In what has become an annual birthday tradition, I like to start my “personal New Year” by reviewing my priorities. Are they the same as they were last year, or has something changed?

As I sat in my recliner earlier this week, with a cat on my lap and a morning cup of coffee next to me, I started by identifying what is important to me right now:

•  Developing a better understanding of God, so I can fulfill God’s purpose for my life, discern what my values should be and live accordingly.

•  Staying healthy for as long as possible and helping my husband do the same.

•  Staying in contact with family and friends and maintaining good relationships with them.

•  Creating and maintaining a beautiful home that serves as a sanctuary for ourselves, our family and friends, and maybe even a stranger or two I can turn into friends.

•  Writing – articles, essays, blog entries and, yes, at least one book.

•  Using at least a portion of my time, money and talent in a way that helps others and creates positive change in the world.

•  Eliminating the backlog tasks and clutter that keep my life more chaotic than it needs to be.

•  Achieving serenity by practicing mindfulness and finding at least one thing each day to be grateful for.

These will be my priorities for the coming year – a personal relationship with God, self-care, family and friends, our home, my writing, service to others, elimination of needless clutter, and serenity.

Over the next few days, I’ll reflect on why each priority matters to me and set some goals. Then, about every month or so, I will check in and see how well my daily activities reflect these priorities.

For several years now, this little exercise has helped me stay focused so extraneous STUFF doesn’t crowd out what’s most important in my life.

Time for some good orderly direction!