New Year's Goals

My brother was telling us that while on his mission he and his companion made wrist bands with the letters "WWGBHD" which stood for "What would Gordon B Hinckley do?" We talked about how much we loved and missed that incredible Prophet of God. A lot of the goals I've been thinking about making are right in line with a GBH mentality.
Last year when I was often frustrated I would remind myself of what his father told him, "Forget yourself and go to work." Too often I thought of that as just working myself down until I had little left to give, but I think I've realized now it's more about forgetting your ego than ignoring your feelings, sense of identity or level of stress. So for example, I shouldn't worry if I can't or don't bring nice home made cookies, I should just pick some up and know the work I did will be enough even if the work doesn't reflect on some ability of mine. I think this also has to apply to other people and their work-I can't sit there feeling wanting, out done or envious of someone else's work that may have involved a skill they have that's being praised.
With those things in mind, I think I like this GBH quote for the New Year:

What I am suggesting is that each of us turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another’s virtues more than we speak of one another’s faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears. When I was a young man and was prone to speak critically, my father would say: "Cynics do not contribute, skeptics do not create, doubters do not achieve." 
'Words of the Prophet: The Spirit of Optimism,' Ensign, July 2001

This especially hit home to me while I was at Glen Ivy for my mom's birthday. I was getting a massage and the massage therapist was talking about religion, politics, ecology and was negative about almost all of it. Even though I'm probably more of a Debbie Downer than not, even I had to finally say I felt like there is always hope and that I've seen the evidence that there are many good people who are trying to do right. It's also amazing how much harder it was to relax with all that talk going on. I don't think it means I plan to ignore the reality of things this year, but to see in those situations how I can contribute, create and achieve. Here are some of the goals I want to accomplish this year.

1. Attend the Temple 8 times

2. Make a monthly budget and keep a record of all spending throughout the month

3. Be more supportive of others' creative endeavors by subscribing to podcasts, blogs and webcasts. Be involved by commenting and contributing etc. 

4. Make a family photo album

5. Finish transcribing my dad's first journal

6. Read President Hinckley's biography
7. Have six lessons (one per month) on baptism for FHE to help prepare Henry
8. Buy a house (we're in escrow right now, but until we've moved in, I'm going to hold my breath!)
9. Blog 4 times a month, once about homeschool
10. Take family photos!!!
11. Exercise 3 times a week
12. Read a book a month

Happy New Year, wish me luck!