And thank you for your prayers! know that you are in mine too! happy new year, dear friend! hugs xo

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