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Why I’m Not Making a True New Year’s Resolution This Year

They say we should make a new year’s resolution.

You know what I need to work on more than anything else this year?

Giving myself some grace… cutting myself some slack. Because the truth is, I know I’m my own worst critic.

I could focus on all the things I need to change… yelling less, being more present, more patient, more organized, less cluttered.

And let me tell you, these are all great things to work on, but sometimes focusing on these thoughts only makes me feel like I’m failing. I mean I’m human. I am going to make mistakes.

I’m going to yell.

Things will slip my mind.

I’ll forget my child’s backpack or forget to send in sunglasses for “sun glass day” at school.

I will be late.

I will lose my temper.

I will break down over something I look back on and find completely silly.

I will say the wrong thing.

But you know what else I will do? I will love my kids so fiercely. I will kiss them. I will hug them over and over. I will squeeze them—too hard even. I will tell them what a great job they did. I will be their biggest fan. I will fix their boo-boos. I will dry their tears. I’ll tuck them in, and read “just one more book.” 

It seems I can focus on the things I need to change, or I can focus on being okay with who I already am. 

So rather than making a true New Year’s resolution this year, I will focus on just being okay with myself when I make a mistake. I will focus on realizing that mistakes don’t make me a bad mom—even on my worst days. I will try to focus more on the things I do right than on the things I do wrong. 

And you know what? I bet if I can be okay with myself mistakes and all—if I can give myself some grace—then I will be happier. And if I’m happy… if I am truly content… I bet all the resolutions I would have made will improve as a result.

Learn more about me and my blog at: About Lauren

You may also enjoy: 3 Steps to Raise a Resilient Child Who Bounces Back

Why I'm Not Making a New Year's Resolution This Year
Photo Credit: Lindsey Martin Photography

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12 responses to “Why I’m Not Making a True New Year’s Resolution This Year”

  1. Sonja says:

    I didn’t want to make a resolution this year, but couldn’t quite put a finger on why not. You nailed it! Thanks for your honesty and reminder of how we love our little ones in ways that are imperfect and just what they need.

    • admin says:

      Hi Sonja! Thank you so much for your kind comment. I feel the same way and I love how you worded this: imperfect, but just what they need. So well said!

  2. Marysa says:

    I think I am good with lists, so while I don’t do much as far as true resolutions, I can be good about keeping lists so I can get things done that need to get done! I hear you about resolutions.

    • admin says:

      Hi Marysa! That is a great skill to have and would sure help one remain on task. Thank you for sharing and I hope you have a wonderful year!

  3. Ya says:

    I love this. I opted out of making a resolution this year. I’m just going to continue focusing on more positive thoughts and reactions. While understanding that I’m not perfect.

  4. Rachel says:

    What a wonderful and inspiring conclusion! I have so many resolutions or goals for this year it’s starting to be overwhelming, but being content with what I’ve accomplished (or what I can conceivably accomplish) has so much more value. Thank you for writing this post!

    • admin says:

      Hi Rachel! Thank you so much! I truly appreciate your kind words. It means the world to me. Sending wishes that you are able to accomplish all of your goals this year!

  5. Stacey says:

    Well said! I always say I’ll do the best I can at being the best me 😉

  6. kesi says:

    I love this! We can all give ourselves a little more grace. It is so easy to dream that with the new year things will be perfect, but nothing is ever perfect and thats OK!

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