It’s true what they say, “The days are long, but the years are fast!”
2013 felt as though it had days that slowly crept by, yet here it is, a new year, and I am left thinking, “Where did it go?” Personally, I am ready to bury last year and never look back. New Year? Yes, please!!
I am not a resolution type girl. Read more books. Run a marathon. Learn to cook Chicken Cordon Bleu. I just don’t have time for that! What I do need to do, however, is some serious fine-tuning. My priorities. My attitude. My effort. They need some work! As a mother, I always tell my children to “Use your words.” I decided, in this new year, I need to heed my own advice.
Here are 14 things I am going to say more of in the year 2014:
14. “Hello!”
I have spent the last six years giving the excuse that my kids make it hard to have real conversations on the phone. Facebook, texts, and Christmas cards aren’t enough to keep my friendships real. Here is to relationship.
13. “My calendar is full.”
I’m a yes person. Before I know it, I’m on multiple committees, volunteering for special occasions, and am signed up for several different activities. After all the stress of organizing the to-and-from, I’m exhausted and my family gets my leftovers. Here is to priorities!
12. “Mommy is sorry.”
I expect my children to apologize to each other every time they lie, hit, steal, or bite. Too many times I raise my voice or place blame just because I’m frustrated, tired, or stressed. That doesn’t make it right and my kids should know that. Here is to humility.
11. “Yes, I can.”
This is what I will say when my children ask, “Mommy, can you play?” Here is to time.
10. “Could you help me?”
Why am I so stubborn? So prideful? Sometimes I need help. Whether it is help watching my children, help moving furniture, or help working out a problem. I have friends and neighbors for a reason, right? Here is to community.
9. “Just Do It!”
I’m putting on my tennis shoes, getting off my butt, and making myself a priority. Here is to self-improvement.
8. “That is not in my budget.”
I may have to tattoo this one on my forehead, but those shoes can wait, I don’t really need new kitchen rugs, and I will survive if I eat mac and cheese and PB & J for lunch, again! Here is to accountability.
7. “Okay, let’s try it!”
Grocery shopping as power rangers, coloring tree leaves blue, or drinking milk with a spoon. It’s not what I planned. It’s not how I would have chosen to do things. But it works. Here is to flexibility.
6. “I am thankful for this mess!”
Too often I dismiss what I have. I complain about it not being bigger, better, or more beautiful. How pathetic! I have so much more than I deserve. I need to take care of it, perfect or imperfect! Here is to appreciation.
5. “I think I can!”
Everyone always asks, “So what do you do?” For some reason, it is expected that adults should have it all figured out. That is a lie. I still have a “When I Grow Up” list. Here is to checking a few off that list!
4. “Here it is.”
So many moments in the day I cannot find that one thing I put in that one place so I would remember where it was at the moment I need it… sigh. Here is to organization!
3. “Your Will be done!”
The older I get, the more I realize I have absolutely no control. I don’t know why I still try to act like I do! I need to allow for more of His Grace to flourish in my life. Here is to faith.
2. “You’re welcome.”
I have a lot to give. I have a lot to offer. I need to be proud of that. I need to own it. Here is to giving the best of myself.
1. “I love you!”
People in my life should know they matter, no matter what. Here is to sincerity.
Wishing you and yours a blessed, healthy, and happy 2014!
What is one thing you are going to say more of in 2014?
Great post Erica! These reminders are great for all of us as we step in to a new year with new possibilities!
Thanks!
Love this! I’ll need to revisit this throughout the year for a reminder. Love your insight. Happy New Year!