Susan GrahamNew Year's Resolutions for Moms
December 21st 2008 18:41
Illustration by InvisibleSnow
Expect the Unexpected
If there is one lesson we can learn from 2008, it's that the unexpected will happen. We could lose our jobs at any time. Our savings could be gone in a flash. In the coming year, I will learn to anticipate these surprises and not be thrown off course with every new development. This goes for my kids as well. Who knows what crazy antics they will get into next year? It is my resolution to react calmly and not panic when my daughter decides she is never going to the dentist again or my son tries to climb to the roof of our house.
Appreciate the Down Time
Some folks have lost their jobs and have way too much downtime. If I were to lose my job tomorrow, I would probably spend those eight hours a day of new-found freedom searching for a new job. I am a self-confessed workaholic. Even though I hate work, I am always looking for a way to "beat the system" and make enough money to stay home with my kids. As a result, I tend to spend hours on the weekends surfing the Internet for new money-making opportunities. Many a Sunday night I have realized I spent every waking moment on the computer and not nearly enough time with my family.
The irony is that I'm doing it so I can spend MORE time with my family. But in 2009, I will make sure to schedule down time to do nothing but hang out with kids and Hubby.
Look on the Bright Side
It's easy to get depressed in this challenging economy. It's also easy to find the problems in your household. I sometimes look at all the cracked paint and rotting wood around the house and get angry at our lack of time and money to make our house beautiful. Next year, I will work to find the positive side of things. At least I have a home. At least I have a job. Even if I hate my job, it's still keeping my family afloat through this economic storm.
Be More Patient
Rome wasn't built in a day, and America will not be "fixed" in a day. We need to let our new government do its job to get us out of this mess. It will take time, probably years, before things start to look up again. I have the same problems with my kids. Princess has come a long way with her "poop" problems, but she still has a long way to go. In the coming year, I plan to be patient as she works it all out and let her figure it out on her own.
Be More Productive
We can complain about the state of the nation all day long, but until we do something about our problems nothing will get done. If you really want to help our environment, recycle your trash or buy a fuel-efficient car. The same goes for family problems. In 2009, I will not sit around and complain to Hubby about our problems. I will make an effort to do something about them.
Will these resolutions, I have high hopes for a very Happy New Year. I hope you and your family has great success in 2009 as well.
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