As we anticipate the start of a brand new year, I find myself reflecting on the past and thinking about the future. Each new year always brings a sense of renewal and the opportunity to start with a clean slate. These feelings are tenfold as a mother.
Here are some of my thoughts, hopes, and ideas for this new year as I continue on this journey called motherhood:
1. Prioritizing Self-Care
This coming year, I hope to remember the importance of taking care of myself. Being a mother can be all-consuming, and it’s easy to forget that I need time to recharge if I am going to continue to be present for my family. Whether it’s curling up with a good book, indulging in a long bath, or simply just taking time to enjoy being outdoors with a simple walk, I want to make sure self-care is a priority.
2. Being Present
Sure, I am present with my children physically, but am I always present mentally? The answer is no, I am not. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. My hope for this year is to be more present with my children, by putting down my phone, turning off the distractions, and really engaging with them during our time together. I want to savor the little moments, whether it’s reading a book, driving to another dance practice, or simply at the dinner table while we’re together.
3. Encouraging Independence
As my children grow, I want to foster their independence while still providing the support they need. My hope is to create an environment where they feel confident to try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them. I have not always been very successful at assigning tasks for my children to complete around the house, and instead take on so much more than needed. It’s always been such a fine line for me as a mother. This year, I want to encourage my kids to tackle age-appropriate tasks on their own, whether it’s helping with chores, making simple meals, or keeping their schoolwork organized on their own.
4. Cultivating Gratitude
I believe that gratitude can transform our outlook on life. I am guilty of not practicing gratitude enough within myself and my family. This year, I want to focus on encouraging my family to practice gratitude more regularly. Whether we reflect on the things we are grateful for throughout the year or make an effort to verbally share with each other something we were grateful for on that day, focusing on the positives — both big and small — can help us appreciate one another and how fortunate we are.
5. Setting Realistic Goals
As I think about my ambitions as a mother, I want to set more realistic and attainable goals for myself in the new year. Instead of overwhelming myself with a long list of resolutions that I will only succeed in maybe half of this year, I am going to focus on just a few key areas. I struggle with cooking dinner when the afternoons and evenings get busy, and resort to a lot of takeout. One of my goals is going to be to improve on family meals. Another small goal of mine for the new year is to plan more family outings with the objective being to make lasting memories for my children.
6. Cherishing Each Moment
Lastly, I want to remind myself to cherish every moment. The days can be long, but the years are short. I hope to find joy in the chaos, appreciate the good times, and embrace the challenges. It is not lost on me how lucky I am to live this life; each day is a gift and I want to make the most of it.
As the new year approaches quickly, I’m filled with hope and excitement for what lies ahead. Motherhood is a journey like no other, filled with growth, learning, and love, and I am grateful to be on this path. Here’s to a year filled with new adventures, cherished memories, and the beautiful mess of family life!
