It’s a NEW Year. Let’s face it, every year we proclaim we’ll make a change, but do we truly commit? A lot transpired in 2020, let’s just leave it at that. The one thing to keep in mind is that it gave us a needed “time out.” Some took full advantage and others stayed focused on the negative. How did you handle it?
In my life, so much has taken place. But each time I chose to look at the bright side, find the diamond in the rough. I couldn’t see myself upset and unproductive because of others’ silliness. I have come to see how others’ issues, challenges, or lack of motivation have altered my outcome on so many occasions, and the reality is that I allowed it.
Here we are in 2021 and it’s time to design your ideal life. It’s time for you to focus on what you need, not your partner or children, but YOU. I can hear it already, you’re laughing, saying there’s no way, your kids come first, your partner needs xyz. Sorry, pass that along to someone else, right here and right now. It’s about YOU and no one else. This is not a selfish act, but I want you to clearly understand that when you are at your very best–health, attitude, energy–you can give so much more to those around you. Focus on that!
This is a new year and one that came from a pretty challenging year. Let’s use that to our advantage and design a year like no other. Here are my top 4 tips to get you on an amazing path for an amazing year ahead…
1. Redesign your morning routine.
Most of my mom friends, including myself, scurry around the house getting everything ready for everyone else. By the time you get to your needs, you’re spent and late for an appointment. I realize some of you are not morning people, but I want you to think about it. If you woke up 30 to 40 minutes before anyone else, you could actually eat in peace, enjoy the morning tea, and even journal about life. By the time the troops were up, you would be set, centered, and energized to deal with any craziness ahead. Just think about it and write out how you want your morning to go, then work on making it come to life.
2. M to the second power!
Movement and meditation, these should be your friends. They both clear the mind and re-energize the body. When full-blown mayhem is happening in the house, these two M’s help you problem solve and think clearer than ever.
Here’s what I want you to remember… movement doesn’t necessarily mean a maximum output workout, it means “movement,” like gardening, taking a walk, using the stairs, just adding in more moments to move than before. As for meditation, no longer is it necessary to tie the body up in a knot and stare at a candle to call it meditation or mindfulness. The act of becoming mindful is the act of focusing on only one thing. That thing can be your breath, coloring in a coloring book, or even transporting yourself into a great book. When you can completely focus on something you enjoy for 5 to 60 minutes, you will return to earth with new ideas, more creativity, and the ability to break up a fight your kids have created.
3. What is the vision, premise, and purpose of how you want to live your day-to-day?
Vision is how you see yourself, your attitude, energy, health, and disposition. The premise is the deep belief you have about how your life should be. Were you raised by parents who taught you to be the perfect wife and mother without prioritizing your own needs? Or did you come from a more liberal family and feel like you need to tighten the reigns? And finally, purpose. What is your purpose in this vast world? Is it to be a mom and caregiver, or maybe to raise the next Albert Einstein? Or maybe it’s to make a place in the world like no other. Here is where you need to really think deeply about it. Just because you are a mom doesn’t mean that you can’t live the dream life you have always wanted.
4. What tool could make your days easier?
We all get going on this hamster wheel of life, and we forget to STOP for a brief moment and see if there’re ways to make our day more efficient. This is all about taking care of you. I gained 2 hours of time by having my groceries shopped for and delivered. Not to mention, I save a ton of money by not impulse shopping. What are the things that could help you out during your day? As moms, time is of the essence, so really think about ways of giving yourself TIME, then use that time for self-care.
“Mom, I can’t find my book,” “Mom, Jane hit me!” “Mom, I’m hungry.”
I have two kids of my own, and as a single mom doing virtual school, work, and life, I know how crazy it can be and how we get sucked into it all and forget about our own needs. This article probably took you a few minutes to read. But let’s pretend you’re really into it, and it’s going to take you an hour to read. Now, take this extra time that I just gave you, pull out some paper, and start going over the 4 tips. Take this time to see what you can change to give yourself time, energy, and an amazing disposition!
With love and light for an amazing year,
Adita
