It’s Resolution Season.
New Year’s resolutions are hard. Every year I excitedly set some kind of large goal that is always way too hard to reach – lose 25 pounds, eat a salad everyday, spend less money, etc. This year I have thought a lot about setting smarter goals for the New Year. For me, smart resolutions are ones that will add value to my life and make me a more balanced human.
I think people have a hard time sticking to resolutions because we simply lose interest. After the glamour of the New Year wears off we get back into old routines; the resolutions never become a sustained part of who we are. This year I am going to work on resolutions that align with my life values and goals. These are five easy things that I actually want to be doing all year long!
Be Kinder.
Throw kindness around like confetti. – Unknown
If there is one small thing I can do to make a big difference in both my life and the lives of others, it is to be kind. This is an important resolution to me because I want to model the way for my kids. Even though I get frustrated with people from time to time there is never a good reason to be mean to someone. This year I want to reject any negative feelings and focus on positive interactions with others. The only thing that we have to offer to one another is kindness. It is my hope that my kindness will be contagious and rub off on the people around me.
How will I do this: Complete one random act of kindness each week – no matter how big or small.
Show Appreciation for Others.
The smallest thanks is always worth more than the effort to give it. – Unknown
Let’s face it, everybody is fighting some kind of small battle each day, and sometimes getting to the end of the day is a celebration all its own. My hope with this resolution is to take time out of my day to let others know that they are valued and they matter. Most people don’t do things looking for appreciation or gratitude, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to receive it. Being a mom is by far the hardest job I have ever had. It is an ungrateful position. You aren’t thanked for the special aloe infused tissues bought this week or for hanging everyone’s coat up. Mom’s just do. It is my hope that this year I will remind moms that all of their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed and the effort they make makes a difference.
How will I do this: Send one note each month to a mom friend who is crushing it!
Give Service.
It is in giving which one receives. – Unknown.
Anyone who knows me knows this is one of my favorite quotes. It resonates with me because every single time I volunteer or serve the community I am overcome with a feeling of joy and accomplishment. I feel so accomplished because I know I used my time to make a difference. Even the simplest act of benevolence can make a huge impact in the world. I am all about leaving an impact on others and giving is an easy way to creates moments of impact in your life.
How will I do this: Volunteer once per month.
Embrace Opportunity.
Opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss. Seize the moment. – Unknown
In 2017 I really started to learn about what it means to seize the day. In the past, I have not been one to embrace change in my life. For me, I am very comfortable with “normal.” This past year was one where I lost my way a little and the “normal” was starting to actually feel a bit foreign to me. Things changed at my job and within my marriage. It was like “me vs. change” in a race against time and I was losing. So I decided to focus on looking for new opportunities.
I did things that scared me, that challenged me, and ultimately things that bettered me. I launched a website and personal brand, wrote an e-book, and had a second child – just to name a few. These opportunities brought more value to my life than I could have imaged. I gained new friends, new confidence, and a new perspective on my “normal” life. In 2018 I hope to try new things, go on new adventures, and take advantage of everything that might come my way.
How will I do this: Try one new thing a month.
Love Yourself.
Embrace the glorious mess that you are – Elizabeth Gilbert
Finally, and perhaps the most important resolution I am going to make for 2018 is to intentionally fall deeply in love with myself. Life lesson: you can’t please everyone. I spend so much time trying to make others happy, it is about time that I do things that will make me happy. I have so many great things in my life and I am so very proud of my husband, my kids, and most importantly myself.
Take a good look at yourself and embrace all of the things that make you unique and fun. For example, I love my voice. It is not a normal voice you would expect of a 34 year old mother of two. Though a little high pitched, it is laced with excitement and echoes with laughter and fun. I could be the perfect Disney character voice and though others might judge me – I think that is pretty awesome.
How will I do this: Simply wake up every day and tell myself I am awesome.
No matter what resolutions you make this year my one hope is that you can find something that adds value to your year. Don’t fall into the pitfall of trying to hit the check-marks on a resolution just because you should. This will only lead to you becoming burnt out. The resolutions above are meant to be easy and add just the right amount of value to your year!
