Resolute
I'm not one to make resolutions. In fact, I'm not really one to get too hung up on New Year's in general... but, well, I suppose it doesn't really hurt anything. You see, 2010 for me, like many others, had it's ups and downs. It started with a great loss, then moved on to positive transition. News of new additions brought excitement, joy, and signs of big changes. The fall was full of worry and waiting, the holiday season came with new hopes. There are many things I've learned this year... I found the importance of staying close to those you care about, because someday they will move on. I learned that the warm support of friends and family can help to soften even the hardest blows, and lessen fears that come with them. I have found so many new friends this year, and can't thank them all enough for welcoming me in a time of great changes, and helping me to find my place in a new routine. I found that belief and faith don't have to be what I always thought they were, that they can be a part of my life. I also learned how it's possible to love someone I've never met more than any other person or thing I ever have before.
So, in light of all these lessons, in honor of a year I'm glad to be past (though will always hold dear), I have decided to make true resolutions for 2011.
1. Don't Buy Trash. This has been my mantra for the last several months. You see, I don't buy paper towels. I never really have, I just don't see the point of them. I mean, they're great for cat-sick or bacon grease, but a regular towel does a much better job at most everything else... and will continue to do it for YEARS. Now, I got to thinking about other single-use items, and how needed they really were. Paper plates? Solo cups? Those neat little moisturizing make-up removing face wipes? To-go cups? I've been systematically replacing them all. Right now, the only disposable one-time-use item in my house is toilet paper, and I plan on keeping it that way. I can just no longer see the point to buying something just to use it once and throw it away... Not only does it mean I put out less trash, but, well, reusable is cheaper. A lot cheaper. I also promise to not dog on anyone else's choices in this department. I have a strong dislike of preachy-people, I don't plan on being one. Your house is yours, just as mine is mine. ;)
2. Keep the Sanity. May be easier said than done. In these last few months before our bouncing New Addition arrives, I'm running around, trying to make sure everything is set and ready... not to mention that once he's here, well, let's just say I'm working on trying to let some things just go. I'm learning to accept that my house is not always going to be 'acceptable' in the way I think it should be. In fact, it rarely if ever is now. I'm working on making it OK to stop, breathe, and just go with the flow a little more, and with as many upheavals as this New Year is likely to bring, I'll need that.
That's it. That's all I'm shooting for. Sure, there are little things, but I'm not too worried about that (see resolution 2). After all, I'll have my hands full enough. 2011 is going to be a big year for my family, not just me... and I'm ready to run with it.
So, in light of all these lessons, in honor of a year I'm glad to be past (though will always hold dear), I have decided to make true resolutions for 2011.
1. Don't Buy Trash. This has been my mantra for the last several months. You see, I don't buy paper towels. I never really have, I just don't see the point of them. I mean, they're great for cat-sick or bacon grease, but a regular towel does a much better job at most everything else... and will continue to do it for YEARS. Now, I got to thinking about other single-use items, and how needed they really were. Paper plates? Solo cups? Those neat little moisturizing make-up removing face wipes? To-go cups? I've been systematically replacing them all. Right now, the only disposable one-time-use item in my house is toilet paper, and I plan on keeping it that way. I can just no longer see the point to buying something just to use it once and throw it away... Not only does it mean I put out less trash, but, well, reusable is cheaper. A lot cheaper. I also promise to not dog on anyone else's choices in this department. I have a strong dislike of preachy-people, I don't plan on being one. Your house is yours, just as mine is mine. ;)
2. Keep the Sanity. May be easier said than done. In these last few months before our bouncing New Addition arrives, I'm running around, trying to make sure everything is set and ready... not to mention that once he's here, well, let's just say I'm working on trying to let some things just go. I'm learning to accept that my house is not always going to be 'acceptable' in the way I think it should be. In fact, it rarely if ever is now. I'm working on making it OK to stop, breathe, and just go with the flow a little more, and with as many upheavals as this New Year is likely to bring, I'll need that.
That's it. That's all I'm shooting for. Sure, there are little things, but I'm not too worried about that (see resolution 2). After all, I'll have my hands full enough. 2011 is going to be a big year for my family, not just me... and I'm ready to run with it.