Thats me in there^. Not running, just moving forward.
You know, this year has been a pretty good year. Not everything was perfect, it never is, but a lot of parts were truly amazing (a new house!) and once in a lifetime experiences (ahem: flying 20+ hours across the united states and the pacific ocean to stay with maryam, in Hawaii, by myself, with my toddler in tow). We’re settled here now, very planted in our new home, and each day I am just forever more grateful for the support of my family. For everything they’ve done for me throughout my life, and especially in the past three years. Life, for everyone is a learning experience. And for the most part, if we’re lucky enough, we never stop growing. I feel like I’ve grown SO much this year, especially in improving on many self-proclaimed shortcomings… and well, I’m still working on many of them too.
I can’t remember, for the life of me, what sort of New Years resolutions I made last year (if any at all). But this year, all my resolutions can all be jumbled into one big categorized ball: keep on growing.
Balance. Every single day I strive for balance. For the most part, I can find myself in a good groove, but this past month, I’ve failed miserably at it.
Acceptance // Realistic goal reevaluating. This follows the first goal, I need to accept that I can’t do everything. I have so many goals and plans, that may never come to actuality. One, was a “one day plan” turned into a “now plan”, turned into “okay, maybe in two years, maybe one day plan”. I’ve had a rough week, feeling like so many dreams and goals that I’m striving for, will just have to be put further on hold. I underestimated (or overestimated?) the hours in a day and what can truly be accomplished, without me suffering. One day my big dreams might happen, but right now? Working my ass off, being a full time single mom (and a really fucking good mom), and accomplishing much of my dreams, just doesn’t work. I don’t want my family, my quality time with my daughter, and my overall feeling of content to suffer, because I’m trying to do too much. My dreams will have to wait. And this year, I plan on learning to accept that.
Co-parenting. Alex and I have made tremendous progress this year. Within ourselves and with each other. I’d be lying if I said, I didn’t sometimes still resent my responsibilities vs. his, (and ^^ my dreams being on hold vs his) but that’s not something I can change. I have to accept it. I hope we continue to work together, amicably, forgiving each others flaws, and just making our daughter’s life kickass.
Blocking out negativity. I’m infamous for purge. I love to purge my life of clutter and unnecessary garbage. Mostly material things… but also: people, judgement, and negativity. It’s so freeing and mind-clearing. This past year, I made a conscious decision to not only purge, but block out any and all exterior negativity. That one simple, but difficult decision, brought me instant relief. Life is too short to worry about someone else’s negative disposition. It’s a pretty attainable goal, since I’ve been doing it for some time now, but I look forward to moving forward this year, without letting any exterior negativity affect who am I and this life I’m living.
Eat more raw vegetables. Yes, we live off vegetables (and bread) in this home, but raw, uncooked vegetables? Not so much. Crazy enough, this will possibly be my hardest goal to achieve. I am,without a doubt, THE BIGGEST lover of all hot-comforting foods. Also, bringing Marlowe on the raw food train, doesn’t seem very easy. To keep things easy around here, she eats what I eat (and vice versa), and I don’t see her buying into the crunchy texture and flavors of raw vegetables. But who knows, maybe she’ll surprise me. If not, normal snack time for her, will have to be raw veggie snack time for me.
A garden. I won’t be having my large dream garden anytime soon, but something small and easy, should be something attainable for this year. We have the space, the weather, and the outdoor loving toddler… this could totally happen.
Speak more spanish. I understand it. I can read it. And I want to feel more comfortable speaking it. For me, yes, but mostly for Marlowe. This week, Marlowe learned to count to ten. Muy bien!
I end every year and start every year the same, quoting, “and maybe, this year will be better than the last.” Here’s to 2013, and every year following, being better than the last.
Salud, friends.
24 Comments
absolutely love this. i had a few resolutions this year, and I am happy to say that i have 'resolved' most all of them as well. blocking negativity can be difficult at first, i feel like sometimes it's consuming and can block you from not blocking it (if that makes sense;) but once making the conscious decision to not let it affect you, ie removing it from your life, not listening to it, etc. . i totally agree, it is completely freeing!
Happy new year dear Drea and little Marlowe!
I've been reading your blog since a month and really enjoy it!
Thanks a lot 🙂
i just wanna squeeze your neck. these are similar to my own goals for 2013. i too made a goal to block/purge out negativity, accepting realistic goals, a small tiny garden and actually SPEAKING more spanish. my mom mainly talks to ronin in spanish bc she doesn't want to make the same mistake she made with my brother and i. i understand everything and can read, but speaking – so hard for me. i hope to meet you and that sweet girl some day. big hugs. ps: email me your address so i can send you a card? sybiannamiller[at]gmail. 🙂
One of my 2012 goals was to eat more meatless meals and cook healthier. I have your blog to thank for that! I tried so many of your recipes and learned so much about food (never knew about vegetable stock till I made your black bean soup). Thank you for taking the time to post your recipes 🙂 It's done my family and I a lot of good.
These are really similar to my own new year goals, but I love how you fleshed them out…and I love owning that you are a really fucking good mom. I need to remind myself of that too. I'm doing a fucking good job. 🙂
Wish you and Marlowe the best for 2013. I am a new follower, love your blog. I am a new blogger just started in november. 🙂 Would love if you take a look at my blog and if you like us please join in. 🙂
http://blog.petitjoujou.ca/
Claudia
Well said! It was fun *almost* meeting you this week 😉 Happy new year!
Is it weird that I just found your blog and read it for maybe three hours? Finally another amazing blog to follow. Happy New Year!
I love your list! It is very similar to mine minus the gardening. 😉 I've finally accepted that I'm never going to have a green thumb no matter how hard I try.
I wish you and Marlowe all the best in 2013!
Feliz 2013, mucha suerte con tus resoluciones!
jajaja! gracias!
Happy New Year!!
Madison
Happy new year, madison!!
Great New Year Resolutions!!! Para el español: MUSICA! 🙂
good idea! I'm going to look for some spanish tunes this week!
Oh! Look up Carla Morrison! Seriously, you will not be disappointed! She is a lovely Mexican singer. Her sound is similar to Camera Obscura. You'll love her! Look up "Eres Tu".
Happy New Year Drea and Marlowe!
Happy new year, desiree!
Great resolution plans! Happy new year to you and your beautiful daughter 🙂
Happy new year to you!
Balance… Yes!! That's something I plan to achieve this year as well. I enjoy your resolutions greatly. 🙂
🙂
These are great goals! Love it! That's awesome about Spanish! I wish I knew it!
Learn it with us!