My first piece for Christian Today was all the way back in early 2018.
I can barely remember where I was at the time, let alone the memory of typing out that first article. As I was rereading the words, the old voice of mine sounded like a stranger.
It’s still a charming article, if I don’t say so myself, but I laughed as I thought back to myself in flightier, less-sure-of-myself days. I found it refreshing to reflect on who I was a few years ago and be able to laugh at all the change. It’s a nice way to gain some perspective for a new year.
In 2018, my article titled ‘Commitment issues’ addressed my difficulty with committing to study, work and relationships with people.
In January of 2021, I’ve been married for 7 months and am halfway through my first Bachelor on the way to becoming a doctor, so I think the commitment issues have been addressed well!
For this year, 2021, although I don’t struggle with the same issues as 2018, there are plenty of things I’d like to be better at.
Goals for 2021
I’d like to be less angry, overall. Being angry often is something I struggle with a lot.
I will get to know some more people better and let them get to know me.
I will improve my skill in playing the piano.
I will grow in my command of the French language and begin learning Czech.
I will keep self-care as a top priority! This includes going to the gym, eating well, taking breaks and doing nice things for myself often.
I will continue going to see my psychologist.
I will prioritise my marriage over other things in my life.
I will become better at accepting criticism.
I will study and work hard.
I will do the best that I can!
I will stay open to finding out what works best for me in study, work and general life environments.
What’s on your list?
Your list might look like mine from 2018, it might look like mine in 2021, or it might look like neither.
Regardless, make a quick list of some goals for this year.
Not in a typical “new year’s resolutions’ fashion; you set ridiculously high goals, last for a week and then throw in the towel. Set some attainable goals that you’ll be proud to say you achieved this time next year.
I hereby declare
So, to set this in stone, I’m going to sign off with a promise to myself in the future.
Hello future me!
I, Laura Murphy, on this day in January 2021, promise that I will do my best to achieve these goals this year.
By January 2022, I will have either achieved these goals or improved upon them.
I pray that by the time you’re reading this, future Laura, that you have grown and changed in ways you didn’t even know you could!
You can write a note like this of your own for next year.
For you reading, I pray that this year will be one of growth and happiness! I pray you have abundant joy, days filled with laughter and deeper understanding of God.
Laura Murphy is an excitable and fast-paced Brit, living in Australia. She can’t sit still; she has a serious addiction to sudoku, and she can be won over by a good cup of tea and a laugh. Studying to become a doctor, she is expectant and excited to see all that God is going to do with her life.