A Difference

via this talented designer via pinterest

This year is a year full of milestones. During the summer within less than a two month time frame we'll welcome our 4th baby, I'll turn 30, and then the husband and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage.  Thinking about what the summer holds I feel excited and giddy and satisfied all rolled into one.  I recognize that although my life is far from perfect, it is blessed.  

I think all of these upcoming celebrations are part of why I've had so many thoughts about goals this year.  A decade birthday brings out the contemplation and has made me think about what I've actually accomplished in the past 30 years.  Am I who I want to be?  Am I working to improve?  Am I doing what matters? 

I've been doing a lot of reading about goals and self-improvement and change (maybe I'll share a few of my favorites while we're on the subject this week), and I haven't been able to close one of the tabs on my web browser for a talk entitled "Do Things That Make a Difference".  While the content is inspiring, the title is what really draws me in.  I'm pretty sure I need a poster so I can have this constant reminder.  Staring down the barrel of 30 and 10 years and my 4th child, that is really all I want to do- to do things that make a difference.

I want to raise my children in an intentional and dedicated way that will make a difference in their lives.  I want to know them personally and give them what they need individually to grow and develop and thrive.  I want to love my husband in a way that fills him with contentment and confidence.  I want us to spend our time together growing and learning and having fun.  I want to care for him in a way that makes a difference.  I want to be mindful of caring for myself, both body and spirit, and I don't want to feel guilty in doing so.  I want to continue to improve and change and evolve and choose goals that will make a difference in who I become.  I want to spend my time in ways that are meaningful- ways that will make a difference.  I want to create a home- a place of peace and happiness and laughter and joy for family and friends to be.  I want to reach out to those around me and to lift and strengthen and love.  I want to be a good friend.  I want to be a disciple and I want my life to be a reflection of my desire to follow my Savior.  I want to keep writing and tell my story and share my lessons learned, even for an audience of one- myself.  I want my words to someday make a difference for my children.  

As I've gotten older I've realized what a difference a year can make.  This year has many things on the calendar poised to make it incredible, and I can't wait!  Although I am grateful and content with where things are right now, I hope by the end of it I can say that I am different, that a few more of my rough edges have become smooth and that I have changed for the better.