Happy New Year

Well, Ladies. It was one of the most difficult years of our lives; of the century even. Some of us made it through. Some of us aren’t here anymore to ring in the New Year 2021.

Our world changed. This pandemic changed us. Some have come out strong. Some have come out lost. Personally, I’ve used the last nine months to both keep things as normal, and flowing as possible for my children and husband, while also using this time to grow; to figure out what I want in life. For me, my family.

I have realized now more than ever how truly blessed I am. I also have compassion for those who are suffering.

Now, more than ever in my life, I finally feel like I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to do. At this exact time. In this exact moment.

I want to continue this growth and I’d like you to grow with me. Now, I’m not perfect, but as long I’m learning and living, I can’t go wrong. Every experience, every day, every Holiday this year has taught me so much. I’m learning who I am.

In preparation of this upcoming year, I’ve used my Commit30 planner to not just come up with a word for the year (health & growth for this year), or make that resolution, but I’ve made twelve different goals – one for each month.

Each goal has six action steps to reach that goal, and a healthy reward for each goal once I’ve reached the end of that particular month.

For January: I’m going to work on improving my mental health. (I think we all can relate given this year’s circumstances.) How will I do that?

Ask for help if I need it. So many of us ladies have trouble accepting help from others. For me, its a matter of bothering another person. It’s SO hard for me to accept help from anyone.

I’ve come up with a list of healthy coping skills I enjoy and are good distractions. They include reading, baking, music, talking to my husband (my best friend). Healthy coping skills are so important for mental growth.

Exercise is on my list of action steps. Whether it be brisk walk, following a YouTube video, or my daily household tasks, it all counts.

Following a good diet is going to be key for my mental clarity. I’m currently participating in WW (formerly Weight Watchers) as it allows me to eat great food, be healthy, and lose weight.

I’m going to begin taking a multi vitamin with my regular medication. Keeping up with this regime will keep me healthy also.

Lastly, I’m diving head first into a spiritual journey that I began years ago, but up until the last two years I hadn’t been active in. Ill be relearning the art of meditation. I’ve joined a few support groups with like minded people to make the process a little easier. Not that a spiritual journey is easy.

My reward for the month of January is a trip to my favorite sushi spot at Yama Chen. I haven’t had that treat since my 32nd birthday. (I’m thirty-three now.) It’s the least I could do for myself as I navigate my goals, and maintain my duties as a modern housewife.

So yes, it’s been a difficult year. But it was not in vain.What are some of your goals? I’d love to hear from you!

Happy Holidays

From my family to yours

What a year! Ladies, pat yourselves on the back. We’re keeping up with the house and have added “teacher’s assistant” to our homemaking resume. What work it has been.

From trying to keep our kids motivated, happy, and content to still finding time to fold the laundry, prepare meals, and oh yea… make the Holidays happen, we’ve been busy, and admittedly sometimes overwhelmed.

I’ve got my Christmas cards out, cookies baked, and presents wrapped. Christmas movies and singing carols. I love this time of year.

As a little girl it was the most magical time of my life. I try to keep that same magic going for my kids. My ten year old found out this past year Santa isn’t real. But I explained to her the secret of Santa and the magic she can now bring to someone else. I explained how she can help me keep her brother believing for another year or two, and decided to let her pick an unsuspecting person to gift something to. Leaving it on their front porch with no “from” could bring such joy to the receiver.

For my little man who still believes, we have the Elf on the Shelf still doing her business. She’s a mischievous one. Her name is Isabel and we will be sad to see her leave tomorrow when Santa leaves his presents.

Normally the family and I would travel to my mother’s for the day after we had our Christmas and spend time eating and opening presents together. This year, we’re just going to stay at our home watching Christmas movies, drinking hot cocoa, and I’ll be preparing a big feast for dinner.

What are your plans? What are some of your traditions? I’d love to hear all about your Holiday magic.