There was a time when I was all about New Year’s resolutions. Now? Not so much. It feels like just another chore on my endless to-do list, which usually leads to disappointment and a spiral of snacking on something indulgent. You know the drill: “Lose those last 10 pounds!” or “Exercise three times a week!”—all the usual suspects that end up in a cycle of guilt and self-pity.
Over the past year, I’ve made a genuine effort to embrace my true self. This shift began during my pregnancy when I came across a book that resonated with me, but I didn’t fully commit to the idea until I felt overwhelmed with the demands of motherhood around my daughter’s first birthday.
So, for the second year of her life, I focused on “being true to myself.” This meant letting go of unnecessary guilt over trivial matters. And when that mom guilt creeps in, I reach out to my sister, husband, or best friend for a boost of reassurance. We all need a little support from time to time. If I don’t feel like attending a family gathering, I simply say I can’t make it because I need to focus on living authentically. It’s like embracing the YOLO mentality but with a touch of maturity.
Part of being true to myself involves recognizing that every mom is just trying to navigate her own path without judgment from me. Sure, my kid might be the epitome of patience at the grocery store, but she also has some quirky habits—like chatting with our pets and eating sour cream straight from the cup with a fork. And you know what? I’m perfectly fine with that.
I won’t give another mom the side-eye if her kid isn’t bundled up in winter gear. After all, who knows what battles she had to face just to get her child dressed? As Kermit the Frog wisely puts it, “It’s none of my business.”
So to all the moms looking for a New Year’s resolution that’s actually doable: be true to yourself and stop casting judgment on others. Let’s ditch those Judgy McJudgerson Pants, which haven’t been in style since the ‘90s anyway.
Simple Resolutions for a Happier You
And to help you along the way, here are a few simple resolutions that can boost your sense of accomplishment:
- Next time you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, take a moment to clear out your inbox. Instead of deleting emails, open them up and hit “unsubscribe” at the bottom. You know you’re never going to try that recipe from Kraft or book that Groupon getaway. It’s like tidying up, but you can do it while watching that episode of Grey’s Anatomy you recorded months ago (because, let’s face it, you’re still invested in that show).
- Toss out your kid’s artwork each night while they’re sleeping. (Remember, live your best life! No judgment here!)
- Make a conscious effort to stop making snarky comments about other moms and women in general. It’s as simple as not doing anything at all.
See? It’s really that easy! Here’s to a happy New Year filled with authenticity and kindness.
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Summary
Embracing authenticity and kindness is the best New Year’s resolution a mom can make. By letting go of unnecessary guilt and judgment towards others, we can create a supportive environment for ourselves and fellow mothers. Simple actionable resolutions, like decluttering your inbox and refraining from negative comments, can lead to a more positive mindset.