I don’t typically make New Year resolutions. Because I am never good at keeping them. But I like the idea of starting over. Some people snicker at the thought of “New Year, New Me” but January is a time of renewal.
Last year, I chose JOY as my word for the year and it’s been a work in progress.
These aren’t really resolutions. They’re more like lifestyle changes. I want to keep these things in mind going forward in 2017.
Sleep. When Norrin was first born, everyone said to “sleep when he sleeps.” I wish I listened. He’s almost 11-years-old and I’m still tired. For the last few years, I’ve been going to sleep long after ten and waking up around five. At some point during that time I wake up because Norrin still wakes in the middle of the night. Some nights it’ll be impossible for me to go to sleep at 8:30 but I want to try going to sleep early at least three nights a week.
Self-care. Before I was a mom, I did stuff. I got my nails done, my hair done, I occasionally went out for after work drinks. But over the last few years it’s been really easy to lose myself. It’s easy to to go months, years even, without a haircut or a manicure.
It’s okay to take a few minutes a day, a few hours a week or one day a month to do something just for me – without any guilt.
One of things I’ve been doing is meditating. I am obsessed with the Calm app and it’s really helped me over the last year.
Take a lunch break. I work (outside the home) as an administration assistant. This means I sit at a desk. All. Day. Long. And lunch usually means me eating at my desk while I check emails or surf the net. I can go weeks without leaving the building during my work day. I need to make it a point to get out of the office and get some fresh air – even if it’s just for a walk around the block.
Reconnect. Having a kid with autism, date nights are few and far between. I miss having time with my husband. Whether it’s a movie night at home or a day date during the week – we need quality time together.
Related: Our Weekend Away at Mount Airy Casino Resort
Unplug. I’m a social media mom. I sit in front of a computer all day at work. I often stay up late working on my laptop. And I love TV. Just like Norrin needs to have his screen time limited, so does mine. I need to work and can still be active on social media and still watch the TV I love but I need to learn when to step away from the screen – especially on the weekends.
Live healthier. I can’t stop the aging process but I can try to live as long as I can. When it comes to Norrin’s appointments and needs, I make sure he gets everything he needs when he needs it. I make the time. When it comes to my own appointments, I am much more laid back, I forget, I put it off. No more. I need to be better about making my own doctor appointments, taking my vitamins, getting some exercise and eating better. I cannot take my health for granted.
See a theme here? I want to be the best parent I can be. The healthier, happier and less tired I am, the better parent I’ll be.
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