Well, that's a wrap on 2023! It was a really big, but frustrating year. It rained most weekends over the summer, so we were very, very bored most of the time. The best events got rained out or cancelled. My son started preschool and brought home a fun, new virus every 3 weeks which attacked my family at separate, weeklong intervals. It was impossible to manage caring for my family, working and staying sane at the same time. And to be honest, my sanity took the biggest hit.
But, it's a new year. A literal reset of the calendar. And with that, comes the pressure to set resolutions. I grew up in the 90s, which was when diet culture was at its absolute worst. So, every year, everyone I knew had a goal to lose weight. It's what I've always equated New Year's to, which might be why it's my least favorite holiday.
But, as a mom of two, I've learned that big, lofty goals (especially ones that make you feel bad about yourself) are counterproductive. I already have too much on my plate and I know you do, too. And the more I add to my plate, the more overwhelmed I feel and the worse I feel about myself for not being able to get it all done. So, in 2024, I'm just not going to do that anymore. I'm going to mindfully add things to my plate and I'm not starting the year off with goals that feel too big. If this resonates with you, then allow me to share a few examples of what I mean.
Instead of "Stop spending money," say "cut back on spending by $5 or $10/week."
I don't know what your silly money habit is but mine is the dollar spot at Target. WHY do I love it so much? I don't know, but it's my kryptonite. In reality, though,, those silly toys I get for my kids to play with end up in the trash (and ultimately a landfill) and they add up throughout the year. So, I won't go cold turkey and quit the dollar spot, but I won't go there every time I shop at Target. And, it might inspire me to be more mindful about other spending habits, too.
Instead of "Getting back into shape," say "workout twice a week."
I'll preface this by saying I'm not a fitness expert and true experts will tell you to workout more than twice a week, BUT if you've been sedentary and tell yourself you're going to run a half marathon by June, that's a big, lofty goal that might be more than you can take on at the moment. So, be kind to yourself. Set a smaller, more achievable (and measurable) incremental goal. Workout more than you are now. If that's not at all, then go for a walk during the day. Stretch in the morning. Move your body. Your mind and body will thank you and you'll find yourself making more time for it than you had before.
Instead of "Stop overscheduling myself," say "give myself the grace to reschedule."
I'd like to think that being a mom brought on these intense feelings of "mom guilt" but the truth is, well before I had kids, I always felt guilty about everything. Being a mom just intensifies it because there are literal humans dependent on you to learn, thrive and grow. But, those feelings of guilt are counterproductive. I end up agreeing to things I don't truly have time for - and often because I worry about what others will think if I can't do something because my kids are sick or because I'm exhausted. So, in 2024, I'm going to show myself more grace and reschedule when I know I've got nothing left in the tank. It will help me be more present for myself and my family if I'm not running on fumes.
What are your goals for 2024? I'd love to hear them!
