Working Towards a Better Tomorrow

OK I admit it! I am one of those people that doesn’t really commit to a New Year Resolution but I always try to start the year off changing at least one thing. Committing to cleaning my house better has always been a big one for me. Fitness is another one that ranks up there but so many people do that one I feel it is kind of cliché. Getting organized has always been huge for me too. But I guess if I am “resolving” to work on these things every year I am not really making good progress.

Or am I? My house is quite evident that Martha Stewart does not live here, even my children know it. One of my most mortifying moments was when one of my son’s teachers from elementary school told me that one of her favorite student stories involved a sign that stated that Martha Stewart is not at my house. I laughed it off but I was so embarrassed. He was a child and did not realize what he had done. It’s always been a struggle I am sensitive to. But now I am older and look back on where I was and where I am now. I have made progress. (The dust bunnies can attest to it too. They haven’t started talking yet but they are using a rudimentary sign language.)

First off I learned to let go of what I expected myself to do. I am not superwomen, Martha Stewart or able to stop time so having a spotless house had to go. Working full time and being Mom can be overwhelming and allowing yourself to get sucked into the traditional June Cleaver image just isn’t realistic. So starting from where I am I will work towards making progress, at this point anything. (Does anyone know if there is a wildlife relocation program for dust bunnies?)

There are many great programs online for people like me. My favorite is the Fly Lady. She tells her followers to just jump in where they are and use 15 minutes at a time to make progress. She is right. But I am a perfectionist and I need results, I Dream of Jeanie style, but alas that won’t happen. So 15 minutes at a time is what I will work towards.

Alright 2016! I may get a jump start and begin working on these goals before the end of 2015. Who knows I may even be able to get those bunnies rehomed before the first of the year.  But the most important goal for this New Year is this… It doesn’t matter what your resolution is, you have to keep it realistic. If I start yoga in January I will not be 15 pounds lighter in February. I will feel better though. If I see progress I am more likely to stick to it and if I get distracted I will jump back in.  Good luck to you as you plan your own changes. If you aren’t, then you can still use this philosophy. Just keep it real.