Not Sweating the Small Stuff a Promise for the New Year

Every year, New Year’s arrives, and we as moms feel obligated to make promises to change our lives. We vow to stay ahead of the laundry pile, to make healthier meals for our kids, to keep our home completely clutter free and, of course, to fit back into our skinny jeans.

This year, however, I don’t think I’m alone is saying that I’m tired of the same old pressure to make the New Year a perfect one. As a matter of fact, I’m very content to admit I’m not perfect and simply move on.

Yes, it would be nice to wake up every day knowing that no one would need to rifle through the laundry basket to find clean socks and underwear for the day. It would be incredible to realize that an unexpected knock at the front door wouldn’t mean that I needed to run around stashing the pile of clutter sitting on the kitchen counter. It would not, however, be realistic.

Let’s face it. Part of motherhood is about realizing our priorities and sometimes that means making sacrifices. Yes, I could probably get every ounce of laundry washed and folded on a daily basis but, if I did, it likely wouldn’t leave enough time to volunteer at the football field or watch my son’s baseball game. Call me crazy but I will gladly sacrifice laundry to know that I can be on the sidelines cheering my son and his teammates on.

Two weeks ago we watched our televisions in horror as the news of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings unfolded. We looked at the faces of the children who senselessly lost their lives and were reminded of what really matters the most.

I highly doubt that the parents of any of those children wish that they had kept a neater home. Each and every one of those parents would likely trade everything that they have to be able to hold their child one more time.

Life is short, unpredictable and sometimes unfair. Why should we as moms waste time worrying about the little things that, in the long run, simply don’t matter? Why can’t we instead remember to devote our time and energy to the people that we love the most?

This year I am promising myself not to set unrealistic goals.

I am promising myself, instead, to keep my priorities straight and to continue to be the best mom I can possibly be. My New Year's Resolution is a simple one. To not make promises about how I can change everything I do wrong and, instead, to be proud of everything that I do right!

What is your New Year's resolution? Let us know what you hope to accomplish in the comments section below.