After 14 years of calling Thailand home, it's very embarrassing to still not be able to communicate well.
At our first staff meeting of the year we made some New Year's resolutions, with good intentions, I said I'd learn more Thai.
It's taken me nearly the whole year to get started, but weekly Thai classes have finally begun, and I'm feeling excited to keep learning.
What’s a habit you’ve been meaning to start — but haven’t yet?
In this past month I decided to put an effort into turning my desires into my reality — I've been taking action on things I’ve always told myself I wanted to do, but never prioritized.
Probably the most important habit I'm forming is writing consistently.
- Writing: In this regular newsletter — I'm trying to steward the calling God gave me for writing. Over 16 years ago God told me to write to express what He's shown me, in doing so, I would bring Him glory.
- Learning Thai: Honoring the opportunity God has given me to live in another country by working harder to communicate with those around me.
- Strength training: I’ve always loved fitness and have been the "exercise teacher" at GAP for years. However, strength training with weights? That's always intimidated me. I decided that wasn't a very good excuse and went out and got a gym membership and trainer — it's been fun!
How to keep momentum on a new habit you're forming?
✅ Do it tired.
I have started writing while Sirichai is napping during the day or the kids are sleeping at night. Instead of scrolling on my phone or chilling out, I actually have to commit to writing! Once you make it a habit, you'll look forward to achieving your goals and building your skills!
✅ Do it together.
Learning Thai with a friend has made all the difference. Starting something new can be incredibly frustrating if you feel like you aren't making progress (and to me that's what language learning feels like), but having someone alongside you helps keep things fun! We’ve been laughing a lot, which makes the learning so much better!
✅ Do it scared.
I was nervous before my first gym session. I didn’t know what I was doing. But once I showed up, the fear shrank. After all, fear is just a shadow!
I once read In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day and learned that all fears—except two—are learned: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. Everything else can be unlearned.
So… what fear can you unlearn today?
What is something you desire to do?
Are there things in your life you've always wanted to pursue? Things you've desired to learn, habits that are just waiting to be formed?
You can keep it on the back burner like me, or just do it! Don't wait until January to make a resolution.
Start now!
Do it tired. Do it together. Do it scared.
It only gets better!
