Families of Character: “5 Essential Questions to Kickstart a Great Year!”
This article is to acquaint you with a valuable virtue-focused organization called: Families of Character. These five questions to consider as we begin a new year are excerpted from the Families of Character new year’s blog post by Mary Jo Gerd. Get some great inspiration to make 2022 the year in which you are freshly intentional and effective to make your home an incubator of love, character, and virtue. What we think on the inside becomes who we are on the outside, individually and as a family.
“What we tell ourselves becomes the roadmap our brains will follow. Looking ahead, don’t censor yourself out of fear, worry, obligation, or negativity. Spend some deep thought contemplating the prompts below. Your future is as bright as you make it. This would be also a great exercise to complete with your spouse for a date night, or bring it to the next Family Huddle and engage the whole family; Simply change the pronouns to WE statements. “
This will be the best year because…
“Ask yourself what good things do you see for yourself, your marriage, your family, your career? Are there big accomplishments that feel out of reach? Dump the fear and envision the possibilities. What will make this year stand out?”
I hope that this year brings me…
“What would make you super grateful? Are there blessings/gifts that would provide more sustained joy and happiness, rather than fleeting pleasure in your day-to-day life? Think in terms of character strengths, habits, or qualities rather than material items.”
This year I really want to learn…
“Learning something new is proven to expand our potential as human beings. It revitalizes our spirit by challenging us and making us work even harder. What do you want to learn that will make you feel satisfied and put a smile on your face?”
In the next year, I would like to…
“Think about the things you’ve done in the past that have made you happy. In family life, we often shelf activities or hobbies because life gets busy. Consider carving out a sliver of time to be more engaged. If you love photography, but don’t have much time for it as a stay-at-home mom, what about taking out books from the library that will get your mind going. Then it’s top-of-mind when you have a free moment.”
This year I hope…
“As mentioned above, it’s so important to dream big. It helps us have a more positive outlook on life and infuses hope into our daily mindset. Pull out all the stops and reach for the stars without any reservation. It doesn’t mean you will achieve these things, but at least you’re honest enough to know that these things are on the agenda. Go. For. It.”
I hope Mary Jo’s questions are a launchpad for growth for you and your family in 2022. Connect with the Families of Character team to get access to courses, resources, and tools to help your family to thrive!
Here’s to a virtue-powered 2022, everyone. Cheers!