I’ll admit that I’m not typically a “resolution” person although each year I vow to drink more water and stretch everyday {notice I didn’t say “exercise more”? haha}. But this year, something just feels different. Internally, I feel like I’m at a point of growth, of metamorphosis, where I’m becoming more of myself but also realizing what needs to change in order to move forward and become a better person. Not all of it is stuff I would normally admit about myself but I think clearing the air and writing it down is one of the ways it moves through the system. So, with that, some hopes, dreams, and realizations for 2012!
1. More patience, understanding, and positive thoughts. Since having Sky, it seems that feelings are magnified. Is this what a child does to you? There are high highs and low lows. Maybe it’s because of sleep deprivation or being constantly tested and pushed to your limit, but for me, it’s very easy to get frustrated and bogged down with negativity, stress, or anxiety over little things, which slowly stew in my brain and ultimately result in me shutting down and going into a “funk”. Life is too short to be funky all the time so one of my main goals to myself for 2012 is to learn how to control and manage this. I need to be conscious of when I get to this point, and find ways to cope and adapt so I can steer things in a different direction. Perhaps this list of 12 things happy people do “differently” is a good starter.
{Photo via The Notebook Doodles}
2. Go on adventures. Getting out and about is invigorating and I don’t do enough of it. In fact, I usually avoid it since everything is at least an hour drive away and I hate messing up Sky’s nap schedule. To add to the excuses, Josh works a lot on weekends and it’s no fun without him. This year, that needs to change. We need to get out, see and do new things, explore our area, meet up with friends and family, enjoy our surroundings, and stop being a slave to the normal everyday routine.
{Print by the lovely and talented, Katie Daisy}
3. Learn to photograph. Say hello to my little friend:
Yep, we did it. We made the investment in a digital SLR camera {a Nikon D3100 bundle from Costco to be exact} and I will master it. This is the year that I will conquer my fear of words like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. I will become a better photographer. It’s amazing to me that I took photography in college, shot in manual mode with a FILM camera and developed photos in a dark room with absolutely no recollection of anything I learned. Baffling, I tell you. I know to some of you, this camera is the “baby” of DSLR’s but I’ve only ever used a point and shoot so this is my beginning. I can’t wait to learn all about it!
4. Grow this blog. While increasing traffic and growing my audience is certainly a goal, it’s only a small piece of the big picture. For me, blogging is therapeutic. I do it because it helps me sort out my thoughts and learn more about myself while opening up a creative outlet I don’t otherwise have at my day job. Growing it, evolving it, nurturing it, and taking it to the next level means that, in turn, I’ve done those same things for my own self. It’s all goodness.
{Photo via Amanda Cherie}
5. Be a better wife and mom. There are always little things that can be done to improve in this area. In a nutshell, Josh and I need to make sure we always have time for each other and stay connected among all the crazy, and Sky needs to have good examples provided for him in all aspects. With each passing day, he is smarter and more aware. He’s a super sponge – soaking in every little thing and it’s making me more conscious of what he absorbs. On a related note, I thought this article about creating a confident child was really good. I’ve always been a wishy washy person so these are definitely skills I hope we can instill in Sky.
{This picture was taken 2 days ago when Sky insisted on wearing sunglasses to Fred Meyer – he kept them on until we got in the car to drive home}
……
And now, I’m linking up with Martha to bring you 5 more things that I will NOT be changing about myself in 2012 because they are awesome and I should probably keep doing them.
1. I’ll keep reading bedtime stories to Sky. It’s probably my favorite time of day. Funny how I used to dread this hour of the evening.
2. I’ll keep showering, getting dressed, and wearing makeup 6 out of 7 days. Any mom knows this is by far an accomplishment. Sometimes I wonder how often I would do this if I didn’t work full time?
3. I’ll still be a good friend and wife. It’s so hard juggling everything and there are more people I’d like to spend more time with, and there is always room to get better. But, I think in general – my friends and husband don’t think I’m terrible and hanging out and staying close!
4. I’ll keep being as organized as I can be. Let’s just be honest – I’m anal and probably have mild OCD. Now, off to Ikea for more magazine files!
5. I’ll keep loving and eating dessert any chance I get. Never pass on dessert! It’s an endearing quality, don’t you think?
Psst! Martha will be doing a “livin’ the dream” challenge each week so be sure to join her!
