Last night, on New Year’s Eve, I stayed home with my children. I ended my year with a typical epic mother fail. We stayed up to watch the ball drop but I had the wrong channel on. This resulted in my ten year old having a bit of a melt down and me frantically searching for a do over. Just so you know, there are no do-overs on New Year’s Eve. I’m hoping that today we can see a replay of the festivities.
Many of you have made, or may be making New Year resolutions. Before you do, take your coffee into a quiet room and look back and reflect on the past year. Only when you briefly look back can you move forward. I haven’t done this yet. I’m going to do it right this second as I write to all of you. Hold on…let me get my coffee! Shit’s about to get real.
- I did many things right in 2016 and many things wrong. I think it’s called being human.
- I made many memories with my children but allowed them to be on technology oriented gadgets for too many hours. When your child gets a new video game for Christmas, boots it up for the very first time and pretends he’s a You Tuber (is that a word), then you know you’ve failed as a parent. He’s also my little guy who pretends he’s a super hero and runs around the house with light sabers. I’d rather him to do that than pretend to be a You Tuber. For those of you who may not know what that is, think Martha Quinn from MTV but on the internet and instead of music, introducing video games.
- I helped a lot of people and hurt myself in the process. That one needs explaining. I put too much time and energy into other people’s life challenges. I have a save-the-world mentality. Sometimes you can’t fix things. Sometimes people need to fix things for themselves. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.
- I cleaned too much instead of making my family members clean. It seemed easier and faster at the time but now I’m pissed.
- I said Yes too many times instead of saying No. No way. NO! NO NO NO! (I’m practicing)
- I took my role as a wife way too seriously. My husband lost his job and I spent too much time playing a supportive role. As long as we are financially “OK” for now, he can figure his own shit out. I have stuff to do. I think he would also appreciate less nagging. I need to get involved in more activities that are just “mine.” I need to figure out what’s next.
- I loved fiercely. I knew my grandmother’s days were numbered and I sent her flowers, visited her twice in her final months and sent her a Christmas present. She has passed and I have no regrets. She knew she was so very loved. I will miss her.
- I worked with my dog and he became a pet visitation/therapy dog. We rocked it. Can’t wait to do more of that!
- I lost my way while blogging. This is because I was focused on the wrong things. I’m back.
New Year’s Resolutions
Read and write more and talk less. Hold my children and husband more accountable around the house. More quality time with friends. Continue to love fiercely. Learn from my mistakes. Try new things. Be brave. Be human.
Have another cup of coffee.
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