At the start of a new year, we all desire to improve ourselves. May I share an insight that has helped me gain ground during the past year?

I recognize that decision making is done moment by moment. Those seemingly small decisions made throughout each day are actually the small hinges that huge doors swing on.

-The choice to take a walk now instead of the indefinite later.

-The choice to finish a job instead of rabbit trailing.

-The choice to keep trying when it doesn’t work the first or the tenth time.

-The choice to contact a friend with a simple e-mail or a text.

-The choice to affirm someone who is young or alone or old or unsure.

-The choice to take the time to stop and listen when someone needs my attention.

-The choice to make a simple meal as tasty and pretty as possible.

-The choice to put people ahead of things.

-The choice to invite someone for a meal or a snack or a chat.

-The choice to learn something new each day.

-The choice to put things away. To pick up. To create order.

-The choice to do the mundane because it benefits my family.

-The choice to set aside time to read the Bible and pray with my husband.

-The choice to give others the benefit of the doubt.

-The choice to take a deep breath and not say what I’d like to.

-The choice to be thankful and think about the good things I have.

-The choice to drop everything and look when my husband says, “What an amazing sunset!”