For the Goal-Girl in all of us...
One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above
the little things.
~John
Burroughs
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Examine your expectations; adjust when necessary.
Our expectations (and whether they're met or not) directly impact how we experience each day. When things go our way, we're happy. When they don't, we're not, and then the day turns sour...for everyone.
"When Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy..."
So, for the sanity of our entire household, it's important to review our expectations -- especially those which consistently go unmet. Ask yourself:
Where does this expectation come from?
Is it realistic?
Is it relevant or just an old habit?
Is it do-able (for me and/or my family)?
As you begin this exercise, keep in mind this short yet powerful sentiment universally embraced by many in the midst of transition:
to know the difference. |
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Greetings!
It wouldn't be New Year's
if I didn't have regrets. ~ William Thomas
If you asked me to put together a "Top 10 Quotes for Moms" this would definitely make the cut.
While motherhood inherently brings hope, laughter and love, looming in the background we find guilt, second guesses and regret. Left unattended, these nagging reminders can pile up, year after year.
What to do with Mt. Regret? Recognize you're human, that you're doing the best you can, and then...let go. Stop looking back. Allow yourself a fresh start.
Welcome to 2010! I hope you walk into this new year with a heart full of joy and great memories...and that you leave the rest behind.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful New Year!
Teresa Drake
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New Resolutions, Now? I Don't Think So...
coun·ter·in·tu·i·tivePronunciation: \-in-ˈtü-ə-tiv, -ˈtyü-\
: contrary to what one would intuitively expect
Everybody looks to January 1st as the time to initiate change. I disagree. January's not the time start something new; it's time to get back to the three Rs of parenting: routines, routines, routines.
 Yep, time to focus, once again, on our family routines, our priorities, our agendas; the elements that make our households run smoothly, or something close to that.
December, for many of us, was Party Central. 'Twas a delightful time of celebration while...our schedules went all to pieces. Right?
Okay, some of you held strong and fast to your family routines, and didn't budge an inch. You're golden right about now. For those of us
who threw caution (and our family schedules) to the wind...well, we've got some catching up to do.
So, come January, our children need a little prodding, some gentle reminders about what's expected of them throughout the day. It's a time to return to all those wonderful routines we've established (but absentmindedly forgot over the holidays): bath-time, bed-time, home-work time, meal times, and of course, chores!
After getting your family back on track, you'll be in a better position to not only think about something new, but to actually make it happen.
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A Great Little Book
to Help Manage Your Anger
by Richard Carlson, Ph.D.
I wish I would've read this bestseller when it was first published in 1997; I could have avoided a great deal of angst (and Mylanta, too). Editorial Review: "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff..." offers 100 meditations designed to make you appreciate being alive, keep your emotions (especially anger and dissatisfaction) in proper perspective, and cherish other people as the unique miracles they are. It's an owner's manual of the heart, and if you follow the directions, you will be a happier, more harmonious person. (Amazon.com review)You can find this book in your local library in a variety of formats, or you can purchase it used or new in stores and online. While I love Amazon.com, I recommend Barnes & Noble for this, as B&N's current promotion lets everyone have the "Member Price," even if you're not a member! |
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