Ranwa Restoration Plan 2012

New Year's Resolutions are always an interesting task to undertake. I often ask myself questions like "How can I make this year a good one? What can I do to be happier, make things different for the next 365 days?" Sadly, there is often a negative judgment that comes with these questions, an evaluation of what I could have done better. My past decisions are seen as mistakes if they did not have the "ideal" outcome, and I try to push myself to avoid repeating these supposed errors.

This year, I am going to be joining the millions who will be pushing the annual "reset button" as we start a new calendar (preferably one with pictures of kittens). However, this time I'm going to be doing things a bit differently. Inspired by my church's "Ends and Means" statements, I have devised a way of framing my personal goals that does not judge my past, but appreciates the present. My "resolutions" for this year look to past decisions not as mistakes to be avoided or rectified, but as what they are: past decisions. What is available to me in the present and future is not an opportunity to fix what I have done "wrong," but to celebrate what gifts I have here and now. Thus, the Ranwa Resolution Plan 2012 is not a set of improvements to be made, but an honest and realistic expression of who I am, what I believe, and what I can achieve. Divided into three segments, my "RRP" appreciates different elements of my self, my family, and my world. Connected to each of these elements are a couple of sentences, carefully composed to serve as behavioral, intellectual, and spiritual guides. Although not included below, each of these elements and their guides allows for the development of SMART goals, which provide me with concrete ways of appreciating my present gifts, and sharing them with the world.

So why have I decided to share my RRP with you? For support. I believe in what I have written, but sometimes I can be forgetful or overly-critical. On the days when I seem to have lost sight of the bigger picture, and there will likely be more than a few, a reminder to look back at what I have written here will help me return to an appreciative state. Eventually, these guides will cease to be goals and will instead be natural instincts, but this can only be achieved through time and consistent practice. And I am grateful for your ability and willingness to support me as I learn to live an appreciative and celebratory life.

MY SELF	“The root of compassion is compassion for oneself.” As part of our interdependent web of existence, I have a responsibility to practice self-care. If I do not show myself the love and respect that I deserve, I will not be able to show love and respect to others. My Physical Self I have only one body, and I will treat it with the respect it deserves. My body is a miracle, but it is also vulnerable and dependent on my ability to take care of its condition. My body is the shelter for my mind and spirit. If this shelter is not stable, my mind and spirit cannot be protected. My Emotional Self I am a compassionate being with an incredible capacity for love. I have the power to limit my suffering and maximize my joy. When I begin to feel anger or sadness, I should not ignore it, but I should not let it control me. I can look for the root of my suffering, so that I can replace it with a seed of joy. My Mental Self I am brilliant, yet I know nothing. My brain is capable of learning so many things, and it is always hungry for knowledge. I have the opportunity to keep my mind alive by feeding it with inspiration from sources all around and within me. By appreciating the wisdom of others I will begin to understand and realize the power of my own mind. My Spiritual Self Life is a miracle filled with mystery, beauty, and celebration. I will take the time to appreciate the gifts that I have been given and the people whose presence in my life is a continuous blessing. I will connect with the world through mindful worship and reflection, and strive to practice love and compassion in all that I do, say, and think.
MY FAMILY	My family is not defined by blood or proximity. My family is defined by love – given, received, and forever available to all. Love my Partner Relationships are a celebration of love and an exercise in commitment. My partner is a beautiful person, with incredible gifts, among which are his brilliant mind, forgiving heart, and loving spirit. Our relationship will continue to blossom if I practice and encourage open communication, genuine appreciation, and unabashed humor. Establish a Healthy Parental Relationship Differences in opinion with my parents are an inevitable part of my self-actualization. Our love for each other will continue to exist regardless of the paths we choose, and is not defined by how often we communicate. Part of building a healthy relationship is recognizing what is important to each of us, and not forcing change or acceptance. Love my Sister My sister is a wise, strong, and beautiful woman whose sense of humor is unmatched. She is a source of unwavering support and inspiration. She deserves to be celebrated and loved throughout her lifetime, and supported when challenges arise. Love my Friends Every single person in this world has something special to share. There are those whom I have met on my journey who continue to bless me with gifts of inspiration, joy, love, and wisdom. Their presence in my life is a miracle to be recognized and celebrated, both privately and in our interactions with one another. Reaching Out to Extended Family I can only be loved for who I am if I actually show my true self to those around me. Direct and open communication is the first step to building a new relationship with those whom I want to share in my life’s journey. Fear of rejection is natural, but rejection is only one possibility. The only way to guarantee it is to avoid attempts to communicate.
MY WORLD	We are all part of a single shared existence. When others experience suffering, I too suffer. When others experience joy, I too am joyful. As beings designed to connect with each other and our world, we have the power to limit our collective suffering and maximize our collective joy. Practice my Faith I am a Unitarian Universalist. At the core of my faith is a belief that love is the most powerful force of all. By appreciating the power of love and showing it to all, I can authentically understand my faith and put it into responsible action. Serve my Community Everybody deserves to be loved. One of the simplest ways to show love is to respect the worth and dignity of those around me. Compassionate service is not motivated by pity or guilt, but by knowing that true happiness comes from others’ joy. Responsible service comes from understanding both my abilities and limitations, so that I can participate in ways that help rather than harm. Respect my Planet We have only one home, which we must responsibly share if we are to keep it healthy in the present and future. Our home is well-built, but can easily be destroyed if we abuse its gifts. We must show love for the Earth and reverence for our interdependent existence with all beings and elements. In doing so, we will not only preserve our home in the present, but make it stronger in the future.