It's the last day of the year. I haven't blogged for the majority of it. The reasons are multiple, and really less important than interesting, so I won't bother to elaborate. It has been a year of struggle, a year of self-enlightenment and reflection, and in the end (quite literally) a year of triumph and blessings for our family. We all have grown physically and emotionally together this year, and I want 2016 to continue to be a year of growth and emotional maturity for my family. I don't believe in making New Years "Resolutions," but this year, I'd like to simply make a list of the things I wish to aspire for in 2016. Resolutions, I feel, set one up for failure, and thus I don't like to begin my year on that note. However, my new motto is "Progress, not Perfection," and with that in mind, I would like to share my aspirations for this coming year.
1) Be True to Myself: honor when I need complete solitude, or the company of a close friend or friends. I can only be a better mother and wife when I listen to, and grant myself what I need in order to refresh and recharge. It is not selfish, it is necessary and important.
2) Find myself again: Who am I after having had this roller coaster of a ride for the past 7 years? Motherhood, and the unique challenges that we have had as a family, has redefined me. In many ways, this has been positive, but it has also morphed me into someone I no longer recognize. This year, I hope to reacquaint myself with.....well... myself. Sometimes I think back to when just blasting my favorite music while I spent time being productive in my home, or relaxed and watched the movies or television program that I really enjoy when I had the opportunity (not the ones that everyone else wants to watch) could do a world of good in turning my mood around. And sometimes, I'd spend time in places that maybe my husband or children don't fully appreciate the same way I do (a scenic park bench by the water, or sitting quietly in a coffee shop reading a book) that would help me to re-center or just take a breath and enjoy some serenity. I need to remind myself of these things and places, and find them again for myself. Change is good, but completely losing myself in the process of change is not a requirement. Frankly, I miss ME!
3) Be healthy: This is a goal I have every year, but usually it pertains strictly to weight loss, and the fact that I "usually" have this goal means that I have not yet achieved it. This year, I will be striving for more of a holistic approach to health. By this, I do not mean acia berries and essential oils (though I'm open to this!) but instead striving for a balance of mind and body health. This past year has sent me well on my way to finding my inner peace, and this year, I hope to reach a place of mental and physical contentment. Life, in any capacity, will never be exactly what we want it to be, but the way we respond to it is the only recourse we have. I will continue to find ways to take it in stride, even the parts that, in the past, have nearly suffocated me with sadness, hurt, anger, embarrassment, or depression.
4) Yell less, love more: In the chaos that is my life, with three children who are in the throes of emotional development (and frustration!) I want to make this world less of a struggle for them, while still fostering their independence and growth. As parents, we always want and strive to do the best we can for our kids. But that doesn't mean that we don't make mistakes along the way. My kids are young, and I've already made plenty I'm sure. This year, I will do my best to find better ways to deal with the parental challenges that push my patience to its limits. Patience is a tough one for me, but being aware that it is not my strong suit can only help me to improve and be aware when it plays a role in my parenting approach. My kids are my world, and I always want them to feel and know this!
5) Unplug my family: Like many families today, mine has been infiltrated and inundated with technology. Heck, I'm the first to admit that I'm a junkie! I love technology, gadgets, social media (well, not as much lately) and new toys. But I feel that I am still able to separate the times when it is appropriate, and the times when it is not. My children, on the other hand, cannot be expected to know this unless examples are set. My hope for 2016 is to unplug my entire family during these crucial times when we should be interacting as a family.....not zoning out to you tube videos, games, or the television. My heart sinks every time I look around the room and see everyone's face buried in a device or the TV, and now it is time to take action.
6) Blog more!!! Yes, maybe this will be the year I get back on track. I have been less than inspired or inclined to share my life with the world in the past couple of years. I struggle with whether or not one day I will regret sharing so much of my life with people I don't even know (and frankly, more so with those who I DO know.) But each time I read a post from a fellow blogger that hits home for me, and I feel that overwhelming appreciation for their honesty and openness in that moment, I begin to realize that I've had this same type of feedback from readers, and should do all that I can to pay it forward in this one way that I can...through my own writing. It's not to say that I am some kind of Autism or blogging guru....I don't hope to heal the world by any means. But if just one person reads a post, can relate and benefit, then it has been worth my efforts.
I would like to wish a Happy New Year to my faithful readers, my new readers, and to those who have supported me in this endeavor in any way. I hope that this year brings all things good, and I thank you for taking the time to hear what I have to say, even when it isn't really all that insightful or exciting! I'd love to hear what some of your resolutions, aspirations, hopes and dreams are for YOUR year! Feel free to share in the comments! Until next time.....
