2013.

I have to admit that I wasn't too disappointed to see the sun set on 2012. While for the majority of the year we experienced a lot of joy, the end of the year brought many challenges for me personally.

For quite some time I've suffered from severe OCD and crippling health anxiety. However, I was able to deal with it and even manage it quite well for the past few years. But with an unexpected surgery and lack of medication (by choice for the past 6 months)- it unfortunately created the perfect storm for a major relapse.

Every day is still a struggle. Our trip to see friends and family brought on many highs. But coming back to the usual routine has brought on some disappointing lows.

I'm still determined to get better. I'm still working hard to combat my fears and focus on a positive future. But given that takes up the majority of my energy every day, I've decided to keep my New Year's resolutions simple.

I just want to be a better person.

And here is how I intend to try:
Listen without interrupting  

(Proverb 18)

He who answers before he hears-- his is the folly and the shame

Speak without accusing.
(James 1:19)

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger

Give without sparing.

(Proverb 21:26)

All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.

Pray without ceasing.

(Colossians 1:9)

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.

Answer without arguing 

(Proverb 17:1)

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.

Share without pretending

(Ephesians 4:15)

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

Enjoy without complaint.

(Philippians 2:14)

Do everything without grumbling or arguing

Trust without wavering.

(Corinthians 13:7)

it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres

Forgive without punishing.

(Colossians 3:13)

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Promise without forgetting

(Proverbs 13:12)

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life