I saw a blog post recently in which the author posted two photos of herself in identical positions ~ one was taken five years ago and one was taken recently.  She went on to describe the ways her life had changed during that interval.  The post got me thinking ~ not so much about how my circumstances have changed over time, but how my heart and priorities have changed {or not!}.  Am I taking concrete steps to become the type of person I ultimately want to be?   At the end of my life, will I look back fondly at my progress and see how even difficult circumstances steered me to become a more faithful, others-focused, brave and thoughtful person?  Life is so short ~ there’s no time to waste!

Quite an introspective week.

An old boyfriend once told me that I was one of the most self-aware people he’d ever known.  At the time, I remember laughing {as you can imagine!} and really didn’t know what to do with that!  Is that a good thing?  To myself I thought, “Please don’t equate “self-aware” with “self-absorbed!”  Of course, he meant it as a compliment, and lately I’ve grown to really appreciate his comment.  One thing is certain: life will continue to pass in a blink and we’re the only ones who can change our course and direct our journey.

So I set out to make a list of some big-picture priorities I hope to continually inch toward.  Clearly, this isn’t an overnight progression, but hopefully by making your own list {and sticking it to your fridge or tacking it to your inspiration board where you see it daily}, you’ll be proud of the {insert your own name} you see upon reflection in five MORE years!

For example, here are some characteristics of the me I’d like to be.  My “ideal” Claire…

• Knows the best {and strongest} things often come in little packages

• Is a princess {a daughter of the King}

• Is true to herself, while respecting others

• Stretches her wings

• Flexes her faith muscles {daily}

• Stays attuned to the needs of others

• Knows it’s all about the journey

• Gives herself {and others} GRACE

• Goes confidently in the direction of her dreams {like Henry David Thoreau}

• Remains grounded and in the Word

• Clings to HOPE as an anchor

• Refuses to give in to fear {that’s a tough one}

• Picks her battles

• Trusts, above all, that she is loved

• Keeps her eye on the prize

• Holds herself to a standard of GRACE, not PERFECTION

• Values only those opinions that matter {be they from friends, family or canines}

• Doesn’t let the turkeys get her down

• Recognizes the value of holding still

• Always prays first

• Lives gratitude

• Is an encourager

• Values her role in the big scheme of things

• Knows when to let it go

• Lets her little light shine

Those of you in the business world, like me, would never embark on a professional goal without a business plan.  Why not make your own YOU plan to keep you on track with some helpful, measurable results down the road?

Now it’s your turn!  Who do you want to see smiling back at you in the mirror next year?  And what are you doing to seek her out?!

If you’ve mastered any of the above goals, leave a comment to share the secrets of your success.  Know another gal who needs a confidence booster?  Send her this post and let her know that she’s cornered the market as an encourager, fear-buster, prayer warrior or dream chaser!  We can all use an encouraging pat on the back ~ and {if you share my personal goals above}, you’re one step closer to your ideal YOU!