a new year

This is one of my favorite quotes from Jane Austen, and is excellent advice when contemplating a New Year's resolution, I've decided. This past week found me laid up with a cold, meaning I had lots of time to listen to the guide inside of myself as I thought about what I needed to work on this year. I believe we all have that guide, a conscience, or what my church refers to as "the Light of Christ," or if we have been baptized, "the Holy Ghost" inside of us. If we pay attention, it will tell us what is right or wrong or what we need to improve upon.

All of this reminds me of a great general conference talk, "What Lack I yet?" A perfect read as we begin this fresh, new year, it teaches that small changes in our attitude or habits can help us become more like our Heavenly Father. And really, all it takes are small, manageable changes, a little at a time. In his talk, Elder Lawrence said, "The Holy Ghost doesn't tell us to improve everything at once. If He did, we would become discouraged and give up. The Spirit works with us at our own speed, one step at a time, or as the Lord has taught, 'line upon line, precept upon precept. . .'"

I'm not going to share my resolution here, at least not just yet. I am still mulling it over, thinking and listening hard as I figure out how to proceed.

Have you determined your goals? Do you have a plan? Have you listened to your guide and felt impressed to improve in one area or another? I hope so and I wish you lots of luck!