New Year's Resolutions

I admit that I do not hold to resolutions well. I usually always say I want to lose weight and get in better shape, but who doesn't say that? I'd love to say I'll give up coke for a year (soda, please, I've never eated smoked pot), but I also know that would be hard for me. I've given up coke for Lent before, but 40 day is so much more doable than 365.

Anyway, I was thinking the other day that I want to do a few things differently in 2009. I'd like to be more mindful. Mindful of living in the present and enjoying my boys while they are young, rather than looking to the future when I can sleep more...but when they will need me less. Mindful of being more confident in who I am and what I believe. Mindful of, yes, what I put in my mouth. Mindful, overall, of taking each day for what it is: a gift.

I feel like a lot of days I simply do my best to survive, especially when I'm really tired. I get my boys and myself dressed, the beds made, dinner cooked and us out to our various activities. But this doesn't mean I'm always enjoying this process. Therefore, I really want to be more aware of the moments when James and I laugh over a silly joke, or when Nate's face lights up when he sees me, or how Greg and I can have our restful moments watching a silly show on TV. These three guys are my life. I don't want to waste a single moment, even when there's tears and tantrums and craziness. This is life, this is what I've chosen. This is where and who I'm meant to be. So I want to take this time to LIVE. It's not always going to be pretty, but at least it will always be mine.

So, here's to a mindful, compassionate, open-minded, joyful, and exhilerating 2009. I hope my friends and family who read this will climb on board and embrace their wonderful lives as much or more as I hope to. To all of you, thanks for reading.