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I Don’t Do New Year Resolutions

New Year resolution posts are popping up everywhere. I like the concept, I really do, but I don’t make New Year resolutions anymore. That said, I’m big on reflecting, growth and goals but I aim to do it everyday; even in the moments. I personally, find New Year resolutions a recipe for failure rather than true growth.

One of the things my mother taught me was “don’t wait until until tomorrow to change”. There is always choice in the moments we experience. There are moments to capture, moments to savour, moments to let go, moments to reflect on, moments to change, moments to grow.  For me, this way of thinking has proved to be more sustainable than making grand plans only to give up after stumbling a few times.  Mum taught me to live this way, as she lived her life. She taught me in the moments, and capitalised the ones that counted.

Capitalising on the moments that count continues to be an important thing for me to apply when parenting.  The thing is, I’m not always there when my children need me, I make mistakes, and life happens around me.  And yet, and yet, being wise and investing in moments that count, I believe, creates a positive big picture over time, despite the ups and downs. When I say big picture, for me this means my faith in God, building memories, investing in wisdom, living love, building relationships and loving my family.

I don’t always invest in the moments that count, believe me, but I’m learning to be more aware of them. When my children ask me something, I often stop and give them my absolute attention; it usually only takes 10 seconds.  And yet, that is 10 seconds that I’m investing.

Knowing which moments that count often starts with trusting my intuition, and then following through like these examples: My Daughter Insulted Me, And it Made Me Happy and I See a Bend in the Road.

As I stand back, and look at it all from a distance, it looks like this: Be Anchored by the Big Picture; Live in the Moment.

big picture

For me it’s about being anchored by the big picture and yet being free to live life, learn and grow through the moments that life offers. This means, it doesn’t matter where I am at, if it’s the right time or other variables because I can always learn in the moments as they happen.

How this plays out in how I make goals is, for example, instead of losing weight as a narrow goal, or  exercise more, I look at the big picture goal of living a healthy lifestyle and being an example of this to my children.  This may not work for everyone but for me, it’s important to be sustainable or I’m like a up and down yo-yo. Personally, I believe it’s more important to grow, than win.

So that’s a very long way of saying, “I don’t do New Year Resolutions.” But if I did make one, it would be to live life with the same joy as my daughter in this picture.

Joy

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21 Comments

  • Reply
    Veronica @ Mixed Gems
    January 4, 2012 at 9:01 pm

    Simply lovely post. I’ve echoed a similar sentiment this week in thinking about a cup of hope each day where we can make today count but also start afresh each day. Im not thinking of esolutions so much as themes/words to focus on and underpin how I go about things. It’s still easier said than done but i think the intention and effort counts for something. And after my day today, I thought, I wish I could have a do-over; that’s why we have tomorrow.

  • Reply
    jessica
    January 5, 2012 at 9:35 am

    WOW! I love this post, thank you for sharing. You are truly inspiring. Have a rewarding and Blessed New Year!

  • Reply
    bbeingcool
    January 5, 2012 at 9:40 am

    Love it. I gave up on New Year’s Resolutions too – they are too – resolute for me!

    I write down a series of goals, I find that if I build on what I am already doing, I am on my way for a great new year.

    Great post… got my head a buzzing…

  • Reply
    Katie b
    January 5, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    What a fantatsic post…… Hubby went back to work yesterday and today i have been caugt in a massive rut doing the back to school shopping, food shopping , lunch at my parents… i was in a crazy rush to get home so i could finih things that neede to be done at home, thats when i found myself not taking the time to answer my kids with the response they deserved as to why they couldnt sleep at nan and pop’s….. i just said no , coz i said thats why!!! instead of explaing that pop was not feling well and needed to have a big rest and they could have a sleepover on saturday night, i just chucked an adult tantrum that ended with 2/3 kids almost in tears.. not a proud moment… i really needed this post kelly and am thankful i jumped on facebook for 5 minutes and seen this as one of my top stories.. i needed to revaluate the sitution and realse i’m not getting anywhere fast by rushing and not explaing things to the kids..proper response = no meltdown !! commonsense often gets thrown out the window when school holidays come around so we are now relaxing with a movie and snacks, housework can wait….. its funny how when ever i read your post’s i also read between the lines and take away inspiration Thankyou for that!!

    • Reply
      Kelly Be A Fun Mum
      January 10, 2012 at 8:00 pm

      Katie, oh yes, I’ve had many similar moments. I love how you say “i also read between the lines and take away inspiration”. That is so exciting for me to hear because that is one of the things I try to do!! I want people to be able to see, not only read, and take things they can adopt in their own life. Thank you xxx

  • Reply
    Hands Free Mama
    January 5, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    AMAZING!!! This line is incredible to me: “And yet, being wise and investing in moments that count, I believe, creates a positive big picture over time, despite the ups and downs. When I say big picture, for me this means my faith in God, building memories, investing in wisdom, living love, building relationships and loving my family.”

    I want all those things, too. EVERY SINGLE DAY. That is all that really matters when it comes down to it.

    Thank you!!! This is simply beautiful and all that I aspire to be.

    • Reply
      Kelly Be A Fun Mum
      January 10, 2012 at 8:01 pm

      Thanks for this gorgeous comment Hands Free Mama. Means a lot.

  • Reply
    Cathy Matzen
    January 5, 2012 at 5:26 pm

    “…it’s more important to grow, than win.” – I love this. Isn’t it that when we grow, we’ve already achieved and won battles (personal, professional, etc) at different points of our lives? 🙂

  • Reply
    Maid In Australia
    January 5, 2012 at 8:22 pm

    Exactly how I feel. Happy New Year to us all!

    • Reply
      Kelly Be A Fun Mum
      January 10, 2012 at 8:02 pm

      Happy New Year!!! Look forward to seeing you again…and actually have a REALLY GOOD CHAT!

  • Reply
    Janet
    January 6, 2012 at 11:50 am

    I don’t do NYR’s either. However I did sit down with hubster over a cup of tea and came up with some planning, setting some (small) goals in areas like health, spiritual, family, marriage, hobby, financial etc. Here’s to a wonderful 2012!

  • Reply
    Kirralee
    January 11, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    Totally agree. No resolutions for me. At this time of year I can fluctuate between being excited about the fresh new year laying in front of me and having trouble finding the energy to face it. Day by day is best for me. Especially when it comes to discipline around food!

  • Reply
    Family Dynamics: It’s like the Zipper
    January 15, 2012 at 9:36 pm

    […] my “I don’t do New Year’s Resolutions” post, I listed down some of the big picture values that act as foundations for our family.  […]

  • Reply
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