My "Resolutions in Reverse"

I loved a post I read about Setting Goals Backwards*. Basically, the premise was to look back over the past year, see what you accomplished, and acknowledge those "resolutions" and accomplishments. I love it, because, especially around this time of year, I don't think we give ourselves credit for what we have already done. Instead, we beat ourselves up and vow to be amazing next year. (Don't get me wrong, tomorrow's post will be my vows to be amazing.)

In no particular order, here are some things I am proud of accomplishing last year:

1.  I re-learned some rather difficult (for me) second-year algebra.

2. My daughter and I survived her learning how to drive, in good form, I think.

3. I applied to law school, was accepted, and then made the gut-wrenchingly difficult decision to take the plunge and quit a full-time job and go to school full time. Then, I feel like I managed to keep some semblance of balance between student, mom, and just being me.

4. I decided I would walk the mile uphill from the train to classes and then back (downhill, unlike many of our forebearers' plights), no matter the weather. I kept that promise to myself and loved it.

5. I did not miss a single regular class in my first semester of school.

6. I did make decisions balancing costs (time) versus benefits (possibility of academic help) and chose not to go to some study sessions and criminal law labs. I still am happy with those decisions.

7. I learned to trust more that there is enough* for us all and not so afraid to give of what I have (even if it is money from loans with interest accruing). I have never thought of myself as greedy and I have always paid tithing, but I am protective of what I feel I need to support myself and my daughter. That is the additional step in which I learned to be more trusting. I have been amazed.

8.  I promised myself I would read the scriptures on the train in the mornings (on my Kindle). I did, and it was well worth it, a perfect way to start the day. Plus, I am stuck on the train, I can't do any chores or do any more to get ready to go out the door, so there is no rush.

9. I kept teaching my Sunday class once a month. I did not ask to be released from that position. I have gained a lot from continuing to teach and I am glad to know that there is enough of time (not just of money) to do things that are good.

10. For my car this year, I changed the headlights, the tail lights, the battery, and the windshield wipers. For the mechanical out there, I realize this is not difficult, but it was still an accomplishment in tackling the unknown for me. I did it.

What did you do this year? I am quite sure you did some amazing things. Congratulations on 2011!

*These two links are to external blogs. The rest are simply remembering my past year.