Happy New Year!!!

New year crisp morning

Fresh thoughts and purpose in sight

Savor each moment

Have you heard the cliched saying: “Being a Mom (parent) changes everything”. Well, it does! And I’m not talking about the sleepless nights feeding, or soothing your baby, or worrying about each new behavior and wondering what’s normal. I’m not even talking about their milestones - first steps, first words, first foods, first birthday, first day out, first holiday… first day of school… first time riding the bike… first sleepoverl… so many firsts! 

What strikes me through all of my babies’ firsts is, how much “I” have grown since becoming a Mom. A lot of my ways have changed, some validated, always pushing my boundaries, failing many times, but learning to still show up. And as I soothe my babies after their fall or failure, and encourage them to keep going, and tell them I believe in them, I do the same for me. I tell my inner child - Keep going, I believe in you. 

I am also learning so many new skills - making dramatic voices as I read their favorite stories, exploring art materials, even writing poems (the Haiku above was inspired by my 8 year old daughter’s new love for reading and writing poetry)! And my children are now telling me - Keep going Mom, we believe in you!!!

Yes, our babies learn a lot from us, but don’t we learn so much from them too? 

As I reflect on my “growth” this past year, and make the customary resolutions, I am being very intentional about the goals I set for myself. But more importantly, I will keep my PURPOSE in sight. What do I want to achieve this year, and WHY? 

“I want to walk 10,000 steps everyday, so I will move and feel better and have more energy to play with my kids.”

“I will eat home cooked meals at least 5 times a week, so that I can model making healthy food choices, add more variety to our diet, and possibly bond with my family while cooking together.”

“I will practice mindfulness for at least 5 minutes everyday, so that I can savor each moment as they pass by, appreciate the good and positive even in the tough moments, and continue growing as a person.”

I am ready for you, 2025!